I was reading some documentation in the latest PC Gamer Summer 2008 issue today.  Both new CPUs offer blinding speeds.

The new Intel Quad-Core CPU is actually 2 Dual-Core CPUs which talk together in a single chip.  Whereas the AMD Phenom (pronounced "fee-nom") processor is four CPUs working independently.  According to the manufacturer documentation in comparison, the independence is preferred, however the actual benefits are questionable as this information is not unbiased.

In terms of computing power, the desktop platforms and server platforms can compare in power potential.  While servers will likely remain with their current status due to other factors such as being modular in their components while the external parts (ie power supply, hard disk) may have the ability to be "hot swapped".  Enterprise customers require these features to maintain high availability.

The desktop systems typically have been moving to a more concentrated approach where all components you would ever need are situated on the motherboard.  There will always be a market for more niche and ultimate performing peripherals but for the most part, my last statement holds true.

Both Intel and AMD CPUs have feature sets which allow for 128-bit computing.  The delays in this coming to market, will be based on operating system and application support.  Both processors are getting smaller, cooler and more powerful as the years go by.

In the desktop market, AMD has had more success in their ability to recycle hardware to be used with the new processors where Intel has been known to re-architect motherboards and require new chip sets each time a new processor comes out.

Both companies are still neck and neck with their feature sets.  A selection being based mostly on brand loyalty is quite common when choosing a platform for the next computer.  Although memory available to go with the motherboards available for Intel's systems can function faster out of the box can be a factor but AMD has been known for its' ability to "overclock" components like memory, CPU, and even front side bus among AMD enthusiasts.  Overclocking components will make them run at higher speeds than indicated on the manufacturing specifications.  Care must be taken when undertaking this process as the  components tend to run hotter and may not endure the same life span as when operating under the recommended specifications.

Read the complete post at http://owsug.ca/blogs/brad/archive/2008/09/01/Interesting-facts-about-the-new-Intel-and-AMD-CPUs.aspx