AMD or intel

well in means of economy AMD is better and in the case of power houses intel is better....

as per ur needs i think u needs loads of RAM and graphic power over the procesing power....so choose wisely

I would prefer intel over AMD processors. You may see that the processors of both AMD and intel having equal speeds have difference in their prices. Its because intel processors have an advantage over the AMD processor. When the computer have worked for some time the processor gets heated up. And if you are having intel processor then the speed will remain constant but if you are having AMD processor then the speed and working efficiency decreases. That's why both the products of these two companies having equal specifications have different prices.

i think u should buy intel processor. i have amd processor when i buy first pc. it get heated quickly . so i suggest u to buy intel processor.

i prefer you to buy Intel Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad processor instead of AMD processor.

AMD is less expensive than Intel. For high graphics application AMD has performed far better than Intel.

Alokn
This is tricky and I tell you you would have hard times asking others about this. It would be like 48: 52 in favor of whichever processor. That means it's difficult to choose.

For home use however you can go for AMD, which is a little, very marginally little less expensive that Intel. I have AMD processor in my laptop and Intel in my office. I hardly can feel any difference.

So, just go for any one that you feel to choose. You can close your eyes and pick a chit.
*laughs*

Database and Cad application, sounds intel to me, I have AMD and it is for my gaming shops only but I use intel at home. It is because intel's specialty is in multi tasking. AMD can do multi tasking also but Intel the best for multi tasking. If you are out of budget I think you can go for AMD the Cheapest Chips in the market today.