EggXpert

So for the last few years I've always stayed away from AMD CPU's, and anything AMD in general. However, for my new build I would like to at least toss them back in the running.

My situation is this: I need a new build and I'm confident either Intel or AMD would do the job since I don't do anything fantastically intensive besides transcode the occasional movie.

I've been sticking to Intel because I have always been convinced that they are the more innovative solution, however I would like my build to last me for a few years and have upgrading potential. To me, Intel doesn't do that right now. The 1366 socket I7's go well beyond my price range and the 775 socket is at the end of its life. Sure, the e8400 would suit me well now and then core2quads will be great when they come down in price, but thats the end of the line for intel and the 775's (as far as I know). There really just isn't future potential there.

 So that brings me to AMD! I don't know much abotu them but I'm curious as to how much upgrading potential there would be in the future? Are they coming out with any new sockets now that would put the damper on upgrading in the future (sort of like intel has done?).

How innovative are they as far as reducing power consumption while actually increasing power? Most AMD chips seem to be about 95 W now while the core2duo's are about 65 W, does this drastically affect the amount of heat being put out?

I read something recently about how they managed to create a chip that would shut down some of its cores when they weren't needed which sounds great, but how does that actually work in practice?

Basically, will my AMD motherboard I buy today be obsolete in 2 years sort of like the 775 sockets are now.

I do not believe there are any 'set in stone' socket changes in the next 2 years (2011 when Llano/Ontario/Orachi will be released), but I do know AMD processors are pretty innovative, particularly as of late. Some philosophy of market successes stipulations: 

If a company designs a good product that their competitor(s) have not matched in performance and value, the price remains static. 

If a company designs a good product that their competitor(s) have been matched or beaten in performance and value, the price becomes dynamic to market conditions.

Essentially if your competitor's product is just as good or better price/performance, your prices will fluctuate along with their prices. Supply/Demand based on consumer's budget constraints (after all, we max utility while minimizing cost).

Done with Economics Spiel. AMD's Phenom 955 processor (latest gen AM3) has been $245 for well over 1 month now I believe (every day I check it...). This tells me and should tell everyone, AMD does not see Intel as competitive enough to justify lowering the cost because their processors are too high price for the performance they do give. AKA AMD does not feel Intel offers the same or better price/performance to justify lower prices.

So I say go for the AMD Phenom 955 probably (for the sake of high performance for relatively reasonable cost) and an AM3 mobo/DDR3 memory. That will leave you on the cutting edge for some time mostly.

Slm