Generally, the definition is speed is misunderstood between people knocking procs on this forum.
Im talking pre-intel core 2
Do you need a fast response for front end processing like gaming and doc ?
AMD will do that because it has a short pipeline of only 14 rungs.
Do you need something with high bandwidth, low response, and lot of back end processing like rendering, compiling and compressing ?
Intel will do that, because the pipeline is double the length +2 rungs of amds (30 rungs). If each rung or stage of the pipeline is saturated, then it will outperform the AMD by more than 40%.
Now, the new procs.
AMD is still at 14 stages and 3 execution units.
Intel mirrored AMDs pipeline and added a fourth execution unit.
Basically, AMD is your typical generic, and cheap processor, like the people's processor, a ford fiesta, or VW beetle.
Its meant for front end, regular processing, but you get kicked in the pants when you try to do some back end....
FYI
AMD has a liscense from Intel to use the IA32, and IA32EXT(What amd calls AMD64).
I have a X2 and the core switching is terrible.
Its like you back in 1998, but now you have 2 procs.....
And lets not forget the Itanium 2 which basically sets Moores law.
AMD hasnt had anything to compete with that for a VERY long time.
And lets not forget the other generic IA32/IA32EXT liscensee, Cyrix...