If I want the highest performance CPU, I go with Intel, no hesitation. Well, no hesitation unless I have to pay for it myself, then things get a little more complicated, because the fact is that Intel is more expensive. For most purposes on my home PC, there isn't THAT much difference. At work, where we have servers and performance really matters Intel Sandy Bridge is the choice, despite the added expense of specific motherboards. AMD is ok, and compatible with standard motherboards, so I can see where that choice would be viable too. The newish AMD Bulldozer CPUs are big power hogs though.
Answer
If I want the highest performance CPU, I go with Intel, no hesitation. Well, no hesitation unless I have to pay for it myself, then things get a little more complicated, because the fact is that Intel is more expensive. For most purposes on my home PC, there isn't THAT much difference. At work, where we have servers and performance really matters Intel Sandy Bridge is the choice, despite the added expense of specific motherboards. AMD is ok, and compatible with standard motherboards, so I can see where that choice would be viable too. The newish AMD Bulldozer CPUs are big power hogs though.