Yes, but what you have to remember.
Xeon 3.6 GHz 32-bit w/HT EMT64 3700+
AMD 2.6GHz 64-bit no/HT Running in 32-bit Mode 3600+
Put bluntly. The AMD was capable of keeping up despite being an entire GHz slower in real speed. And without any Threading Technology support so your looking at 30-40% of the overall speed going to waste as opposed to the Intel which wastes only around 10-15%.
When your also talking Pentium 4 3.6GHz EMT64 w/HT against the exact same AMD64 3600+ and the scores are quite different.
(which should be noted this *isn't the AMD Opteron which can achieve 4000+ at 2.6GHz or the AMD FX 2.6GHz which can achieve close to 4200+.. the AMD64 X2 2.6GHz reached 4800+)
In all cases the Intel Processors only perform better on things like compression. When you rate it in real-world performance like using Maya under duress, or Game Applications; your more likely to see the power of the AMD perform far above the Intel counterpart.
In-fact the Pentium-D 3.6GHz is currently Intel's quickest processor on the market. The AMD64 X2 4200+ is capable out-performing this processor until it is over-clocked to 4.3GHz (which is as far as it overclocks)
There really isn't disputing the AMD 7x4 Instruction Cycle in 64-bit is a much more powerful combination than the Intel 4x4 Cycle in 32-bit with 64-bit Enhancments and HyperThreading.
Imagine if the AMD Processor could HyperThread... they would be able to achieve some truely staggering benchmarks. Intel quite frankly don't have what it takes technology wise to keep up.
Espcially when you look at the prices. Intel are trailing in power-terms, and still charging far more for technology that only works on specialised boards. It's no wonder they're trying all they can to subvert AMD business-wise over the past few years.
God knows if the fabled Pentium 5 will ever reach the market, or perform as Intel hoped.
Don't get me wrong. Intel are STILL far better for stuff like programming machines, rendering machines, server machines, etc..
They're just better suited because they're quicker and can throughput far more smaller chunks of data that don't require fantastic processing power.
I doubt there will be any other choice for a serious business machine.
As far as gaming, home computing and workstations go though. There is no disproving the fact that AMD are not only holding thier own but setting the bar for what processors can do.
