there's just too many intel and AMD fanboys that basically say stuff like "intel is teh bestest and AMD is garbage!" all this bias is not really helping anyone. i personally favor intel more but for the thread starter, i would probably tell you to get an AMD x2.
there's no debate that currently intel's top processors for enthusiasts will rape AMD's top. but what percentage of the population that has a computer will spend $1000+ for one of these high end chips? for people just merely looking for an upgrade from a 7 year old ancient machine, AMD offers good budget upgrades. overall, the performance vs price ratio of AMD is better than intel's. so to bash on AMD because they are losing in the market and overall performance is just ignorance. honestly, if you're just looking for an upgrade from an old celeron, you won't notice much a difference between AMD or intel for the budget that you'll be spending in the sub $150 range. unless you'll be doing corporate level applications, i'm sure you won't fret over burning a CD or DVD two seconds slower. my guess is that you won't be doing much overclocking, so go with AMD for the best performance/price ratio. the only reason i prefer intel more is because i cant stand keeping things at stock speed, and AMD chips really suck at overclocking.
HERE is a chart to show performance vs price ratio so you get the best bang for the bucks. hope this cleared things up more than "AMD sucks! and intel is better"