I am in the process of replacing my studio computer. The first machine I bought used an AMD processor, and I had to take it back, not because of the processor, but because the NIC failed. I could not get another of the same machine, so I upgraded to a more powerful HP machine using an Intel i7.

Now I find out about the security flaw in Intel processors. I am near the end of the period where i could return my computer to replace it (AGAIN), so I need to quickly find out just how important this is. For those not yet aware, it has been reported that the necessary software patches to fix the Intel security flaw could reduce performance anywhere from 5 to as much as 30 per cent, a pretty serious hit. AMD processors are supposed to be immune to this problem.

So, just how serious is this problem for us SAW/SAC users?
Does it make sense for me to switch to an AMD machine while I still can without having to lose money on the change?
Will the upcoming needed software patch also slow down AMD based systems?

Monday may be the last day I can still pull the trigger on this, so I hope for the answers I need very soon.

Computer upgrades are soooo much fun...