no matter what nn_step will preach about amd having some master plan that will leave intel stunned, the most am2 will have going for it is if using chartered amd is able to bring 65nm chips earlier than around christmas time. k8l will be the next major release from amd, and then is where you could expect some performance increases, so yes you could feel safe buying the x2 3800 if nothing exciting leaks out about am2 in the next few weeks.