Which build should I go with?

[Nairb]

Not sure if this is the right forum, so forgive my idiotism if it is. Also, first post, since my old account seems to have been deleted..

Alright, so I'm on the verge of making yet another big upgrade, and I want input on which setup I should get. I've always been an Intel guy, not quite a !!!!!!, but jokingly with my friends I'll be like "AMD SUX LOLZ" and whatnot, but I'm considering going AMD.

First, here's the Intel setup:

Asus P5GDC-V Deluxe Mobo
Intel 530j Socket-T 3.0ghz
Geil DDR2 pc-4300 1gb kit
Sapphire x800 Pro /w VIVO (for the pipeline crack)
Thermaltake Silent 775 hs/f

Total: $724


AMD setup:

Asus A8V-E Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Winchester Core
Corsair Value Select pc-3200 1gb kit
Sapphire x800 Pro /w VIVO (for the pipeline crack)
Zalman CNPS7000B-CU hs/f

Total: $742

Notes:
Not sure if I want to do the 1gb kit and go dual channel from the start, or if I want to get a 1gb stick, and then get another in a month or two to get 2gb dual channel, since I DO plan on upgrading to 2gb in both rigs.

Questions:
Is Winchester a reliable core? Any personal/factual gripes?
What's the performance going to be like if I get the ddr2 ram for the intel? Is it going to be mind boggling, or just noticible?


Any help/advice you guys can offer?