New CPU/Mobo help

Hi,
Its been a while since I've assembled a new computer and could really
use a little help with compatibility issues.

I will be running Suse 11.x and VmWare.
The first question I asked myself Intel or AMD? hmmmm.
I've been using Athlon CPUs for years and have been quite happy with
them but lately intel has seemed to pass them by.
So I figured either the E8400 or Q6600? Recommendations?

Then the motherboard, I've always been an Asus fan but not sure of
compatibility issues? Recommendations of a good stable board? Asus or
Gigabyte
I am not looking for overclocking just a good stable board for around
$150 that I can install suse with no issues.

Video card will definitely be nVidia.
../steve
.