Linux supports many kind of CPU (some I've never heard of it), like:
- intel x86, x64, ia64
- motorola x680x0
- alpha
- sparc
- ppc
- arm
- hp pa/risc
- mips
- ibm s/390
The one you are mentioning, and 99.99% desktop CPU, is x86/64. I am sure any distro can support it.
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Ubuntu server ed. is a good start. Many users in this forum (except me) are using ubuntu. You can get much help here.
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For the packages you need to install, it depends on your purpose. Right now, go and find a computer to install the distro first. And then explain more what you want to do. (don't forget too google the terms you mentioned for explanation)
