Is there a big difference between the new 27" Quad i5 and the i7?

[astigtigas]

Ok I'm really torn between the two new 27" iMac Quad models.
Is there a big gap based on performance between the two models?
I only have a budget of $2000 for a new Mac. Is it worth it to shell out some more cash to get the i7? I'm going to use the Mac extensively for Photo editing, music recording and a little bit of gaming like starcraft 2. Plus does the Hyper threading on the i7 makes a big difference on performance?
Thanks in advance.

2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor with 8MB level 3 cache; supports Turbo Boost

2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor with 8MB level 3 cache; supports Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost

 

[bprice]

Ok I'm really torn between the two new 27" iMac Quad models.
Is there a big gap based on performance between the two models?
I only have a budget of $2000 for a new Mac. Is it worth it to shell out some more cash to get the i7? I'm going to use the Mac extensively for Photo editing, music recording and a little bit of gaming like starcraft 2. Plus does the Hyper threading on the i7 makes a big difference on performance?
Thanks in advance.

2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 processor with 8MB level 3 cache; supports Turbo Boost

2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor with 8MB level 3 cache; supports Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost

a 2009 i7, 2.8 is $1850 for a refurb.You won't pay that for a 2010, 2.9

bp