Will I notice the difference? i5 vs. i7

[MowCowMan]

I've seen some benchmarks that show the i7 only slightly outperforming the i5 on the standard tests. I realize that there are different flavors of each processor, but my questions are these:

TODAY, with the current software and OS (Win7 64-bit) will I notice much of a difference between the 2 core i5 and the 4 core i7 in everyday usage?

Does today's (or the near future's >1year ) software even have support for the 4 core processors?

My typical computer usage is, Internet, office stuff, FPS games like Combat Arms, Photoshop CS3 and the occasional video editing. Thanks

 

[Maziar]

Which specific models are you considering ?

 

[jj555298]

I'd go with the i5 750 and with the cash saved invest in a more powerful video card. More and more often now 4 cores are being supported. If you want any longevity for your build quad core is a must, you can get a quad core for as low as 99$(AMD) now.

 

[MowCowMan]

Which specific models are you considering ?

I would most likely be looking at the lower priced end of both the i5 and i7. I should also point out that I'm looking at a laptop. The low-end i5 430 or the i7 720, with the i7 obviously costing more.

 

[Maziar]

I think you are talking about laptop CPUs right ?
If so then i would go for i7 720QM,its the best mobile CPU in terms of price/performance ratio,there are some apps/games which benefit from the 2 extra cores