CPU for video editing/motion graphics

[Gosia]

Apologies for the repeat post but the last one didn't get any replies - feedback on how improve my posts would therefore also be much appreciated Have tried to keep it short and sweet this time.

I'm building a machine for CS5 After Effects and Premiere, as well as Cinema 4D down the track.

I'm trying to decide between a 6core Xeon and 6core i7.

1. What kinds of differences in performance - specifically with RAM preview and renders of complex After Effects projects - would I see between these two chips? (all other things, including CPU speed & amount of RAM, being equal)

2. If the performance between the Xeon and the i7 is comparable, would adding a second Xeon further down the track be a necessity to make the most out of software updates? Or could I ride the single 6core i7 for the next 3-4 years without falling behind?

3. Is a 6core Phenom even worth factoring into this comparison?

Thanks for your help.

 

[mosox]

Look around these benches
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html#

http://www.behardware.com/articles/778-3/giant-roundup-168-intel-and-amd-processors.html

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/203?vs=157

A single Intel Core i7-970 would do the trick IMO, depends on your projects and budget but that CPU is very fast.

Also you can wait for the new Intel high end CPUs and 8 core AMD Bulldozer, they should be out in a few months.