27" refurb 2.66 quad i5 or new 3.2 i3

[obey908]

I am looking to replace my mac mini and considering a refurbished 27" 2.66 quad core i5 or a brand new 3.2 i3.

The computer will be used mostly for photos and converting videos with handbrake.

thanks

[Cat5e]

Refurb i5 all the way.

[opera57]

I think the i5 would be a much better machine for what you want with it being quad core, video encoding with handbrake would be significantly faster than the i3 I would think! http://scottty.com/imgs/signature_silverapple.jpg

[obey908]

Thanks for the input.

Would the new i7 be overkill for what I am doing?