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View Full Version : L2 Cache? What is the difference between 256K and 512K?


neoak
May 14th, 2003, 03:58
I really want to know how would be the difference of two CPUs that have the EXACT same speed but one has a 256K cache and the other 512K.

That difference in means of gaming, Video editing, etc, etc (Heck, and even Windows performance! :geek: ).

The CPUs are the Athlon MP 2600+ and 2800+. The first have 256 and the other 512 of cache L2.

So, what is the difference? Are 256K of additional cache L2 worth a bit more than US$ 100? (Because both CPUs have the SAME speed. Oh, and they also have different cores, buy the AMD 760 MPX chipset will not take advantage of the Barton core of the 2800, except the cache.)

:emutalk:

PD: No XEONS! US$ 1500 on JUST the mobo and two CPUs... :getlost:
Tagrineth
May 14th, 2003, 04:05
The Athlon XP doesn't really benefit all that much from the larger cache; save your $100, the perf difference is tiny. Put it toward a Radeon 9700 (Pro). :happy:
neoak
May 14th, 2003, 04:20
Originally posted by Tagrineth
Put it toward a Radeon 9700 (Pro). :happy:

I think that a more modest Radeon 9800 PRO with 256 MB of DDR2 will do. :satisfied
neoak
May 14th, 2003, 04:25
Originally posted by Tagrineth
The Athlon XP doesn't really benefit all that much from the larger cache;

Is for a DUAL CPU system. The SMP CPUs are Athlons "MP", not "XP". :doh:
vampireuk
May 14th, 2003, 09:53
Originally posted by neoak
I think that a more modest Radeon 9800 PRO with 256 MB of DDR2 will do. :satisfied

256mb is worthless at the moment, again save your $100:satisfied
AlphaWolf
May 14th, 2003, 16:11
I wouldn't buy any current generation card until half life 2 or doom 3 come around. Right now they are expensive as hell, and you aren't going to take advantage of what those cards can do until one of those games comes out, and by that time, they will be cheaper.
Tagrineth
May 14th, 2003, 23:13
Originally posted by neoak
Is for a DUAL CPU system. The SMP CPUs are Athlons "MP", not "XP". :doh:

Same thing, except the XP's have SMP disabled. kthx.

Oh, and the 9800 Pro 256MB is $499 retail. :P
vampireuk
May 14th, 2003, 23:38
which is why the 256mb version is just not worth it :P
neoak
May 15th, 2003, 03:18
Ok. I'll go for the 256k version of the MP.

And about the Radeon 9800 PRO, is just joking :D
AlphaWolf
May 15th, 2003, 06:28
FYI it is actualy possible to get dual CPU functionality out of an XP. MP is just far far far more guarenteed to work.