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    Is there a big difference between 3mb cache/ 6 mb cache processors?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Blue Diamond, Jan 3, 2009.

  1. Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Notebook Evangelist

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    what exactly does more cache do? and can you see real world improvements?
     
    Blue Diamond, Jan 3, 2009
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  2. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    More cache (L2) provides more memory for programs to use - meaning it would be better for multitasking. You can also see real world performance improvements. Not huge, but still noticeable if compared side by side.

    Check out tomshardware explanation/review
     
    David, Jan 3, 2009
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  3. Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Notebook Evangelist

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    so its basically built in ram for the processor as an analogy?
     
    Blue Diamond, Jan 3, 2009
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  4. Ayashifx55

    Ayashifx55 Notebook Guru

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    think of it as extra high ways for cars to move (Just like pipelines for graphic cards)
     
    Ayashifx55, Jan 3, 2009
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  5. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    I'd say it's a good analogy :)
     
    David, Jan 3, 2009
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  6. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    The 'Law of Diminishing Returns' has to apply at some point....and it may be at 3mb of L2 cache.

    I can't find it at the moment, but I recall a tech site doing a comparison between the T7250 and T7300 Core 2 Duo processors. They're only difference between those two models was the L2 cache, 4mb on the T7300 and 2mb on the T7250. The performance difference was non-existent in numerous programs/benchmarks and negligible in a few specific areas. At best, the the 4mb cache boosted performance in a handful of scenarios by less than 2%.

    The jump from 2mb to 3mb L2 cache is probably more noticeable than the increase from 3mb to 6mb. If you want one of the P-series Intel processors (which have a 25W TDP vs. 35W TDP for most other Intel models), all except the P9500 have the 3mb L2.

    Currently, HP charges $125 more for the 2.53GHz T9400 than for the 2.4GHz P8600. The additional .13GHz on the top end and 6mb vs. 3mb of L2 cache would be inperceptible in the vast majority of circumstances.
     
    allfiredup, Jan 3, 2009
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