Processor Dilemma

Here's my problem. I'm looking to order a Dell XPS 1530 here in Canada. Currently they have a sale going where I can save $370. However the only processor option for me here is the Core 2 Duo T8300 2.4GHz with a 3MB cache. However if I do not take advantage of the sale (which means more options) I can get the T9300, which is 2.5 GHz with a 6MB Cache, but I'll end up paying a lot more.

My question to you is how much performance increase does the 6MB cache offer over the 3MB cache of the T8300 (I have no idea what the cache is for, to be honest)? I plan to be doing some gaming, mostly RTS such as C&C3, COH and some Oblivion as well, and I was wondering how significant the performance increase would be in this area.

Thanks in advance.

 

You wont see any difference at all in games. Go for the cheaper one and spend the mony on the best graphics card you can get

Oh and the cache would only make a slight difference with some things like file compression and 99% of games wont see a difference

 

Yay. Thanks for the speedy answer =)

 

The T8300 will be more than capable to run those games. You will not notice any gaming speed difference between the two graphics cards.

Since you mentioned that your getting the XPS1530, are you getting the 8400GS, or the 8600Gt.
The 8600Gt is a much better gaming graphics card.

The video card is the bottleneck in all games. You need a good graphics card to play medium to heavy gaming.

K-TRON

 

Definitely the 8600M GT, the only reason I'm going with the M1530 over the M1330

 

Good choice

I hope you are not buying more than 1Gb of system memory.
Cause Dell probably charges $150 or more for 4Gb of memory.
It is cheaper to buy 4 Gb of memory aftermarket, from Newegg.
4gb of memory will only run you $65-70.
If Dell is charging more than $100 for 4gb of memory, than just get the lowest amount of memory, and then upgrade with aftermarket memory.

I recommend doing this, it will help you save money

EDIT: If you didnt purchase already,
What harddrive did you select?

K-TRON

 

yep, defnitly go with T8300

 

K-TRON: Well, that option has me in another dilemma. I wanted the 200GB 7200RPM drive (A good balance of speed and size for me), but it's no longer available ._. I think they sold out. I'd go with the 250GB 7200, but I need to keep my budget within $1500-1600CDN. The default is 250GB, 5400RPM.

Not sure what to do, really.

 

The 250gb 5400rpm drive is a pretty quick harddrive, nearly as fast as the 200gb 7200.
The 250gb 7200 is going to be very expensive upgrade, so I would stick with the 250gb 5400
This drive is not slow, cause its 5400rpm, it is actually faster than the 120 and 160gb 7200rpm drives. It is only about 5-8% slower than the 200gb 7200rpm drives. This drive will give you exceptional performance without putting such a big dent in your battery life.

K-TRON

 

Alright, thanks for everything K-tron =)