Need Help with CPU Cache Choices for Clevo MT860U

I'm finalizing my order with R&J Tech and I realized that I can drop the OS (I already have a licensed XP Pro), RAM and HD (which I can get cheaper).

R&J Tech barebone is $1059-

Here's my config:

MT860U - $1059
2.4 ghz P8600 - $220
1920x1200 LCD screen - $170
Wireless - $40
Total: $1,489.00

Now my question is, how important important is the size of the CPU cache? Is it worth going from 3 to 6MB?

This will be purely a gaming machine and nothing else (I decided to get a separate ultracheap system for actually doing some work).

 

I would`nt go any lower than P9500. The extra cache is nice, for gaming too. Its a faster memory than the memory itself (which is much faster than HDD). Programs will open faster the second time because its stored in the cache memory and doesnt have to go through the main memory. The more cache you have, the more programs will be stored in cache so they open faster. Same with games, when you do the in-game benchmarks, the laptop performs better the second time.

I`d say go for it.

I hope you know the resolution is quite big for a 15". Hope you have good eyes. 1920:1200 also "kills" the performance a lot quicker with future games when running games in native resolution.

 

3 vs 6 won't make a difference in gaming.

Where'd you get the 1200p screen for $170? Who's the manufacturer?

 

You might want to check out ebay for a great proc for cheap. I just ordered a proc on ebay. I paid 350 bucks for a x9100 the fastest dual core there is out right now. The same supplier i used has a p9600 for something like $260.

 

This is for a barebone from R&J Tech. One of the option is for 1920x1200 screen.

 

Yeah, I'm tempted to order the Clevo without a CPU.

BTW, can the MT860U chassis tolerate the Q9100 ($258) or QX9300? Anyone tried it?

 

I won't be doing any word processing on this beast- It's purely to see how much bang I can get for my buck (and knock myself out silly).

What you say about killing the performance- That I am concerned with--

So by the way, does a bigger cache really help, or is it a waste going from 3 to 6?

 

Gaming in such a high resolution is more demanding for the GPU, and you will soon have to play with lower resolution in future games which gives you a blurry graphic (because its not native resolution). If you dont prefer/need 1920:1200 for desktop use, I`d say get the 1680:1050 like I did and most of the other people here.

 

Aaaaarrrrgghhh!!!