3800 x2 (w 512 cache) or 4400 x2 (w 1mb cache)

[Smoove910]

So I am throwing my Opty 148 (CACJE) stepping which easily does 2.8ghz (have had up to 2.9ghz) on air (Zalman 7700cu). In case you are wanting details : http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16646473

I am not interested in Conroe AT ALL, so please do not mention it. I am simply wondering if there are any benefits between the dual 512 cache compared to the dual 1 mb cache between the x2 processors. There is about a $100 difference between the two, but will I really notice a difference or should I just stick with the cheaper 3800 x2? I don't game a whole lot but do quite a bit of DVD copying and burning most of the time.

Thanks in advance!

 

[myocardia]

Audio/video (especially video) is where the 1MB cache really shows what it's worth. I think you'd definitely notice the difference in the two chips. I'm just not sure whether you'd notice as much of a difference as the two prices would make you think.:Q

 

[Zebo]

None besides running hotter, $100 and less chance of high overclock - go with 3800+

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: myocardia
Audio/video (especially video) is where the 1MB cache really shows what it's worth. I think you'd definitely notice the difference in the two chips. I'm just not sure whether you'd notice as much of a difference as the two prices would make you think.:Q

BS

4800(2mb) vs 4600 (1mb) both at 2400Mhz (all times, lower is better)

Audio editing and encoding
LAME CBR MS Compliler Single Thread 37 38
LAME CBR MS Compliler Multi Thread 28 28
LAME CBR Intel Compliler Single Thread 38 38
LAME CBR Intel Compliler Multi Thread 27 27
LAME VBR MS Compliler Single Thread 31 31
LAME VBR MS Compliler Multi Thread 20 20
LAME VBR INtel Compliler Single Thread 31 31
LAME VBR Intel Compliler Multi Thread 20 20


MusicMatch Jukebox 442 442

Video editing and encoding

Windows Media Encoder x64 Edition Advanced Profile 133 134
Windows Media Encoder 264 267
Adobe Premiere 348 336
VideoWave Movie Creator 246 246


Source: http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q3/core2/index.x?pg=1

Now you know why AMD discontinued thier 2MB chips.

 

[formulav8]

You need to decide whether the 10% performance increase of the 2.2ghz 4400+ over the 2ghz 3800+ is worth it or not.

The 1MB Cache cpu's WILL be rare down the road. You may be able to get a slightly higher resale value over the normal 512KB Cache models.

If you check the post I made on the price drops, I have a big list of prices and such for most X2 models.

You can get a 4400+ X2 @ ZipZoomFly.com for $237. That is only about $85-$90 higher than the 3800+ X2. And ZZF was putting AOE3 for free when you checked out with a 4200+ or higher s939 X2, I don't know if they still are or not though.

But anyways, I would probably go for the 4400+ because if you don't oc, the faster mhz and higher cache will give you a 10% or so increase in performance over the 3800+ X2.


Jason

 

[Captante]

While there are some applications that run faster on the 2mb cache chips, I'd have to say save your money & go with either the 3800+ or the 4200+ for roughly another $30. Before the latest round of price cuts hit, this was a real debate, but at this point the premium you'll pay isn't worth the small gains.

 

[Smoove910]

I did forget to mention that I will be seeing what the peak Ghz I can reach with either chip, so even the 3800 has more overclocking headroom than the 4400, it may sway my decision.... especially if the performance per amount of cache levels are minimal at most.

I appreciate your guys' responses... keep em coming!!

Regards

 

[formulav8]

Well, I didn't know you were going to oc, so disregard what I said above. So, just get the 3800+ X2 and not pay the extra $90 for the 4400+. You should be able to get 2.6ghz out of either chips. So, unless your going to leave it at stock speeds, just get the 3800+ X2. Or if your mobo won't at least do 260mhz on the htt link.



Jason

 

[Smoove910]

What are the multi's for both? If the multi's are 10x for both, I may just go with the 3800 and overclock (since I have PC4000 Corsairs).

 

[hennethannun]

10x for 3800+ or 11x for 4400+

of course, the 4200+ is sitting there for about $182 at ZZF, and it has the 11x multi...

if 1MB isn't necessary, but the 11x multi is, that chip might not be a bad idea for you...

 

[Bobthelost]

Don't waste the money on the 1mb cache.

 

[Smoove910]

I may just go for the 4200 then. Any success stories on what the average overclock is for those?