512k --> 1MB L2 Cache worth the extra $20?

[WAZ]

I'm helping my brother build a PC and he has $200 flat to spend on a processor, motherboard, heatsink/fan, DVD burner, and video card. The way the numbers break down, he's got about $50, give or take, for the processor. So looking at the socket 939s at newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...+1051707439&Submit=ENE&name=Socket-939

... the 3200 or 3400 seem the default choices. But then for an extra $20, I see you can go from a Venice with a 512 L2 Cache to a San Diego with a 1MB L2 Cache. Clock speeds stay comparable.

Anyway, was wondering if this would be worth the extra $20. His budget is very strict, but if it's a significant enough boost to be worth it, I may be able to convince him to allow a few extra bucks.... but only if it's worth it.

 

[Nickel020]

If it's for gaming, spending $20 more on the video card will bring you more performance than the CPU.

 

[WAZ]

Ah, okay, that's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Nickel020
If it's for gaming, spending $20 more on the video card will bring you more performance than the CPU.

That's true, but for an extra $20, you also can get a 4000 that's 200-400 Mhz faster, along with having twice the L2 cache, along with being a very good overclocker. Are you sure you don't want to loan him $20?

 

[f4phantom2500]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Nickel020
If it's for gaming, spending $20 more on the video card will bring you more performance than the CPU.

That's true, but for an extra $20, you also can get a 4000 that's 200-400 Mhz faster, along with having twice the L2 cache, along with being a very good overclocker. Are you sure you don't want to loan him $20?

I've seen 7800GT's go for $100 in the fs/ft forum, $20 could mean the difference between a 7600GT and a 7800GT. I say go with a Venice that you know will OC well and scrounge a deal on a 7800GT or similar card, if you absolutely can't go over $200. If you can stretch it, try to get both, but I'd say vid card over processor.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: f4phantom2500
I've seen 7800GT's go for $100 in the fs/ft forum, $20 could mean the difference between a 7600GT and a 7800GT. I say go with a Venice that you know will OC well and scrounge a deal on a 7800GT or similar card, if you absolutely can't go over $200. If you can stretch it, try to get both, but I'd say vid card over processor.

Oh yeah, no doubt. With gaming, a faster video card always trumps a faster cpu. Of course, nothing beats having both.