Any game difference with a larger L2 Cache ?

GeezerMan

Platinum Member
Jan 28, 2005
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Should one be able to notice any difference when gaming using equal rigs, only one rig's CPU has 2x1MB of L2 cache, and the other has 2x512KB on the L2?
I have read it both ways.

Thanks
 

myocardia

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2003
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You'd see some difference in some benchmarks, but I highly doubt you'd notice a ~1 fps difference while gaming.
 

Munky

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2005
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Most games do benefit from a larger cache, more so than typical apps, but it only comes out to a few percent difference.
 

myocardia

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2003
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Instead of our opinions, how about a link? BTW, I'm a gamer, and I always buy 1MB cache cpu's, because of the performance difference, and because I overclock. But if you're worried about cost (and you don't overclock), you're always better buying a faster cpu with less cache than a slower one with more cache.
 

GeezerMan

Platinum Member
Jan 28, 2005
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I was doing a very casual testing of my personal Opteron 165 overclocked to 2.6GHz, and a 3800+ X2 overclocked to 2.6GHz. Besides the L2 cache, the systems are pretty equal.
Playing Battlefield 2, I noticed more jerkiness with the X2 3800+. Probably a slower FPS. I do have 3Dmark06, I think I'll compare that.
Thanks