Cache Question

[imported_Noob]

This is probably a noob question. But would a 1mb cache on a P4 3.0 GHz HT be significantly better then that same CPU with a 512kb cache? The FSB speed is 800MHz.

 

[imported_Noob]

Anyone?

 

[shira]

The answer is highly dependent on the types of applications you run. But for most applications, the larger cache won't make any difference at all.

 

[Duvie]

I hear that the 1mb from 512kb can actually show bigger movement then the latest 2mb jump since 2mb is often considered too big for most common desktops apps that are usually tested....

 

[Amaroque]

Originally posted by: Noob
This is probably a noob question. But would a 1mb cache on a P4 3.0 GHz HT be significantly better then that same CPU with a 512kb cache? The FSB speed is 800MHz.

If it's the same core (Northwood vs Northwood), it will make a difference. Not a huge difference though.

But to get the 1MB L2 cache you'd need a Prescott. The lengthened pipeline completely negates the increased L2 cache size, and actually degrades performance even more.The increased L2 cache cannot offset the negative effect of the lengthened pipeline of the Prescott.

So if you are asking if a Prescott will be faster then your Northwood at the same speed... The answer is no! Performance will be worse (at the same speed), and it will run significantly hotter (at the same speed) also.

 

[imported_Noob]

Also is 55 celcius temp for the CPU normal while playing games?

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Noob
Also is 55 celcius temp for the CPU normal while playing games?

Yes, that is normal for a prescott CPU.

Also, your sig is wrong, there is no such thing as a presscot with 512kb of cache.

 

[imported_Noob]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Noob
Also is 55 celcius temp for the CPU normal while playing games?

Yes, that is normal for a prescott CPU.

Also, your sig is wrong, there is no such thing as a presscot with 512kb of cache.

Damn you are right. So is this too high of a temperature for a Northwood?