Cache size impact on performance - Penryn

[Dremon]

I remember I read a test where the purpose was to show impact of cache size in Core 2 Quads on performance. They have used quads with 4MB (Q8xxx), 6MB (Q9300 or 9400) and 12MB (Q9450 or Q9550) and compared performance. Important thing is they used the same clocks on all processors by uner/over-clocking them.

I wanted to have a look at it again but cannot find it now. Does anyone have a link to such a test?

 

[Jd007]

Here and here are two tests on some older generation Core 2 CPUs.

 

[Dremon]

These tests are for duals, I have found them too. I was looking for the same kind of tests but for quads...

UPDATE: Found it finally:
9400 (6MB) vs 9450(12MB)

Adobe - 1-3% faster,
x264, par2 - on par,
POV Ray - 13% faster,
Fallout 3 - 1% faster,
FarCry 2 - 8% faster

8400(4MB) vs 9400(6MB)

65nm vs 45nm (and 8MB cache vs 12MB)

Judging by only cache size Q9450 is 5 or less percent faster for my average use (do not do 3D rendering nor big Excel simulations) than Q9400.
Q8400 is slower <5% than Q9400 (if we ignore ridiculous gain for Excel).

Other important factors then are multiplier and ease of overclocking (FSB wall, heat dissipation, etc.).