confused, plz help

[Ch4cotako]

i'm about to order some parts and i'm sorta confused on something that you would think would be a no brainer (i would have though higher is better..dunno) but i'm sorta confused..

i'm looking to get a 64 bit 3400+ but, i see the 512 L2 versions and 1mb L2 versions. I thought common sense would tell me to get the 1mb one, but after i came across a site saying the 1mb versions were fizzling out, it sorta made me curious.

so, basically, i'm wondering if there was a downside to having the 1mb version as opposed to the 512? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thx

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sys i'm looking to build (dunno if this info is needed):
64 bit 3400+ (1mb or 512? heh)
asus K8N-E Deluxe
1gig pc3200
1 WD Raptor 36.7gb 10k rpm
2 x WD 80gb 7200 SATA (raid 0)
bfg 6800gt OC
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[wfbberzerker]

the 1mb cache version will be slightly faster, but i dont think the increase in performance warrants the price difference.

 

[Algere]

Get the 512KB version

Although it has half the cache of the 1MB version, it's increase in core clock frequency over the 1MB version makes up for the lack of cache (+512KB).

The phasing out of the 1MB version is just AMD saving $ in the manufacturing process e.g. cheaper/easier to add 200 mhz more clock frequency than to produce a MB of cache.

 

[Yanagi]

Originally posted by: wfbberzerker
the 1mb cache version will be slightly faster, but i dont think the increase in performance warrants the price difference.

Actually the athlon doesnt need the 1mb cache in most cases. The 512kb version will likely have a slight advantage because of the 200 mhz headstart.. when overclocking though I'd go with the 1mb version just because its 5% perf @ the same clockspeed and I suppose both o/c the same.

 

[Ch4cotako]

thx for the help guys, appreciate it..
one more question tho. I was going to go w/the BFG version of the 6800GT, but I just came across Gainward?s Ultra/2400. Just wanted to know which one you guys thought was more reliable? The Gainward sounds promising due to the 400mhz opposed to BFG's 370. BUT, BFG has a lifetime warrantee..

so which would you go with?