Core2Duo L2 Cache gaming shootout - 7 CPUs compared

[Tempered81]

CoD4_1920x1200

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review:
http://www.pcgameshardware.com...ticle_id=663794&page=1


Enjoy!


Edit: the direct links to the graphs are now over-loaded. just follow the link to the review.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Very interesting. I'm surprised the difference was that big.

 

[harpoon84]

On a somewhat related note (didn't think it was worth starting a new thread), heres a look at Far Cry 2 CPU performance: http://www.pcgameshardware.com...CPU_benchmarks/?page=2

Looks like you need an E6420 or X2 6000+ minimum to get respectable framerates (35 - 40fps). E2000 and low end X2 owners are out of luck, but theres always overclocking.

 

[edplayer]

the 2MB E5200 outpaces the 2MB E4400

The 3MB E7200 beats the 4MB E6700

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: edplayer
the 2MB E5200 outpaces the 2MB E4400

The 3MB E7200 beats the 4MB E6700

They're both built on a newer, slightly more efficient architecture.

 

[Denithor]

Yeah, I saw that also, the Penryn chips are more effecient with their use of cache than the older generation Conroe processors. It looks like a 2MB Penryn is about equal to a 4MB Conroe, making the e5200 a great value. Of course, you can squeeze out more performance either by spending more money for a faster cpu with more cache or else through overclocking.

 

[angry hampster]

I'm very glad I bought a 4mb conroe instead of a 2mb chip. Looks like I got my money's worth.

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Of course, you can squeeze out more performance either by spending more money for a faster cpu with more cache or else through overclocking.

Or, you could do both

 

[error8]

They should have tested some quads as well...

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: error8
They should have tested some quads as well...

It is labeled as a test of cache.

How would testing quads help that?

 

[dguy6789]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: edplayer
the 2MB E5200 outpaces the 2MB E4400

The 3MB E7200 beats the 4MB E6700

They're both built on a newer, slightly more efficient architecture.

Yup.

This is not an apples to apples comparison. Penryn based chips are faster clock for clock than Conroes.

 

[MarcVenice]

Originally posted by: dguy6789

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: edplayer
the 2MB E5200 outpaces the 2MB E4400

The 3MB E7200 beats the 4MB E6700

They're both built on a newer, slightly more efficient architecture.

Yup.

This is not an apples to apples comparison. Penryn based chips are faster clock for clock than Conroes.

There's still a difference between conroes and penryn's though, like the e7300's 3mb cache and the e8600's 6mb of cache.

I like it, now I'm fairly confident a e7200 will be just fine for gaming, although a e8400 is just 35 euro's more lol. Decisions decisions

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice

There's still a difference between conroes and penryn's though, like the e7300's 3mb cache and the e8600's 6mb of cache.

I like it, now I'm fairly confident a e7200 will be just fine for gaming, although a e8400 is just 35 euro's more lol. Decisions decisions

It had better be!!
I just got mine and my initial overclock (first attempt) is stable at 3.8GHz (It can boot into Windows @ 4GHz, more tweaking needed to get it stable there though).

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: edplayer

Originally posted by: error8
They should have tested some quads as well...

It is labeled as a test of cache.

How would testing quads help that?

I don't know, I just wanted to see some quads in there.

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: Cheex
I just got mine and my initial overclock (first attempt) is stable at 3.8GHz (It can boot into Windows @ 4GHz, more tweaking needed to get it stable there though).

what voltage are you using at 3.8GHz?

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
I'm very glad I bought a 4mb conroe instead of a 2mb chip. Looks like I got my money's worth.

I'm glad I got an E8400 to replace my E2180. I feel like I made a smart choice for a system that will last me quite some time before it's time to kill it.

 

[aigomorla]

drop a 12meg Q9540 or greater in that mix.

 

[ultra laser]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
drop a 12meg Q9540 or greater in that mix.

Yes, this would be interesting. Although a lot of apps/games don't utilize all four cores, they certainly put all that cache to good use.

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
drop a 12meg Q9540 or greater in that mix.

I think that uses a 8X multiplier. This test was done using 10X

Can you disable two of the cores? and if you can, would it allow it access to all 12MB of L2 cache or just 6MB?