Difference between an X2 4200+ and an X2 4400+?

[InsiderGamer]

I decided to go from the X2 3800+ to the next step up, the X2 4200+ because there was a sale at my local computer store. I was confused to see the difference in price between that and the X2 4400+ to only be about ~$60 CAD. Looking it up, I saw that both run at the same clockspeed (2.2 Ghz) but the X2 4400+ has twice the cache size.

Now, I have no idea what the cache size really does. I'm going to be using this new PC for gaming and a little graphic editing on the side. Should I just spring for the X2 4400+? As cool as AMD's numbering is, it's just simply 2x the cache. What does this cache do? Is it worth going there?

Thanks.

~IG

 

[gags]

the extra cache equates to approx 200 mhz speed increase...

I would personally go for the x2 3800 or the x2 4400 as these are the two sweet spots in the x2 range.

the 4200 and 4600 are a waste of money as the speed increase can easily be achieved with an overclock.

 

[theMan]

actually, cache is about a 100mhz difference. cache, is sort of like ram for your cpu. it stores info so it can be sent through the cpu faster than just straight from the system ram to the cpu. more=better. i would say, just get the 3800 and overclock it. most get to 4800+ speeds (2.5ghz)

 

[drifter106]

In another thread it was mentioned that that extra cache is going to give you 2-5% increase in peformance...I am trying to justify the $ for that performance...in video editing its a matter of if you want to finish in 59 secs or 56 secs...