Is the 12MB cache in the Q9550 worth it?

[dpearson]

I'm planning on upgrading from an E5200 to either a Q9400 or a Q9550 and I can't decide if the 12MB cache in the Q9550 is worth the extra $83 dollars on Newegg.

I'm getting the new processor because I want to crunch more in BOINC. The projects I'm attached to currently are WCG, Rosetta, and Docking -- if it matters.

I really don't care if the extra cache gets me better performance in games, I'm actually satisfied with the E5200 in that area.

Also if anyone has any stats on BOINC PPD stats for the Q9400 and Q9550, I'd like to see them, they'll help me with my purchase decision.

 

[BD231]

No, the 12 megs dose not help much, if at all over the six meg part in most cases.

 

[Schmide]

No, the 12 megs dose not help much, if at all over the six meg part in most cases.

If you have a Microcenter near you you can get the q9550 for $180+tax. (in store pick up only)

 

[LoneNinja]

I would never buy a Q9550 unless you get it for the cheap Microcenter price. Go with the Q9400.

 

[Ratman6161]

I'm planning on upgrading from an E5200 to either a Q9400 or a Q9550 and I can't decide if the 12MB cache in the Q9550 is worth the extra $83 dollars on Newegg.

I'm getting the new processor because I want to crunch more in BOINC. The projects I'm attached to currently are WCG, Rosetta, and Docking -- if it matters.

I really don't care if the extra cache gets me better performance in games, I'm actually satisfied with the E5200 in that area.

Also if anyone has any stats on BOINC PPD stats for the Q9400 and Q9550, I'd like to see them, they'll help me with my purchase decision.

What motherboard are you using. That makes a big difference. Example: my old P35 based board tops out at an FSB of 356. With my old Q6600 with a multiplier of 9 that gives me 3.2 GHZ. But a 9550 only has a multiplier of 8.5 so I would only get about 3.0 GHZ. Definitely not worth while.

If you are going to spend the money on the processor, you might as well not buy old generation technology. I'd wait until you are ready to do CPU and memory and go i7 860.