L2 Cache on Athlon 64

[rev02]

1. Is the jump from ~200 dollars too ~280 dollars worth the extra 512kb of l2 cache.

2. Where would you see the cache upgrade make the most difference?

 

[Jeff7181]

The cache will make more of a difference when running 64-bit software, as 64-bit code has more "bulk" than 32-bit code. In 32-bit software, there's not a HUGE difference... but there is a difference in almost task. Just check out some CPU benchmarks and comprea the 3000+ with the 3200+... they both run at 2.0 Ghz, but the 3200+ has twice as much L2 cache... other than that, they are identical.

 

[rev02]

thank you very much for the reply... and now I am off to find benchmarks!

wish me luck.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: rev02
thank you very much for the reply... and now I am off to find benchmarks!

wish me luck.

This will show you... it will also show you how big a difference 200 MHz makes (2800+ runs at 1.8 Ghz, 3000+ runs at 2.0 Ghz, both have 512k L2 cache)

 

[Vette73]

I have a 3000+ and from all the reviews I have seen it is NOT worth it to get the 3200+. That and by the time the 64bit OS comes out AND has decent drivers newwer and faster chips will be out.

 

[Dman877]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I have a 3000+ and from all the reviews I have seen it is NOT worth it to get the 3200+. That and by the time the 64bit OS comes out AND has decent drivers newwer and faster chips will be out.

Ditto, grab a 3000+ and oc it to 2.2, you won't regret it.