Q9300 or Q9450 and question on L2 cache

[JCROCCO]

I bought a new computer from Dell. This is for my work and all of our computers are Dell. Anyway, when I ordered I had a choice between mulitple processors. Mainly the two with the performance I wanted in my price range where the Q9300 and Q9450. The issue I have is two fold.

Dell's online configurator showed the Q9300 having 12MB L2 cache. It also showed the Q9450 with all the exact same specs (cache, FSB, power) as the Q9300 but was .16 gig faster at a cost of 110 more. Since the cache, and fsb where the same, I opted to go with the Q9300. I now find out the Q9300 really only has 6 MB L2. I am Dealing with Dell on that issue at the moment.

The problem?

I needed to buy a new faster computer due to us buying a new computer program that wouldn't run on any existing computers in the office. The Program is Autodesk Revit, an architectural 3D whole building modeling software. Its minimum system configuuration calls for Core 2 Duo. So, I figured I would go with a Core 2 Quad.

The issue?

Core 2 Duo has 1 cache of 6 MB L2. I was trying to buy a CPU with 2 cores at 6mb each. Instead, the CPU I got is 2 caches at 3mb each. Can one application cross over from one cache to the next? I am worried that the recommended Core 2 Duo has 1 cache of 6, and I have 2 cache at 3, that it may be a problem. I dont know if the quad core helps it more than the L2 size does, but should I make an issue and get the Q9450 instead?

The program recommends 3 GB ram, I have 4 GB ECC ram. I would think this is better too, but not sure if it slows down anything having the ECC ram.

What I am trying to do with Dell is have them swap out the Q9300 for the Q9450 on my system. I spent over 2 hours talking to 13 people at Dell, and really got nowhere. Is it an issue or not? It did state Q9300 and I received the Q9300, they just misrepresented the L2 cache and because of that is why I selected the Q9300.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

I believe this is one of the things that the AMD dual-core optimizer did to improve performance in applications. I think its become a part of vista now. L2 cache doesn't have that large of an impact btw. If a Q8200 beats of a Q6600 that has twice the cache, despite having a lower clock speed, cache isn't a big factor after a point.

Also, it has to use all L2 cache. When i play games like DOD or CS 1.6, its still using at least 5% of each processor.

 

[JCROCCO]

Unfortunately, that doesnt seem to answer the questions. I am worried about an application that requires a cache of 6MB, does (2) 3MB caches do the same as (1) 6MB cache. Is one better or worse than the other? Can (1) applciation use parts of both cache?

 

[geoffry]

Originally posted by: JCROCCO
Unfortunately, that doesnt seem to answer the questions. I am worried about an application that requires a cache of 6MB, does (2) 3MB caches do the same as (1) 6MB cache. Is one better or worse than the other? Can (1) applciation use parts of both cache?

A shared highest level cache across all the cores of a CPU is technically more efficient. However, I do believe Windows Vista does allow cache sharing like Schol said, it would get a little performance hit but not much. I remember reading about it in late 2006, so I could be remembering wrong.

Have you tried the program on the Q9300? You said you have the program so I'd give it a shot and see if it works fine. If not then I'd push for Dell to replace the CPU for the difference in cost.

And if they refuse, probably try selling it here on the for sale/trade boards and buy a Q9450.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Core 2 Duos have different amounts of L2 cache as well, ranging from 2MB up to 6MB. I seriously doubt Revit needs 6MB of cache to perform well. You will be perfectly fine with the Q9300, but if you keep hassling Dell and get a Q9450 then more power to you!

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Well if its multithreaded (obviously) it will use up all of your cache. Simple as that. I missed that part.

 

[NoSoup4You]

Core 2 Duo's come in a wide variety of L2 cache sizes, for instance the C2D E7400 has 3MB L2 cache. C2D E6600 has 4MB L2 cache. They're both Core 2 Duo's and neither have 6MB L2 cache.

Minimum specifications for Autodesk Rivet call for a Pentium 4 @1.4Ghz processor. Recommended is an Intel Core 2 Duo @2.4Ghz. Any piece of software that can run on a P4 1.4Ghz single core is going to abso-friggin-lutely fly on a Core 2 Quad.

So start enjoying that Q9300, it's an awesome processor for Autodesk Rivet.

 

[geoffry]

Originally posted by: NoSoup4You
Core 2 Duo's come in a wide variety of L2 cache sizes, for instance the C2D E7400 has 3MB L2 cache. C2D E6600 has 4MB L2 cache. They're both Core 2 Duo's and neither have 6MB L2 cache.

Minimum specifications for Autodesk Rivet call for a Pentium 4 @1.4Ghz processor. Recommended is an Intel Core 2 Duo @2.4Ghz. Any piece of software that can run on a P4 1.4Ghz single core is going to abso-friggin-lutely fly on a Core 2 Quad.

So start enjoying that Q9300, it's an awesome processor for Autodesk Rivet.

If thats true, then yes indeedy that man is correct!

 

[JCROCCO]

Thanks all. I am setting it up tomorrow. If I have problems I will let you know.