Value of AMD 64 X2 speed vs. L2 cache size

[GearCat]

In general, would it be better to go with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ with a 2.4GHz speed and 1MB of L2 cache or the 4400+ with a 2.2GHz spped and 2MB of L2 cache. Or is worth getting the best of both with the +4800 for an extra $100. The computer is used for many tasks (running Java apps on websites, gaming, video/phot editing, spreadsheets, etc.).

 

[Captante]

If your going to go with a 512kb cache X2 I'd say save even more cash & grab a 3800+ then overclock it to 2.4ghz which is pretty much garanteed to work fine & if you want the larger cache go with the cheaper 4400+. Just keep in mind that the 1mb cache CPU's being discontinued they won't be dropping much in price compared to the 512kb's.

To answer your original question, in almost all applications clockspeed makes a much bigger difference then cache size with A64's.

 

[GearCat]

Originally posted by: Captante
If your going to go with a 512kb cache X2 I'd say save even more cash & grab a 3800+ then overclock it to 2.4ghz which is pretty much garanteed to work fine & if you want the larger cache go with the cheaper 4400+. Just keep in mind that the 1mb cache CPU's being discontinued they won't be dropping much in price compared to the 512kb's.

To answer your original question, in almost all applications clockspeed makes a much bigger difference then cache size with A64's.

Just a bit confused. Are you talking L1 or L2 cache. The L1 cache is either 128 or 256 KB and L2 either 1 or 2 MB.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: GearCat

Originally posted by: Captante
If your going to go with a 512kb cache X2 I'd say save even more cash & grab a 3800+ then overclock it to 2.4ghz which is pretty much garanteed to work fine & if you want the larger cache go with the cheaper 4400+. Just keep in mind that the 1mb cache CPU's being discontinued they won't be dropping much in price compared to the 512kb's.

To answer your original question, in almost all applications clockspeed makes a much bigger difference then cache size with A64's.

Just a bit confused. Are you talking L1 or L2 cache. The L1 cache is either 128 or 256 KB and L2 either 1 or 2 MB.

L2 is either 512kb or 1mb per core. I think that's what he was talking about.

 

[RollWave]

I went for the 4600 personally just bc with the higher multiplier I can get a higher clockspeed with my crappy ram if I use dividers.

 

[GearCat]

Originally posted by: rnp614
I went for the 4600 personally just bc with the higher multiplier I can get a higher clockspeed with my crappy ram if I use dividers.

I agree, not for the same reason, but doubling L2 cache is not worth $100 unless the 4800+ has something else going for it under the hood.

 

[Pederv]

I see less than $35 difference between a 4600 and a 4800. In my opinion, well worth the difference if your on a 939 platform.