Which is better: AMD X2 w/ 6MB L3 Cache or AMD X4 w/o L3 Cache?

[legocitytruck]

I'm building a budget media server/ HTPC that may occasionally be used for simple office functions (word/ powerpoint/ excel/ web browsing) with no gaming. It's being built around the 890gx to avoid the cost/power usage of a video card.

What is a better option for these needs:

1.) AMD Phenom II X2 550 3.1GHz 80W w/ 6MB L3 Cache
2.) AMD Athlon II X4 620 2.6GHz Socket 95W w/ 0MB L3 Cache

Basically, I'm not sure which is better; to maximize speed/ L3 cache or maximize core count with a hit in speed/ L3 cache? I know the X2 has the potential to be a triple or quad core but I can't rely on that.

Reliability is a chief concern so overclocking will be light if at all. Similarly power usage is always a concern for a machine that will always be on, but I assume higher power usage comes with more operational cores.

 

[Jdawg84]

I'd go with the A2 X4

 

[hans007]

i'd probably go with the x4. the L3 cache isnt that useful unless its doing huge photoshop or games. and then in the photoshop case the extra cores would be useful.

 

[grimpr]

Used both and prefer chips with L3 cache and high frequencys, its not a major concern the lack of L3 on Athlon IIs specially if you up the NB but in general, yes the L3 matters and you have high propabilities in unlocking that X2 550/560, cant go wrong with that stake.

 

[busydude]

Even an Athlon II X2 250 can be considered for your use. It has a TDP of 65W, so that's a bonus.

 

[legocitytruck]

Thanks for the replies, it looks like the X4 is getting the most recommendations thus far. Would the X2 be a better choice in any of the computer usages?

Forgot to add: Does it make any difference that the computer will also be doing a fair amount of converting AVCHD video in Mpeg/ AVI?

 

[ZipSpeed]

Video encoding favors cores. The more, the merrier.

 

[fffblackmage]

Video encoding favors cores. The more, the merrier.

+1

Otherwise, for HTPC/server/office use, it doesn't really matter.

 

[Jdawg84]

Athlon II X3 450?

 

[soccerballtux]

Athlon II X3 450?

eh I'd take the 4th core.

 

[nyker96]

for your usage pattern x2 250 w/ a little oc will do perfectly. save the cash for other places like HD etc or monitor etc.

 

[StrangerGuy]

L3 for AMD makes only a ~5% difference on average. In fact, if Phenom II if doesnt have the unlocked multipier its not worth the premium.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/athlon-l3-cache,2416-9.html

 

[soccerballtux]

L3 for AMD makes only a ~5% difference on average. In fact, if Phenom II if doesnt have the unlocked multipier its not worth the premium.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/athlon-l3-cache,2416-9.html

I'm really not a fan of TomsHardware's style. Do you know of any other performance comparisons clock/clock that you can link?

 

[busydude]

I'm really not a fan of TomsHardware's style. Do you know of any other performance comparisons clock/clock that you can link?

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/21?vs=85

 

[soccerballtux]

weird I really expected more performance than that.