Xeon P4 3.06 512k cache vs 1 meg cache?

[Socio]

I am in the process of building a dual processor workstation using the P4 3.06 Xeon processors but not sure which version to get. The 512k cache P4 Xeon 3.06's are about $500.00 US and the 1 meg cache version is about $750.00 US. My question is what is that extra 512k cache going to do for me, is it worth the extra $250.00 US?

Thanks

 

[Mingon]

Depends on what you do?

 

[Socio]

Going to be using it for Photo editing, Video editing, 3d Max ( some day when I can afford to buy it!) and perhaps playing some games like DoomIII in all it's glory when it is released.

 

[dullard]

There are a ton of reviews like this one around the net. Generally in most programs you'll see 0%-5% improvement in speed, although an occasional 20% boost on some very specific programs has been seen. Programs like 3d Max generally show a 0% improvement. Most sites concluded that the price difference isn't worth it on that 3.06 GHz Xeon. Note however since those reviews came out, the 3.2 GHz Xeon with 1 MB cache was released - at a small price increase from the 3.06 GHz with 1 MB cache. So I think the real comparison should be 3.06 GHz with 512 kB cache vs the 3.2 GHz with 1 MB cache. Again for most people it isn't worth the price premium. Once more processors are released and the prices fall, then my recommendation will switch.

If I were you, I'd consider the 2.8 GHz Xeons (533 MHz fsb) and use the price difference as a down payment for 3dMax. That seems to be the best price point for the current Xeons. I wouldn't consider the 3+ GHz Xeons at the moment unless you really, really need the performance at all costs.

 

[Socio]

Nice read on that link dullard, thanks!

Looks like the extra cache does not do much for most apps but apears boost games a bit, thanks for the info!