1mb vs. 512k cache

[pduan87]

How much difference is there between these two? I don't really do anything else other than game and if the cache difference is only 4-5%, I don't think it justifies the ~100 dollars for the extra 512k.

Basically, this will make choosing between the Venice and San Diego cores a lot easier.

[13oost]

ive heard that less cache = less heat, easier on memory controler, and sometimes gives your a better overclock...

ive seen that posted before...

imho the only time the extra 512 cache will only show is when the cpu is coaking under stress, the 1mb cache will pull ahead of the 512kb cache

ie: i saw someone post the other day on the diff btwn a 512cache cpu and a 1m cache cpu on super pi scores, and they said that the 512 is pratically the same on the 1M run of Super Pi, but on the 32M run the 1mb cache cpu pulled ahead\

im guessing your trying to decide btwn the SD and the venice... each cpu is different in its own way in that aspect also, dont forget about that ;)

[terror_adagio]

Newer games like extra cache. As do applications. It varies.

But I recommend 1mb cache for a core.

[Aphex_Tom_9]

ive found that videos render a lot faster on proc's with 1mb l2 cache

[afireinside]

For games 512k is fine but for all the balls to the walls benching we do here at the xtreme you need 1 meg ;)

[mad mikee]

Upstairs: Venice 3200+ @2700 (was @ 2800 but LA can't quite hack it @ 311x9) Goldmemory says ~3550mb/ssec memtest is about the same.

Downstairs: SD 3700 @ 311x9 w/ LE (best sticks I have) Goldmemory says ~3550...., memtest says ~2800

SD seems better tuned for 11x250+ w/ UTT/BH-5
Venice seems better tuned for 9-10x300+ w/ TCCx
These are intuitive 'feel' and not very quantitative.

I think the .5m of cache is about 1-200 mhz using same memory

So what memory ya got? Use that as part of your choice
Hope this helps a little..
:toast:

[pduan87]

I plan on getting Mushkin Redline memory.

[afireinside]

Just get the venice if you plan on gaming.

[Cooper]

Once again I`ll post this pic to make it easy to choose.
Source (http://www.overclockers.ru/lab/18044.shtml) - russian site.

[justwOo]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=65402

[HousERaT]

Here is the difference between my Venice and San Diego at the same clocks in Aquamark3.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32543

[pduan87]

Thanks for all the help guys. It looks like the performance gained from the extra 512k cache doesn't really justify the ~100 more that it costs. I will probably go with Venice but since I'm leaving for vacation for 1 month, maybe the prices on the SDs will fall into my range. Thanks for all the replies guys :)

[LilGator]

3DM01 kills with the extra cache, 512K just doesn't stand a chance ...

[fareastgq]

You'll see the difference in games and 3dmark man, not piddly benches.