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cache memories and processor types

evie
Grafter
Posts: 64
Registered: ‎03-09-2007

cache memories and processor types

Hey people,
just a couple of questions...
how important is the L2 cache memory? Is it worth spending more for...
Does it really matter whether you get athalon dual processor or intel dual core- when does it matter?
ta
11 REPLIES 11
Oldjim
Resting Legend
Posts: 38,460
Thanks: 787
Fixes: 63
Registered: ‎15-06-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

Unless you are doing some very processor/memory intensive applications there wouldn't be much difference.
However the thing which swung me over to the Intel Core Duo was the power consumption as I wanted a cool quiet system. This is one test linky which shows the difference
The other thing is the 65nm versus the 90nm - the 65nm uses less power linky and matches the Intel 65nm but probably isn't as good as the 45nm wolfdale
evie
Grafter
Posts: 64
Registered: ‎03-09-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

Oldjim, you are the first person I've come across who has been able to tell me the difference between the 2 processors and provide evidence to back up as well. respect. I catch your drift. I agree that the intel core duo is def. very quiet and is just bliss. thanks for the useful links, do you think the difference in power consumption has a notable difference on elecy bills, or is just a matter of having a slightly cooler pc.
when you say memory intensive activities, like....?
intel core duo (T5550) OR intel pentium dual, any thoughts?
Oldjim
Resting Legend
Posts: 38,460
Thanks: 787
Fixes: 63
Registered: ‎15-06-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

Only on noise and heat as there are much worse power users in a modern PC - graphics cards are the main one.
With respect to the core duo or the pentium. The pentium is old technology and I would recommend the core 2 duo however as the T5550 is designed for laptops I assume that is what you will be buying and I would check out some reviews of the model you are thinking of as there are reports floating about of them getting very hot.
evie
Grafter
Posts: 64
Registered: ‎03-09-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

Quote from: Oldjim
The pentium is old technology and I would recommend the core 2 duo however as the T5550 is designed for laptops I assume that is what you will be buying and I would check out some reviews of the model you are thinking of as there are reports floating about of them getting very hot.

Odd you should say that, I actually just returned a laptop for that reason- I didn't realise others had the same complaint, or if you're talking about my earlier complaint lol. If T5550 is designed for laptops then it's surprising that it gets so hot. I'm really a bit torn between the Intel 2390 and T5550. Would the T5750 be any different, do you think? I'm thinking of going for the Studio 15 Dell series in the hope that they don't suffer from the same (IMO) design flaw as the Inspiron.
thanks a lot for your thoughts Smiley
artificer
Grafter
Posts: 1,850
Registered: ‎11-08-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

evie, would you elaborate on the 'dell inspiron design flaw'?  i have two 510m laptops and they have given me yeoman service.
evie
Grafter
Posts: 64
Registered: ‎03-09-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

hey artificer,
it's regarding dell inspiron T5550, which has the CPU right underneath where you rest your hands to type, combined with the fact that the plastic is bit shoddy really meant that the surface of the laptop got quite hot, so hot that my hands would sweat while typing.
VileReynard
Hero
Posts: 12,616
Thanks: 582
Fixes: 20
Registered: ‎01-09-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

Back on topic...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cache-size-matter,1709-5.html
indicates that spending money for L2 cache is probably wasted.

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

Oldjim
Resting Legend
Posts: 38,460
Thanks: 787
Fixes: 63
Registered: ‎15-06-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

A quick google throws up this http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=50&hl=en&q=t5550+overheating&btnG=Search&meta=
Actually from memory (I am old so it's not very good) laptops used to have a cooling fan which worked very well but was noisy. With the new processors which will work at high temperatures this became less of a problem but I do remember with the laptop I used at work I used it a lot on aeroplanes resting on my lap and it used to get quite warm. There were a number of unkind rumours floating about about certain parts of the anatomy getting too hot.  Embarrassed
evie
Grafter
Posts: 64
Registered: ‎03-09-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

Quote from: Oldjim
A quick google throws up this http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=50&hl=en&q=t5550+overheating&btnG=Search&meta=
Actually from memory (I am old so it's not very good) laptops used to have a cooling fan which worked very well but was noisy. With the new processors which will work at high temperatures this became less of a problem ....

whaddya know, it's a widespread problem. feel better for returning it now. The lappy i had did have a fan but it kinda came on rarely and for a few seconds and then shut down- better to have a nosiy fan on than an overheating laptop- don't think they went for the best compromise there....
the benchmarks for testing cache memory is looking at how fast game files get compressed...so how would that affect real life activites?
I'm starting to think, it's really quite pointless looking at specs when buying a computer, no one in the shop knows what they do and i have no idea if it's worth spending money on any of them, when push comes to shove.
Oldjim, your helpies are very useful and your memory is just fine Smiley
Oldjim
Resting Legend
Posts: 38,460
Thanks: 787
Fixes: 63
Registered: ‎15-06-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

I know this may sound silly but go to PCWorld and look at the laptops and see if any of them feel warmer than others. You could try the same thing with other local specialist stores and ask them if they could run something which stresses the cpu such as prime95.
evie
Grafter
Posts: 64
Registered: ‎03-09-2007

Re: cache memories and processor types

I've already been silly and actually done that Tongue I'm not fussed about the heating issue, I don't think it's an issue with all laptops, just that particular dell design combined with t5550