L2 cache size

[solo_2101]

I know… I know… yes… L2 cache size matters but my question is, if a quad processor running at 3.4GHz has 2MB of cache and another one similar, quad core, running at 3.4 GHz has 512Kb x4 does that means that it has 2MB of cache?

 

[cjl]

That's the same, yes.

 

[solo_2101]

so Processor: AMD Phenom™ II X4
Model Number: 965
Frequency: 3400MHz
L2 Cache Size: 2MB
Socket: AM3
Manufacturing Tech (CMOS): 45
Wattage: 125W
System Bus: 2000MHz

and

Processor: AMD Phenom™ II X4
Model Number: 965
Frequency: 3400MHz
L2 Cache Size: 512KB x4
Socket: AM3
Manufacturing Tech (CMOS): 45
Wattage: 140W
System Bus: 4000MHz

Would you say that the second one is better?... ^_^

 

[andy5174]

so Processor: AMD Phenom™ II X4
Model Number: 965
Frequency: 3400MHz
L2 Cache Size: 2MB
Socket: AM3
Manufacturing Tech (CMOS): 45
Wattage: 125W
System Bus: 2000MHz

and

Processor: AMD Phenom™ II X4
Model Number: 965
Frequency: 3400MHz
L2 Cache Size: 512KB x4
Socket: AM3
Manufacturing Tech (CMOS): 45
Wattage: 140W
System Bus: 4000MHz

Would you say that the second one is better?... ^_^

The spec given by you is wrong.

Check here for the real comparison: http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUSideBySide.aspx?id=617&id=591

The only difference between the two steppings(C1 v.s. C3) is the TDP(Thermal Design Power). 140W and 125W for C1 and C3 respectively.

512KB x 4 means that it comes with 4 NON-shared 512KB L2 cache. If it is shared cache, then it will states the cache by 1 x 2MB.

BTW, C3 has slightly better OCing potential according to AMD owners.

 

[andy5174]

I would get the 955 instead if I were you, because the 965 is overpriced and the performance gain is definitely not worth the premium.

 

[solo_2101]

so shared cache is better than NON-Shared?

 

[cjl]

All Phenoms have independent L2, so there's no difference there. It might be technically incorrect to say they have 2MB instead of 4x512KB, but the difference is just in how it's written, not in what the processors actually contain.

 

[solo_2101]

955 has lower frekency by 300MHz... is not that much... right?

 

[solo_2101]

oK how did you compare the two processor

 

[cjl]

200MHz actually - the 955 is 3.2GHz.

 

[andy5174]

solo_2101:
1. so shared cache is better than NON-Shared?

2. 955 has lower frekency by 300MHz... is not that much... right?

1. Yes. Non-shared cache can't be utilized by other cores even if they are free.

2. It is actually 200MHz less which is unnoticeable at all and you can easily OC the 955 to 3.4GHz without touching any voltage.

 

[andy5174]

oK how did you compare the two processor

965 v.s. 955

 

[theonerm2]

When it says 2MB L2 cache it's usually refering to the total L2 cache size. This could either be 512KB on each core on a quad core or 2048KB shared with all cores. 2MB of L2 cache is 2MB of L2 cache no matter how you slice it. Look at the FSB 2000 vs. 4000 is the big difference maker here if these specs are to be trusted.

Disadvantage of shared L2 cache: more than one core could try and use the same area of cache and cause an error.

Disadvantage of non shared L2: One core might need more memory than it has and can't use the rest of the 2MB.

 

[andy5174]

When it says 2MB L2 cache it's usually refering to the total L2 cache size. This could either be 512KB on each core on a quad core or 2048KB shared with all cores. 2MB of L2 cache is 2MB of L2 cache no matter how you slice it. Look at the FSB 2000 vs. 4000 is the big difference maker here if these specs are to be trusted.

Disadvantage of shared L2 cache: more than one core could try and use the same area of cache and cause an error.

Disadvantage of non shared L2: One core might need more memory than it has and can't use the rest of the 2MB.

LMAO

 

[HansVonOhain]

When it says 2MB L2 cache it's usually refering to the total L2 cache size. This could either be 512KB on each core on a quad core or 2048KB shared with all cores. 2MB of L2 cache is 2MB of L2 cache no matter how you slice it. Look at the FSB 2000 vs. 4000 is the big difference maker here if these specs are to be trusted.

Disadvantage of shared L2 cache: more than one core could try and use the same area of cache and cause an error.

Disadvantage of non shared L2: One core might need more memory than it has and can't use the rest of the 2MB.

Stated as above, LMAO

 

[solo_2101]

Alright frequency speed is no problem… I can overclok 200 MHz and that would do it…
But now, there’s three 955 and I cannot find a way to see the differences… except for the price
How can I compare these three?
http://wheretobuy.amd.com/us-en/pibs.html#Processor=AMD%20Phenom%26%23153%3B%20II%20X4|||Socket=AM3|||Model%20Number=955

 

[andy5174]

Alright frequency speed is no problem… I can overclok 200 MHz and that would do it…
But now, there’s three 955 and I cannot find a way to see the differences… except for the price
How can I compare these three?
http://wheretobuy.amd.com/us-en/pibs.html#Processor=AMD%20Phenom%26%23153%3B%20II%20X4|||Socket=AM3|||Model%20Number=955

Get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Processors+-+Desktops-_-AMD-_-19103808

It's the latest C3 stepping and so it costs a bit more.

 

[solo_2101]

Nice... that’s what I was looking for… c3 processor, thanks a lot bro… I wasn’t sure which of the three is c3, couldn’t compare in AMD web page

 

[solo_2101]

I got the GA-790FXTA-UD5, and processor... ^_^
Now I need the rest… case, power supplies, cooling systems, RAM… any suggestions

 

[andy5174]

I got the GA-790FXTA-UD5, and processor... ^_^
Now I need the rest… case, power supplies, cooling systems, RAM… any suggestions

Don't get UD5! It's a waste of money. I got UD5 for my P55 motherboard because silly NZ dealers made UD4P merely $20 less than UD5

M/B: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378 )

CPU: AMD PII-955 C3 (of course)

RAM: G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193 )

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 )

HSF: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134 )

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922
( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197 )

GFX: I need the resolution of your monitor to make suggestions

PSU: It depends on the GFX...

 

[andy5174]

The suggestions I made are all based on the cost-performance ratio. They are NOT the best, but there won't be noticeable difference compared to the extremely expensive top end products.

 

[solo_2101]

I got GA-790FXTA-UD5, it was a gift, didn’t buy it,
Don’t have monitor yet, suggestions?
GFX: I was thinking ATI, don’t know which one, but I know there are good ones, cheap

 

[andy5174]

I got GA-790FXTA-UD5, it was a gift, didn’t buy it,
Don’t have monitor yet, suggestions?
GFX: I was thinking ATI, don’t know which one, but I know there are good ones, cheap

I need your total budget for the monitor, gfx and PSU in order to make suggestions.

 

[solo_2101]

Around $350-400

 

[solo_2101]

That my whole budget, not much, i was thinking this case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146059
what do you think