2.2 GHZ 4GB Cache vs. 2.4 GHZ 3GB Cache

As the title says...

They are the SAME price. Which is better?

My uses:

Standard computer stuff (internet, word processing, office, watching videos, listening to music, uploading and downloading pictures)

Maybe some photoshop and Web development in the future.

I'm also getting 4GB RAM, the 200GB 7200 RPM hard drive, the 256MB video card, etc. etc. etc.

 

It's head to head as far as performance goes since the other will compensate with a larger cache. I would go with the 2.4GHz 'cause it's "faster" and can multitask better in the long run.

 

just to clarify...the cache is in MB right?...not GB..or else i must really be behind the times. Yea, depending on the processor model, i'd say 2.4ghz processor. Cache size won't make as much difference if your just doing general tasks.

 

Definitely get the 2.4 GHz Penryn. You won't notice a performance difference in normal usage but the 2.4 GHz is a newer model and runs slightly cooler and draws a little less power.

 

Yeah, i would go with the faster less cache just based on its architecture.

 

^^ Intels rely on their larger cache for their speed. Although the two CPUs are equal in terms of performance, increasing the clock speed just increases heat; while increasing cache has no negative effects. I would go with the 4MB C2D.

 

Wow, two totally different answers. BC...you're saying the 2.2 with 4MB is FASTER than the 2.4? Do others agree?

 

I second that. The best example I can give is a 4" water pipe vs a 3" water pipe. Which pipe will have a higher output? It's the 4" pipe.

 

Not so. While Intel CPUs do rely more on cache than AMD CPUs, the measured boost from 2 to 4 MB of cache is very small. The clockspeed plus new architecture boost will be more than that.

A cache is not a pipe. A cache is a pool, so the question becomes - what's faster, a 3x3 pool, or a 4x4 pool, and the answer is WTF?

 

ARGH! So there's really no definitive answer?

 

There is no definitive answer. If both CPU cores were identical, with the same clockspeed, then the bigger cache will do some good in some situations. But given that the speeds are different, and the architecture is different between the two, there is no hard and fast line.

Personally, I'd probably go for the larger cache on a desktop, but the newest and most power-efficient with a laptop. Nobody will notice 200mhz in the real world.

Actually, I'd look at going for a less powerful CPU. Find the sweet-spot where processing power, ability to save electrical power, and the cost of the CPU make the most sense. Keep the money saved on one side until it is feasable to upgrade the CPU to the highest-spec architecture possible for the money you've saved.

 

There is a definitive answer. Just because people disagree doesn't mean the answer does not exist.

T8300 > T7500.

 

They are pretty even in performance, but the Penryn wins out because of the new architecture.

 

The Architecture isn't really new - it's just a shrinking of the 65nm Conroe architecture to .45nm with the addition of SSE4 and more space with the smaller fab to whack some extra cache in. The basic architecture is pretty much the same as I understand it. The new architecture will come with Nehalem.

 

T8300, runs cooler, draws less power. For those who need numbers. Here is some speculation. AnandTech did many benchmarks with 2MB L2 vs 4MB, Link. Conclusion average improvement 3.5% most 10% some 0%. 3MB L2? If all things equal which they are not it would be average 1.75% most 5%. I think even less as increasing cache starts to diminish returns. Let us now throw in the 9% clock difference and that is always, even the simple math says T8300 wins. Throw some improvements and T8300 keeps getting better and better.

 

Go with the new architecture.

It's proven to run cooler, and requires less power. That's ultimately the determining factor when it comes to laptops.

 

Not to be an idiot...but which is the T8300?!? The 2.2?

 

The 2.4

Go for it, its 45nm architecture will result in less power consumption, laptop will run cooler and it will run slightly faster than the 2.2

But i suppose it all depends on what you will use the laptop for. if you will be going mobile a lot, get the 2.4

If it's just gonna sit on a desk all day plugged into the power adapter, then get the 2.2 and save your money.

What do you intend to use the laptop for? You are talking about a laptop, right?

 

go for penryn.

also, are you buying the 4GB's of ram from dell? if so, i suggest getting it aftermarket and installing it yourself. you will save a lot of money.

 

I am going to leave it plugged in more often...BUT the price for the 2.4 and 2.2 is exactly the same.

As far as the 4GB of RAM part...

If I config. without it and a lower build I will actually pay MORE for the computer than if I include it. DELL is offering $599 off the highest build...making it the most affordable for what I want...thanks for the advice on that though...I know IN THEORY you are right!

 

silvergator, I went for the 2.4ghz too. I think the current deal is pretty good Good luck!

This is what I ordered last night:

XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800MHzFSB, 3M L2 Cache)
Tuxedo Black Casing XPS M1530
4GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1530
15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MO Camera for XPS M1530
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
200G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive Free Fall Sensor
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1530
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery, for XPS M1530
3 Year Limited Warranty
CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 3 Year
Bundle LoJack Theft Recovery Service - 3 Year
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)

Dell EPP Members save $599 off this select XPS System -$599
Dell EPP Members receive 12% off systems priced $1600 and up with 3/4 yr At-Home service. - $196.20

Order Subtotal: $1,438.80
Shipping and Handling Total: $19.99
Shipping Discount: -$19.99
Tax Total: $99.63
Total Charges: $1,538.43

- $200 Dell promotional gift card
- 5% CitiCashBack -$66.92
Final Price $1271.51

 

i have the T8300 and i love it. the first m1530 i had was the t2750 so i cant say i know the difference between the 2.2 4mb processor.

 

There is definitely an answer, the 2.2ghz will pretty much NEVER be as fast as the 2.4ghz, AND it will use 10% less power and run cooler, (I by the way have a T8300) T8300 wins Hands down though it is really not a new architeture.