cache memory

[Far]

simple question.

would you easily notice the difference between 128kb cache memory and 256kb cache memory?

yey or ney.

 

[spence]

depending on wot your doing

 

[Far]

well cache is used for storing regulary collected files for quicker use/execution yes? so lets say im opening alot of files. would i notice much difference?

 

[¤]´)÷¤--§îr Äürøñ--¤÷(`[¤]

Between 128kb and 256kb? Yes.

Between 256kb and 512kb? Probably.

Between 512kb and 1mb? Not really.

Cache is a GOOD THING. But it's also expensive. If you're refering to CPU cache, it also generates heat.

However, the performance boost can be quite noticable...

 

[Far]

yes im talking about CPU cache. i just got home and noticed my dad bought the 2600+ 128kb cache, instead of the 2800+ 256kb cache.

both 1.6ghz, was just wondering if there was much difference id noticed between them.

 

[¤]´)÷¤--§îr Äürøñ--¤÷(`[¤]

yes im talking about CPU cache. i just got home and noticed my dad bought the 2600+ 128kb cache, instead of the 2800+ 256kb cache.

both 1.6ghz, was just wondering if there was much difference id noticed between them.

Well, the jump from 128kb to 256kb is pretty noticable. But realistically, the only apps that will see a large performance boost are games, with respect to cache. With almost all other applications, you get a bigger impact by improving the ram or clock speed.

Just remember, less cache normally means better overclocking potential.

 

[Far]

because of the heat increase that cache causes?

ill be playing a few games, but i doubt nothing too graphically challenged. (l2, wow, sw battlefront etc)

whats the highest cache available atm?

the pc im using atm is pentium 3.2 with 512kb cache.

also. is it possible to increase cache at all? or is it built into the cpu itself.

 

[¤]´)÷¤--§îr Äürøñ--¤÷(`[¤]

because of the heat increase that cache causes?

ill be playing a few games, but i doubt nothing too graphically challenged. (l2, wow, sw battlefront etc)

whats the highest cache available atm?

the pc im using atm is pentium 3.2 with 512kb cache.

The highest possible cache on a desktop processor comes in the form of Urban's choice - the Pentium M. It packs 2mb of L2 cache, which makes it fly through games.

Cache generates heat, yes. That's pretty much the main problem with it, in terms of overclocking.

Edit: Nope, the cache is technically called 'On-Die Cache', which means exactly what it says, it's part of the CPU itself.

 

[Far]

yeah thought as much. o well, im sure with abit of OC ill be able to play my games fine. thanks for answering all my questions.

 

[urbanfox]

Like Auron said cache helps in games and the Pentium-M is king of desktop cache, not just size but it's latency is faster than even an AMD FX chip. The bad example would be the 5xx P4 1MB series vs. the 6xx 2MB series, where thbe cache improvement isn't as spectacular as expected because of the crappy latency.

Concerning your sempron I wouldn't worry too much, with 128kb it's still a killer budget CPU, I got to play with one and it overclocked quite well on air with below 1.6V.