AMD Cache Question (512 vs 1MB)

[oHUTCHYo]

Say on an Athlon 64 single core processor, what would be the best;

A) A 3800+ with 512 cache

B) A 3700+ with 1MB cahce

Is cache a significant thing, more important than a few MHz difference?

 

[Thing]

Well the extra cache makes up for 1-200Mhz of speed. The 3700+ isn't quite as fast as the 3800+ (but it has a lot more overclocking headroom and should use up less power).

 

[Tute]

The 3700+.

You can overclock but you can't add more cache

 

[oHUTCHYo]

Just found a 4000+ 1MB 939 thank god, so Ive got the best of both.

For reference though, in layman terms how much difference to FPS does 1MB cache make over 512K?

 

[Soul Rider]

As already posted really, the 1mb cache is worth about 100Mhz, so you should get the chip you feel most comfortable with.

Most people will tell you that the 3700+ are very good overclockers, so that would probably be the best chip to go for. My trusty 3700SD is doing very nicely at the moment..

 

[dante6491]

have to agree with soul riderr. the sandys are excelent. Although, mine is a bit toasty as the thermal paste has disappeared, looks like i need to buy some more as5

 

[monaco87]

From experience with both the 3500+ and 3700+ whilst benchmarks may show an advantage there is zero benefit from the extra cache in real world apps. I have each in two systems same config otherwise and I can't tell the difference. However the 3700+ core may overclock better if that's what you are interested in.

 

[Simon D]

I just brought 3700+, for that reason that it has a extra 512K cache on the chip, people claim it O/C better and it was cheap than the 3800+.