Cache may affect gaming

[AGD]

I was quite interested in whether or not the differences in cache between the intel core 2 duos would make a difference in games bearing in mind that the e2180 can be oc'd so if cache doesn't make a difference then why bother with anything else (quads aside)?

Lots of remarks here seem to suggest that l2 cache doesn't really affect modern game performance but having seen these 2 tests I'm not so sure.

http://www.nordichardware.com/Reviews/?page=9&skrivelse=514

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2795&p=4

The first one shows considerable difference between 1mb and 4mb cache.

The second compares only 2mb and 4mb and whilst in most cases there is no appreciable difference you still get a not insubstantial 5.4% difference in an oblivion dungeon. The difference between 4mb and 1mb would probably be greater.

I'm not an expert on the validity of these tests and know that overall the e2180 is much better value but was just wondering if it is misleading to say the difference is negligible in modern games.

 

[AGD]

It is confusing because two seemingly respectful sources come to different conclusions. It seems that because most games are GPU bound and atm that cache is not the most important factor. It would be nice to see some really new games tested though like bioshock or crysis. Maybe if someone was intending to upgrade their gpu when the 9 series comes out then it would be worth it...unless they bought a penryn at the same time. That's slightly too many factors though.