What are these new AMD like?

[gareth170]

The tri does have the advantage of a large cache because it still has a 4 core L3, right?

The tri have less cache than the quad because it only as 3 cores.

 

[gareth170]

From that review on tom's hardware, it seems to be saying it is only worth it if you are upgrading from a current AM2(+) system?

So if you are building a new system in the budget £400/500 range Intel Duo Core still the place to go? it would make less sense to buy an AM2(+) mobo now coupled with a tri core?

tbh its not a worthwhile upgrading from a current AM2+ board to a am3 board yet, because you'll need to but new cpu, new ram, new motherboard.. and in real world performance u won't see much different.

buying am2+board is still worth it because they are cheaper, use cheaper ddr2 ram, supports am3 chips.

 

[Bleek]

The tri have less cache than the quad because it only as 3 cores.

9 series Quad core = 6MB L3
7 series Tri core = 6MB L3
8 Series Quad = 4MB L3

So the AM3 Tri core has the most L3 cache per core, even more than the current flagship AM2+ 940.

 

[gareth170]

9 series Quad core = 6MB L3
7 series Tri core = 6MB L3
8 Series Quad = 4MB L3

L3 is shared, not per core..
L2 is par core...

940 is L2 2MB, L3 6MB
720 is L2 1.5MB, L3 6MB

so:
940 as 8MB total
720 as 7.5MB total

So the AM3 Tri core has the most L3 cache per core, even more than the current flagship AM2+ 940.

how are you thinking the AM3 Tri as more cache than the 940?

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

The AM3 X3 does have more L3 per core than the X4's, it's 6mb shared by 3 compared to 6mb shared by 4.

X3's are great chips.

 

[gareth170]

The AM3 X3 does have more L3 per core than the X4's, it's 6mb shared by 3 compared to 6mb shared by 4.

i see what u saying. but i don't think it really matters how many cores there is because it still shares it. it isn't like L3 is cut up in to 1MB's or 2MB's per core.

the L2 is the one thats cut up per core,, which is more important..

also its basicly the same as the x4 because while u think the x3 as more L3 cache per core, it has lost cache on the L2..

if i'm thinking of it in the wrong then im sorry..

 

[Bleek]

My point was the L2 remains the same where the L3 is actually more per core (average share) and hence you get a performance increase. Ok so it's not massive but definitely better than not having it there!

 

[Mr Doovde]

Do you think the the tri cores will be affected much by quad core optimised games such as GTA IV/Supreme commander, or should they hold their own reasonably well even though they are not quad core?

 

[Emlyn_Dewar]

I thought GTA IV just needed more than 2 cores, from their forums the X3 chips seem to go down reasonably when clocked.

 

[gurusan]

GTA IV is not quad-core optimized.

 

[rypt]

GTA IV is not quad-core optimized.

Indeed, it is tri

 

[Mr Doovde]

Oh, ok, thanks for the heads-up. It should be fine then.

 

[lynchy6789]

well that upset my upgrade should i be looking at a MD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720 Black Edition 2.8GHz instead of a e7400??

 

[Bleek]

If I didn't already have a AM2+ board with 940, I'd be jumping on a 720 BE!

 

[lynchy6789]

Just looked at this DDR 3. THink i will just stick to the e7400

 

[Bleek]

well that upset my upgrade should i be looking at a MD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720 Black Edition 2.8GHz instead of a e7400??

7400 is slower in [virtually] every benchmark.

 

[lynchy6789]

Is there a decent mobo that will run 720 with DRR II 6400 ram?

 

[rypt]

7400 is slower in [virtually] every benchmark.

The fact that you have to say "virtually" is funny, seeing as the Phenom has a whole extra core and still only barely beats the C2D.

 

[lynchy6789]

think i am going to stick with my e7400 is the 720 is a little more £££ and only just beats it. E7400 is suppose to Overclock really well.

 

[Bleek]

The fact that you have to say "virtually" is funny, seeing as the Phenom has a whole extra core and still only barely beats the C2D.

Well it beats it by quite some margin in some benchmarks, most benchmarks don't take advantage of the third core either...

I just wanted to cover my back and not say ALL, by MASSIVE amounts!