how important is L3 Cache

you know I could be wrong about that, thats a good question you ask, i hope someone answers it because I want to know also :)
 
Sorta of a open end question. If your talking about the Athlon vs. Phenom. Sure, just about any % of benchmarks, if the ghz. are equal the Phenom will win. Some by more of a degree then others.
 
StrangleHold said:
Sorta of a open end question. If your talking about the Athlon vs. Phenom. Sure, just about any % of benchmarks, if the ghz. are equal the Phenom will win. Some by more of a degree then others.
Click to expand...

okay so i want to get this cpu. will i need l3 cache for gaming, or should i ask what is cache for?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103702

or i was going to get this cpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103656

can they both be overclock?
 
Cache on the processor is faster than RAM access. Keep that in mind. However, you do need to balance what is in cache so you don't create any bottle necks.
 
I say go with the phenom II x4 6mb L3 cache will make a difference and also they overclock really well.
 
StrangleHold said:
Well 30 bucks difference. Between those I would go with the 925. But both are the old C2 stepping.

This is the newer 635 C3 stepping. Probably clock better then either of the above.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103882
Click to expand...

That's definitely a problem. C2 steppings don't overclock as well, and have problems with faster-than-standard RAM. I got a C2 635 by accident, and can only get my 7-8-7 rated RAM to 8-8-7. :(

If you want a Phenom, I believe the 945 is the cheapest C3. If you look at the model numbers, C2 will end in GI, while C3 will end in GM. They also usually have BOX at the end after that, indicating a retail product. OEM versions don't have that.
 
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Drenlin said:
That's definitely a problem. C2 steppings don't overclock as well, and have problems with faster-than-standard RAM. I got a C2 635 by accident, and can only get my 7-8-7 rated RAM to 8-8-7. :(
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Yeap, the C2 memory controller wasnt as stable as the C3. With the C2 sometimes bumping up the CPUNB voltage would help.
 
StrangleHold said:
Yes, thats a C3 stepping. As time goes along, they make improvements to the core and/or the memory controller. If the changes are large enough they will give it a new stepping number. Or if they find a flaw and fix it they will give it a new stepping number.
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okay so im gona get that cpu then
 
TY drenlin and stranglehold
I learned a lot from this thread didnt know about the C2 and C3 memory controller difference.
I thought the phenom was better just because I saw the benchmarks but they were of a C2 stepped.
 
JareeB said:
okay so im gona get that cpu then
Click to expand...

This could be another choice if your trying to stay around 100 bucks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846

High chance it could be unlocked to a quad. Plus its the C3 steppiing.

mihir said:
TY drenlin and stranglehold
I learned a lot from this thread didnt know about the C2 and C3 memory controller difference.
I thought the phenom was better just because I saw the benchmarks but they were of a C2 stepped.
Click to expand...

They make both the Phenom II and Athlon II in C3 stepping.
 
+1 for the C3 stepping 635, best choice.

Cache is not as important as core count. With a quad at 3ghz or better, you aren't going to have any troubles in games no matter what the cache size.
 
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