The Catch

[Sildo]

What is the "catch" on a prossesor? (L1 L2) I assume it's good, but how important is it.

 

[The Person]

The cache on a processor is the first place it looks for data before it goes to the RAM. The CPU cache is much faster than normal RAM, but much more expensive, so it isn't very big.

The point of the CPU cache is to get data as quickly as possible. Since it is so much faster than normal RAM it is clear why the CPU prefers data from its cache instead of the RAM. It can work much faster when working from its cache.

 

[Speedo]

Most CPUs nowadays will have at least a 512KB L2 cache, just the "low-end" versions like Celerons and Semprons will have 256KB. You will also find some CPUs on the higher end with 1MB l2... as for the actual performance difference, I've read that for the vast majority of apps, the difference between 512KB and 1MB L2 is negligible.

 

[Sildo]

So the athaloon 64 3500+ is a better choice then 3700+? (They only differ in catch size)

 

[Speedo]

Mainly depends on your budget

If you have the extra $30 or so to get a 3700, then definetly get it. It will give somewhat better performance, and is probably a better bet if you're planning on keeping it for a while. But if you're on a tight budget, then you can get a 3500 without fear that it's crippled or anything like that.

Btw, when you're looking at these be sure you're getting the Venice core 3500 or the San Diego core 3700. Those are the latest revisions of the processors, which you definetly want to get. The older version is the Clawhammer core.