2 MB vs. 4 MB L2 Cache Core 2 Duo: How much difference does it make?

2 MB vs. 4 MB L2 Cache Core 2 Duo: How much difference does it make?

There are 2 versions of the Core 2 Duo, one with 2 MB L2 cache and the other with 4 MB. L2 cache is important because it keeps program code and data closer to the CPU so that it doesn't take as long to retrieve it from main memory. It's the difference between a roofer having a tool on his tool belt vs. back in the truck. The bigger the tool belt, the more likely he is to have the tool he needs with him, saving time.

WE clocked the 2 MB and 4 MB cache versions at the same speed and ran a series of benchmarks testing a variety of different applications. We found that content creation and video and audio encoding showed the biggest gains for the 4 MB version, roughly 8% to 10% faster than the one with 2 MB cache.

Having the extra cache isn't going to blow you away, but it can add a noticeable performance improvement for users of some applications. Most games and business applications, however, saw very little improvement.

How important is 1,066MHz Front Side Bus Speed?

The 1,066MHz front side bus (FSB) has been anticipated on the Core 2 Extreme processor, and a number of people are looking forward to it as The Next Big Thing (TM). But is it? But the performance is practically unaffected by the bump from 800MHz FSB to 1,066MHz. In reality, the increase is pointless, and if you are looking to purchase an Intel Core 2 Extreme or Core 2 Duo, there is no reason to prefer 1,066MHz FSB over 800MHz.