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What is 6MB L2 cache?

Which is better, 6MB L2 cache with 4MB RAM or 3MB L2 cache with 8MB RAM?

  • Which is better... a 6MB L2 cache with 4MB RAM on a Core2Duo 2.8MHz ---or--- a 3MB L2 cache with 8MB RAM on a Core2Duo 2.66MHz Both are on Apple Macbook Pros. Thanks bunches for your answers!

  • Answer:

    The memory is going to be useful for applications that are memory intensive, like graphics programs. The bigger L2 cache is useful for faster transfer cycles to your CPU, so it doesn't need to play catch up and speeds up access to data. So the more L2 cache, the faster programs load and access. Go with the 6MB L2 Cache + 4GB. Keith Mitchell,Server Engineer,Hosting.com

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It really depends upon what you're planning to use it for. But generally, I would go with the 6MB L2 cache + 4GB RAM for two reasons...One it has a slightly faster processor and second, you can upgrade the RAM to the 8GB but you can't change the cache size. ----------------- If the prices are equal...Then I would go with the 8GB model. Generally the processors have enough compute power. And I took a look the upgrade to the 8GB is fairly expensive and to avoid swapping, it's worth it to get a processor with less compute power and cache.

If they are the same core architecture, I'd go with the 6MB/4GB system. 4GB is plenty of memory, having more than you need doesn't help anything, and you can always upgrade later if you found you did need it. The cache on a processor is not upgradeable - you'd have to change the whole processor, which is much more expensive. The processor with the larger cache will help with multitasking, and it is also good that it's 133 mhz faster, too. Before you decide, though, be sure to check exactly what model of Core2 Duo you're getting. Sometimes a newer one with lower cache/mhz will run faster than an older one with more. Edit to additional information: In your case, I'd say the RAM will be the determining factor. I don't do much large-scale graphic editing myself, but the general rule is that the biggest impact on system performance is having enough RAM to do what you do. For the vast majority of people, 4GB is plenty. How much RAM is in the computer you have now? If you have 4GB already and you're getting a lot of disk activity (swapping) when you try to do operations on your graphics, you will need more RAM. If you're not getting unusually large amounts of disk activity, then you probably have enough and the faster processor will help you more. If you're currently working with less than 4GB and it's not enough, then all I can say is use your best judgment.

Go with the higher cache. That is built in to the CPU and cannot be changed. With cache, bigger is better. More RAM can always be added later.

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