Iain Young

Hi folks,

I'm looking to get a new laptop, and although I've chosen the model I want, I've got two options where the processor (or more specifically the processor cache) is concerned.

Option 1 is a Pentium 4, 3.2ghz, hyperthreading with 512kb of level2 cache.

Option 2 is a the same config, but with an additional 2Mb of level3 cache (making 2.5Mb of cache in total).

Now the question I have for you peeps out there is do you think that the extra 2mb of cache is worth the additional £340 (ex vat) price tag? I know it will be quicker than option 1, but will I really notice it? I'll be mainly using the laptop for....

Programming in Java, VC++ version 6, and .net
3d graphics (raytracing, modeling etc using Lightwave)
Controlling a computerised astronomical telescope and associated cameras
And of course loads of games

Any opinions gratefully received...
Iain

ChrisB

The 2Mb Cache version will be the P4 Extreme Edition I expect. It's a Xeon CPU repackaged with a big price tag.

You will see a performance boost over the normal P4. There's plenty of tests on the web now comparing the new P4 core (Prescott) to the EE and 'current' P4 core Northwood.

http://www.anandtech.com/cpu/showdoc.html?i=1956&p=22 has some benchmarks including a Lightwave render.

Iain Young

Thanks Chris. After looking at that link, (and doing a bit of a web search) I'm getting the general feeling that the extreme chip is very good, but is probably not worth the rather large price hike over the standard cpu. Does this tie in with what you've read as well?

Thanks,
Iain

ChrisB

Yup

You'd need to be feeling very flush or buying with somebody elses money to opt for a P4 EE IMO. The normal 3.2Ghz won't be a slouch to start with.

Iain Young

Excellent, that's saved some of my pennies then

Thanks again