6MB Cache or 8MB Cache for GAMING???

[abeaty1]

Trying to decide between two mobile CPUs. They are both within .1 GHz of each other so I am not really worried about that. However, will 8MB Cache REALLY be used in games such as BF3 and COD II or will 6MB suffice? I ask because the 6MB is almost $200 cheaper!

What do you think? Is 8MB a marketing gimmick? I do not do video editing, just gaming...

 

[amuffin]

It doesn't matter.

 

[abeaty1]

Elaborate, please? I understand cache is CPU memory to locate things quicker because RAM is much slower.

It doesn't matter, how?

 

[amuffin]

Even though more cache sounds better, it doesn't necessarily denote more performance for gaming. It isn't a very significant difference either, you'd really want to be spending $200 on a better GPU for your lappy!

 

[havene123]

Tell us what the two processors actually are...

 

[payturr]

What? No, thats wrong - RAM isn't much slower, cache is just there to hold processes for the CPU to perform, and it's more convenient & slightly faster, while RAM holds things like application data. 6MB is sufficient - 8MB wouldn't be helpful unless you're working on HEAVY applications (video editing), gaming doesn't demand a lot.

 

[asalikus]

Haha, guys he is talking about the CPU's L3 Cache and no 6MB is well enough for you.

 

[amuffin]

I'm guessing the i7-36xxQM and a 38XXQM cpu.

 

[abeaty1]

Yes, amuffin. Thank you guys for all your advice. Sounds like I am going with the i7-36xxQM with 6MB cache. It is $200 cheaper. Thank you!

 

[asalikus]

How about choosing a best-answer, eh?

Yes, amuffin. Thank you guys for all your advice. Sounds like I am going with the i7-36xxQM with 6MB cache. It is $200 cheaper. Thank you!

 

[abeaty1]

Best answer selected by abeaty1.

 

[asalikus]

Haha, thanks!
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Best answer selected by abeaty1.

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