CPU cache? What is it for? Any significant effect on games?

[resident-shooter]

Title says it.

[nick]

Significant effect on games, normally yes.

What it's for - it stores the data the CPU is working on. The lower the cache level (L1, L2, L3), the closer the cache is to the CPU and so it travels through a faster bus, which is faster than storing that data in memory. The bigger the cache, the less data you have to swap to/from the memory over a slower bus. Of course, it also depends on how the cache is optimized, instruction set, etc., but all others being equal a larger cache would result in better performance.

Search for the benchmarks for your specific game (or gaming in general) to see how much better performance you'd get, and where the price/performance sweet spot is.

[rkt88edmo]

Memory just for the CPU.

Graphics card GPU, GPU cache and mem, probably has a lot more to do with game effectiveness.

[Merc1138]

Memory just for the CPU.

Graphics card GPU, GPU cache and mem, probably has a lot more to do with game effectiveness.

Audio, physics(in most circumstances), AI, etc. are all a part of gaming and require the CPU. It's the reason no one calls an i3 cpu with a 590gtx card a "gaming rig". Include multiplayer and now you've added network traffic onto the CPU load.

Of course like I asked the other guy wondering if he should get an i7-2600k, what is your use for it(and what's your idea of gaming) and what videocard is it being paired with?

[resident-shooter]

Eh, my video card works well though the model is a couple of years old. The CPU on the other hand is a 2.8 ghz dual core processor from 2005 that runs bad company 2 at 95-100% capacity. When the game is idling in the main menu, it takes 60-70% of CPU performance

So I definitely need a new CPU. Most new Intels have 8 mb of cache, AMDz have 6 mb. That is why I am wondering if there is a significant difference.

[Merc1138]

Ok,, since you said the CPU is 5 years old I'm going to assume it's a socket 775, possibly a core 2 duo? You won't be able to just upgrade to a new CPU, you'll have to swap the motherboard and RAM in the process.

The difference between cache sizes on AMD and Intel CPUs isn't a big deal. It's important when you're comparing those companies budget lines of CPUs to their higher end stuff.

That being said, you should still know what model videocard you have as well. A high end card from a couple years ago is a different story than a low end card from a couple years ago.

[resident-shooter]

Its actually Pentium D820 processor. No question about upgrading the board. I got DDR3 ram cartridges, so I will swap them over. The card is HD4670.

[Merc1138]

Pick an intel I-5/7 or it's and ewuivalet and you'll see a heck of a difference that pentium d of yours is ancient. Just avoid amd or intels low end garbage and you'll be fine. After that then upgrade the videocard last when you've got the cash.

[resident-shooter]

Yep, good intels are like $300 nowdays, which I don't mind paying for a processor that will carry me for 5 more years Video card is ok. just need another one for crossfirez

[r3dn3ck]

i5 and i7's are sick fast.

[DaveInOroValley]

Webopedia.com is your friend:

http://www.webopedia.com/search/Enter%20a%20term...Processor%20cache

[resident-shooter]

Thanks