Theoretical Performance between Various Cache Sizes and MHz
When you’re considering a new Intel CPU, there are many things to consider, like the CPU’s L2 cache, L3 cache, MHz, ISA, voltage, and FSB speed. The clock speed of the CPU determines at what frequency the electrical voltage runs through the processor. This measure of high and low voltage intervals regulates the processor’s clock speed. Traditionally the more MHz a CPU has – the better performance of the CPU.
The cache size of the CPU demonstrates the CPU’s ability to communicate with its core chipset components. A CPU with a larger Level 2 cache can quickly transfer instructions to the RAM or graphics card. The Intel Dual and Quad processors each have L2 cache for use with each individual core. The L3 cache is usually shared among the cores. For quicker performance, CPUs with larger cache sizes like the Extreme line of CPUs from Intel, seem the better alternative. The upcoming Nehalem microarchitecture should prove to be interesting, as the L2 caches of the Bloomfield processor show only 256Kb per core. This would be a decrease from the robust QX9770 we discuss at length in this article.
For a desktop CPU, the best results can be found with lower density transistors, like those found in the 45nm Penryn family of processors, higher FSB speeds, fast clock rates, and large L2 cache sizes. Do the same rules apply for laptops?
A Look at Intel Processors Performance Tests
The QX9770, Intel’s top of the line processor, has all the bases covered – excellent clock speed, large L2 cache, and great FSB speed. As for price, the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 retails for around $1,500. This is a $500 increase on the comparable QX9650, which lags behind the QX9770 in clock speed and FSB. Both are great processors, but they’re also very expensive. In this section, we’ll take a look at these top of the line processors’ performance along with their more economical counterparts.
The Dual Core processors, like the E6750 and E6600, cannot stand up to the Quad Core technology even when the FSB and L2 Cache sizes are similar. The Q6600 with 1066MHz and 4MB of L2 Cache outperforms the comparable E6600. Techgage.com reveal this in their video encoding tests. Clearly the Quad Core technology amps up the ability to perform rigorous video encoding processes, but how do different Intel processors perform when it comes to gaming?
The E8500 Dual Core processor can stand up with the Quad Core QX9770 and QX9650. Games don't seem to use the extra cores to their advantage. We have an extensive article comparing the dual core and quad core Intel CPUs in gaming. The L2 cache and FSB speeds also don’t make much of an impact on the performance. The processor speed really makes the most difference. The number of cores in the processor is also a small factor, as compared to the clock speed. Overall games performed better when they have access to faster clock speed CPUs. The Tech Report’s extensive article on the AMD Phenon Quad and Triple core processors is a good reference.
Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs tend to be the most used programs on many computers and as such a CPU’s performance with these programs is a critical factor when considering a purchase.
The tests on LegitReviews.com summarize what you can expect from the current Intel CPUs performance with Microsoft Office. Key CPU elements like the clock speed, FSB, and L2 cache can make a difference. The QX9770 really bursts out of the box with the best numbers on both tests, dusting the dual core processors by more close to a third in each test. The Quad cores all closely fall in line and perform the demanding tasks quickly. It appears Microsoft Excel utilizes the extra cores and clock speed to its advantage. For demanding office environments, the new quad cores deliver the performance many will need. But what else can help a CPU perform to its highest potential, regardless of the computer’s use?
To answer this question, we need to understand how a computer works. Let’s start with the basics. Every CPU has a Front Side Bus (FSB), which carries information between the CPU and the northbridge of a computer’s motherboard. The northbridge is the memory controller for the motherboard. This controller speaks to the CPU, RAM, and AGP or PCI Express interfaces. The FSB delivers crucial information to the video card and the system memory. If the FSB runs at 1600MHz like the QX9770, but the RAM only runs at 1333MHz, then there is a gap between the components. This would hinder the overall effectiveness of the CPU. To truly utilize a CPU’s speed, you need a complimentary speed of your memory. Many chipsets provide options for the processor to be overclocked, although having a CPU and RAM running at the same MHz is the better guarantee of the best performance from your system.