New CPU l2 cache speed...

[KevinsHope]

Hi All,

I recently purchased an Intel Core 2 Quad 3.16 ghz processor. Now...Intel doesn't list it on their site, but it definitely exist, because I held it in my hand this morning and it is currently running on my computer. The guy I bought it from said it has a l2 cache of 6 MB total...3 MB x 2. I just wanted to know which one will be faster. My old CPU is a Core 2 Quad 2.84 Ghz processor with a l2 cache of 6 MB x 2 (12 MB). So...how important is this Cache to speed and will the 3.16 ghz be faster than my 2.84 ghz? I run games a lot on my PC.

[JLK03F150]

What's the model number of the CPU? A 3.16GHz with 6GB of L2 sounds like an E8500 Core 2 Duo. CPUz should help with the ID.
CPUID

[KevinsHope]

What's the model number of the CPU? A 3.16GHz with 6GB of L2 sounds like an E8500 Core 2 Duo. CPUz should help with the ID.
CPUID

I guess I could have mentioned that. It is the Q9705. You'll be hard pressed to find any info on it on line, but it does exist. I downloaded CPUz and it confirmed the ID of the CPU. I added an image above of the CPUz screen for this CPU. My old CPU is model Q9550.

[JLK03F150]

Oh, you got the big brother of the Q9505. Nice! It should perform very well gaming and be a nice jump from the Q9550 because of the higher clock. Cache is important in gaming to a point, then has diminishing returns. The difference from 1MB to 3MB is huge, from 3MB to 6MB not so much.

Do you have any plans to overclock? It should easily run at 3.6GHz, maybe more (provided your motherboard is capable).

I think it's odd Intel has continued to release LGA775 CPUs since it is a "EOL" platform. I've seen E8700 (3.5GHz) and E8900 (4.0GHz!) Duo's on other sites too.

[KevinsHope]

Oh, you got the big brother of the Q9505. Nice! It should perform very well gaming and be a nice jump from the Q9550 because of the higher clock. Cache is important in gaming to a point, then has diminishing returns. The difference from 1MB to 3MB is huge, from 3MB to 6MB not so much.

Do you have any plans to overclock? It should easily run at 3.6GHz, maybe more (provided your motherboard is capable).

I think it's odd Intel has continued to release LGA775 CPUs since it is a "EOL" platform. I've seen E8700 (3.5GHz) and E8900 (4.0GHz!) Duo's on other sites too.

Thanks for your help. This is such a newb question, but...what would be a freeware, safe way to overclock my CPU? Will it put added wear and tear on the CPU if I overclock it? If not, why do they rate it so much lower than what it is capable of? I do not want to do anything to this CPU that would shorten its lifespan, so to speak. Thoughts?

[RandomNameHere]

The free and safe way would be using your BIOS settings. From what I hear application OC is about 50/50 some people say it works great and they feel better because they don't have to enter the BIOS and others say it's a waste of time and only results in BSODs.

Personally I use the BIOS method. You'll read guides that say to raise the FSB by like 5 and then test it using Prime95 or something.

But normally I'll go with the average of what other people are getting first or getting a nice round FSB to match memory speeds (got a E6750 at 400 FSB 3.2GHz and the memory is DDR2 800).

I suggest just testing with the BIOS a little, if it doesn't work you'll get BSODs, reboots, etc. Then just reset the BIOS with the jumper or switch on the motherboard and try again with a lower setting.

Yes overclocking adds additional wear and tear, but most CPUs now can handle it and it shouldn't reduce the life of your CPU by any noticeable amount. Also overclocking voids your warranty.

So if you're fine with the speeds of your CPU then leave it at stock settings. But if getting more power from your CPU makes you giddy then go for it .

BTW: What is your motherboard make/model?

[JLK03F150]

The free and safe way would be using your BIOS settings.

BTW: What is your motherboard make/model?

Yup, totally agree that overclocking is always best done in the motherboard BIOS. The mobo & chipset info are the most important things to know prior to attempting an overclock. If the board is a Dell, HP, Compaq, etc then you won't be able to overclock even if it has a good chipset. Mainstream manufacturers don't provide those options in BIOS. Also most VIA, SiS and some Intel chipsets are terrible overclockers.

IMHO, a mild overclock without any voltage increase and CPU temperature kept under control will not harm the CPU longevity enough to even worry about it.

My E8600 3.3GHz (10x333MHz FSB) runs fine at 4.0GHz (9x450MHz FSB) on default volts. I have an Asus Rampage Formula mobo with an X48 chipset. It is designed for extreme overclocking.