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4Ghz Core 2 Duo vs M.A.M.E. 0.120 (benchmark results)
Jdurg:
I'm no expert, but I think that a larger cache means that the CPU has more data waiting for it, and therefore is able to inherently run faster. (Since it doesn't have to wait for the data to come to it since it's already sitting there in the cache). Whenever I've bought CPUs for my day-to-day use or for overclocking, if given a choice I've taken the one with the larger cache.
Please feel free to correct me, everybody, if I'm wrong.
joeH:
Sorry...should have been more specific. I realize the more cache the better. The question was directly towards MAME specifically. (This would be a machine for a cab...not a day-2-day machine). :)
TheManuel:
Take a look at this article at Tom's Hardware addressing this very issues.
The most they managed to get by doubling the cache size was 8% on WinRAR. Some applications did not gain anything.
I don't know how exactly this would play out in MAME but assume the best you can possibly get is 8% and think whether it is worth the extra $40. Probably not. This might get you a few extra frames on those CHD games but nothing worth writing home about. Then again, you could get nothing for your $40.
Maybe the MAMEWorld forums would be a better place to ask the question but there aren't many people over there willing to help anymore from what I've seen coming back to the hobby. I think there is too many jaded people there.
joeH:
Thanks for the post. I doubt the Mame forums will be much help. This was just going to be a stop-gap processor until the 45nm cores came out, so the 2180 may be the better buy in the short run.
Jdurg:
Since filing my taxes, I'm getting a nice present from Uncle Sam. That means I'll be getting myself a laptop since it's inherently more useful to me than replacing my desktop. (I can sit in my living room and watch TV while surfing the web with my laptop, and I can also move around the house and do other things while still having my computer on. Gives me some mobility).
Anyway, with the refund I got i'm looking at getting a new 45nm Core 2 Duo system and just trying to decide if I want the T9500 or the T9300 system. I'm just not sure if the 100 MHz is worth the extra $225. From what I've seen in this thread, I wouldn't think so.
So i hope to get this system once my refund arrives and get a chance to see how it holds up. (It will be a 64-bit system so hopefully the "how-to" for 64-bit compiling will be available at that point).