Please help with deciding what will be my next PC!

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elonan3

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#1 elonan3
Member since 2007 • 25 Posts

Hello to all,

I am determining what PC to buy next and saw that one processor from one computer had 1.86GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, and 1066Mhz FSB, while the other had all the same except only 2MB L2 Cache. Therefore, I was wondering how much difference this 2 MB of difference would make in gaming and performance. Furthermore, these two PC's are the New Dell 720 Black and the other is the Dell XPS 410 Desktop in case anyone wants to tell which one is better (720 Black is brand new so good luck). In addition, it isinteresting to note that the 2MB L2 Cache processor is on the more expensive model (720 Black) which to me doesn't make much sense. I was wanting to buy the720 model but didn't know if it was even a better computer than the other. Your amazing insight would very much help me because I am very much ignorant when it comes to the technical aspects of computers. Thanks.

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firefly026

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#2 firefly026
Member since 2005 • 3270 Posts
First of all, this should be in the PC hardware section. Secondly, do you have any interest in building your own? I'm willing to bet you would pay half the amount for the same components. Third, if you have to choose between those two, the 720 is superior, but more expensive. I'm not sure about the difference in performance with the 2MB L2 cache, I don't believe there would be much of one.
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Swiftstrike5

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#3 Swiftstrike5
Member since 2005 • 6950 Posts
The extra 2mb of cache will increase preformance quite a bit. It saves time because it doesnt require information to be sent from memory to CPU then back. Exactly how much more does it cost?
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elonan3

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#4 elonan3
Member since 2007 • 25 Posts

The 720 is 400$ more with 2MB less in cache. Doesn't make much sense huh?

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Swiftstrike5

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#5 Swiftstrike5
Member since 2005 • 6950 Posts
Could you post more detailed specs then cause it seems like Im missing something with the 400$ difference cause 400$ differnce between CPUs is like a Pentium 4 vs Core 2 extreme.
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elonan3

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#6 elonan3
Member since 2007 • 25 Posts

Sure here you go. Thanks for your help.

720 Black ($1999):

Processor-Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6320 (1.86 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz FSB)

OS-Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

Monitor-20" UltraSharp Widescreen Flat Panel

Memory-2 GB Dual Channel DDR2

Hard Drive-320GB Hard Drive

CD/DVD Drive-Plays and Creates CDs and DVDs with Double-Layer Write Capability

Graphics-256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS

Sound-Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic (D)

Speakers-Flat Panel Speakers

Dell XPS 410 Desktop ($1599):

Processor-Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6320 (1.86 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz FSB)

OS-Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

Monitor-20" Widescreen Flat Panel

Memory-2 GB Dual Channel DDR2

Hard Drive-320 GB Hard Drive

CD/DVD Drive-2x Blu-ray Disc Drive- Plays and Writes High QualityHD Video

Graphics-256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS

Sound-Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio

Speakers-Flat Panel Speakers

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Swiftstrike5

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#7 Swiftstrike5
Member since 2005 • 6950 Posts
2nd one looks a bit better and its 400$ cheaper. Only difference I see is the integrated audio (I play with integrated audio... its not too bad. I can hear footsteps in CS:S) and a different monitor (also the cd writer, but that depends on whay you will use it for). Are you sure the 720 isnt 4mb cache because the e6320 only comes in 4mb cache. Either way I would say the 2nd one is a good deal (not better than building your own, but better than the 720). Unless your a hardcore music addict I would say that 7.1 channel integrated is good enough for gaming.