Intel expands Core 2 Duo line-up
Cache question
Intel has extended its line of desktop dual-core Core 2 Duo processors, adding an extra model to the set limited to an 800MHz frontside bus and beefing up the cache size of a number of 1066MHz FSB versions.
So, in comes the 2GHz Core 2 Duo E4400, fitted with 2MB of L2 cache. The existing E6300 and E6400, clocked at 1.86GHz and 2.13GHz, respectively, also contain 2MB of L2, but are now joined by versions at the same clock speed but with 4MB of L2 as per the remainder of the Core 2 Duo E6xxx series.
The two new 4MB L2 CPUs are the E6320 and E6420. Both are capable of 64-bit processing and support Intel's Virtualisation Technology, something the E4400 lacks.
Earlier this week, Intel cut its desktop processor prices by up to 40 per cent.
COMMENTS
Cache is the new GHZ
I predict you're going to see more cache tossed about as things heat up between Intel and AMD -- lots of cache helps to keep plenty of code and data nearby for those multi-cores to chew on and stay busy.
You want to minimize hogging the FSB having to go to the Fridge (Memory) or God help us all the way to the Freezer (hard drive).
This goes hand in hand with the new onboard "disk cache" Intel announced ----- this will evolve into a L3 cache sitting between the Fridge and Freezer.
Lastly - look for algorithm wars on how best to clevery up relevant stuff in them caches
