Use of L3 cache when compiling?


Recommended Posts

I compile applications often, and they usually take 1-2 hours. I'm planning to upgrade my dual core rig to a quad core one, but I'd like to pull back on cost.

The latest Athlon X4 620 interests me, because I can make use of all 4 cores to compile the app, and it seems to come in cheaply at US$100. Does not having an L3 cache (the Athlon X4s) affect my compile time significantly? i.e. Is it worth paying total 2-3 times more for a Core i5 750 or a Phenom X4 945 instead of Athlon X4 620?

I'm largely budget-conscious but doesn't mind paying more if it's worth it (Core i7s and its associated platform costs are largely out of range though). Also, I tend leave this computer 24/7 so power may be a factor too. I plan to have 8-16 Gb of DDR3 RAM to maximize the potential of the rig during compilation... Nope I don't play games often.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/830194-use-of-l3-cache-when-compiling/
Share on other sites

I just have to ask what exactly are you compiling that takes 1-2 hours? or is it multiple applications that overall take that long?

guess it depends on what you're compiling i know the hard drive can play an important role in compile speed (i tried compiling on a flash memory stick with 10MB read/write surprisingly took a very long time considering the content)

if its processor bound then i guess a core 2 duo/quad would be a nice upgrade path

could you post the rest of your system specs?

cheers

This seems better for an extra $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819103471

L3 cache, 3ghz vs 2.6ghz on the newer, more slightly efficient architecture plus it's a black edition, so you can probably get some extra mhz if you're into overclocking.

I don't overclock, and I'm on a SATA II 1Tb Seagate 7200.11 drive (which I'll swap out for an SSD when prices drop further).

Rest of my specs? Mobo depends on processor (non-gaming), probably 8-16 Gb ram, the hard drive described above, DVD burner, probably onboard graphics.

Oh, and I compile Mozilla applications, e.g. Firefox / Thunderbird. Each take ~1 hour on my dualcore rig. Athlon X2 5600+, 4Gb DDR2 RAM, that Seagate drive above. WinXP. (I compile in about half that time on Ubuntu though I not often on Linux)

I could be wrong, but wouldn't it also be better for you to have a larger L2 cache instead of an L3 cache? As L2 should be closer to the CPU and faster for it to access.

  Quote
L2 and L3 don't make much difference. L2 pools data for cores and L3 pools data feed between L2 basically. latency of them would be minimal when compiling i'm sure.

So having an L3 cache would help? (yes, I would think that higher clockspeed would help, though increasing the number of cores would help more)

What about Core i7? Will having multithreading on top of the 4 cores prove even better?

That link was a bonus for me RAID O I wanted to find out the price of the i5 processors.

I have just read a 4 page review of the i5 series from APC magazine (check there web review) and it suggests that the chipset that's needed can run a new i7 series that has come out, so after say 2yrs you can just replace the cpu and carry on...

However the price for technology is over rated and yes to achieve your goal with the i5 series you need a new m/board P55 chipset and DDR3 ram and an expensive graphics card.

Think about this sum

Intel Core i5 750 Qaud Core Processor $200

Intel DP55KG Extreme M/Board $250

low voltage +2200 6gig DDR 3 ram say 300-400

9800 GT or GTX graphics card say 250-300

9800gt or gtx $300? mm what currency is this in?

as for memory no need to get 2200 ^_^

i've had nothing but bad luck with 2000+ memory and in the end if you get 6 dimms its pointless to have that kind of bandwidth as it can't all be utilized (4 dimms in the case of i5..actually anyone know the maximum bandwidth limit supported by the i5?)

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Taras Buria, do you think you could write more about Windows Vista? It is always such a pleasure — quite a pleasure — to see it mentioned in the title of a news article. What about an editorial?
    • Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Monitor: A premium ultrawide for serious gamers - save $100! by Paul Hill Are you a serious gamer looking to save money on a monitor upgrade? If so, check out this deal on the Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3425DW), which is discounted by 13% from $799.99 to just $699.99. This ultrawide monitor features a 3,440 x 1,440 pixel display and the screen is curved for added immersion. Two features that will stand out to competitive gamers are the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG response time which will minimize any lagging from input to display, making you a more lethal player. Why QD-OLED matters for gamers and creators This Alienware uses QD-OLED (Quantum Dot Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology which combines OLED’s self-emitting LEDs with the color-enhancing capabilities of quantum dots. This results in higher brightness, a wider color gamut, deeper blacks, and wide viewing angles. With the 1800R curve built into this display, whatever you’re immersed in will wrap around, making your games more absorbing, potentially reducing other distractions. There is also VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification and 1,000 nits peak HDR brightness on this display. Gamers using this monitor will be able to get the best quality picture from this monitor to improve the experience and their competitiveness. It’s also good for creators who want to edit images and videos as they will see the content they're editing in the best ways possible, so they can be totally sure it’s ready for publication. Design, connectivity, and user experience The Alienware 34 uses an updated Interstellar Indigo design which is more compact and uses a flat stand. This frees up desk space compared to older Alienware designs and still allows for height, tilt, and swivel adjustments and VESA mount compatibility. Regarding ports, this monitor features 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB 5Gbps Type-B upstream, 1x USB 5Gbps Type-A downstream, 1x USB-C 5Gbps downstream with 15W charging. The USB-C port is for data and charging, not video input and the lack of KVM switch could be a drawback for some. If you decide to pick up this monitor, according to PCWorld, it does not include in-built speakers so you will need to connect your own. This is not a big issue because gamers looking for a premium playing experience will not want to rely on subpar in-built speakers anyway. Is the AW3425DW the right fit for you? Given its curved display, quality QD-LED display technology, and its fast response time, this monitor is a great pick for serious gamers looking for top-tier performance and immersion. Content creators who value color accuracy will also do well in picking up this Alienware monitor. Alienware 34: $699.99 (Amazon US) / MSRP $799.99 This Amazon deal is US-specific and not available in other regions unless specified. If you don't like it or want to look at more options, check out the Amazon US deals page here. Get Prime (SNAP), Prime Video, Audible Plus or Kindle / Music Unlimited. Free for 30 days. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Rising Star
      Phillip0web went up a rank
      Rising Star
    • One Month Later
      Epaminombas earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      Bert Fershner earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Reacting Well
      ChrisOdinUK earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • One Year In
      Steviant earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      545
    2. 2
      ATLien_0
      205
    3. 3
      +FloatingFatMan
      170
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      150
    5. 5
      Som
      131
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!