Thanks for the responses to my query about the possible benefits of my new AMD2500+ 'Barton core' CPU.

I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it or not, as it's core speed of 1.84Ghz is way slower than my old ThoroughBred 2400+ at 2Ghz.

However, I have to say that my computer seems to be performing better all-round and the running temperature has dropped from the mid-50's to the low 40's.
Ian Porter
Computer Guys Inc.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
[log in to unmask]

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Sproule 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 4:00 AM
  Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] CPU oddity


  The new Bartons come with 512mb of L2 cache, compared to the Thoroughbred's
  256mb of L2 cache.  AMD is justifying the higher speed rating compared to
  actual processor clock speed based on the anticipated advantage of having a
  larger cache.  Whether it is actually an advantage (or how much of an
  advantage) will depend on the application being used.

  See here for more information.
  http://www.anandtech.com/cpu/showdoc.html?i=1783&p=2

  John



  ---
  Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
  Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
  Version: 6.0.493 / Virus Database: 292 - Release Date: 25/06/2003

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
           Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com