Bigger L2 cache or more RAM?

[kwall at kurtwerks.com]

On Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 07:28:02PM -0500, Ed Jabbour wrote:
> Looking to get a new laptop.   One has a 1MB L2 cache and 1 GB RAM; another, a 
> 512KB cache but 2 GB RAM.  Assuming all else being equal, either of these 
> two "better"?

I'd opt for more RAM. Unless you can keep the CPU busy, the extra 512K
of cache won't give you as much bang for the buck as the extra 1GB of RAM.

On the other hand, you can get the extra L2 cache now and add the RAM
later. It's easier and cheaper to add RAM than it is to add cache.

Kurt
-- 
Putt's Law:
	Technology is dominated by two types of people:
		Those who understand what they do not manage.
		Those who manage what they do not understand.