For running one or two srcds, you probably won't see a big difference for 512K, 1MB or 2MB L2 cache or 533 / 800 MHz for that matter.
256K L2 cache will be noticeably slower though. If I had to rate value I would say: 1. P4 Northwood or newer (not Celeron) 2. higher cpu clock rate (higher clock rates demands a better cpu cooler like a zalman though) 3. matched performance memory (2 sticks in Dual channel mode) 4. more system memory (1GB minimum, 2GB best, no more then 2 sticks in either case, 4 stick of memory = slower) 5. 800MHz memory (PC3200 C2) Normal P4: 512K L2 cache (Northwood) is fine, no need to burn money on EE P4: 2MB L2 cache AMD 64 cpu running 32-bit OS is going to be pretty similar (forget 64-bit OS). Is an AMD 3200+ as good as an Intel 3.0 P4? IMO it's a toss up. I have both but prefer intel, Intel mobos seem to be a little more stable. A really good case and powersupply with good flow-through cooling is worth the extra expense as well as a good UPS. As a baseline comparison, a P4 3.0GHz / 800MHz / 512K L2 machine with 2GB memory can run 4ea SRCDS (no bots!, 300FPS) and see an average ~50% utilization peaking occasionally at 75% (map changes) with 50 to 64 players (hi-res timer enabled). CPU% is very dependent on the map and the mod though, so two or three TF2 sessions (or CSS with bots) might max the system out. I'm also talking pure vanilla SRCDS here, no addons. Win2K3 is going to be a little better then XP Pro but disabling unneeded services in both can make a big difference. If you're looking at a datacenter box, get the 3.0 P4/800/512K L2 with 2GB memory unless $ is a big problem, it's worth the extra pennies. If you need to run more then 4 SRCDS on one box look into a newer core2duo or dual AMD but be aware that 2 physical CPUs does not give you 2X the performance, and more servers means you will need more physical memory too ($ is going to be a lot more overall). ----- Original Message ----- From: <taytrrs> To: <hlds@list.valvesoftware.com> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 5:01 PM Subject: [hlds] P4 vs. Celeron vs. AMD
Does anyone have, or could refer me to, any SRCDS specific performance comparisons between Celeron and P4 processors--or same for AMD? More specifically, how much better for how much more cache/bus and at what amount of cache/bus does the performance curve level? Would a (P4 3GHz 800MHz 2MB) outperform a (P4 3GHz 800MHz 1MB)? A (P4 3GHz 800MHz 1MB) outperform a (P4 3GHz 533MHz 256KB)? By how much? For example: What is average CPU% for (P4 3GHz 800MHz 1MB) vs. a (Celeron 3GHz 533MHz 256KB) given all other factors equal. Thanks!! Rick
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