AMD 6000+ 3.0GHz w/2MB L2 or 6000+ 3.1GHz w/1MB L2

Newegg has these 2 processors on their site for sale. What's the better processor? 100MHz more in clock speed or the extra megabyte of cache. I'm buying the processor for a 780G based HTPC. So, I won't be overclocking anything. I was gonna go with the 4850e, but I'd like a little more punch.

6000+ 3.1 1MB L2
newegg.com Item=N82E16819103272

6000+ 3.0 2MB L2
newegg.com Item=N82E16819103233

Any tips or suggestions?

I would cast my vote for the 3.1ghz with 1mb of L2 cache. Though cache clearly does have an impact on performance, its not nearly as significant with these X2s as it is with Intel Core based alternatives. So the extra 100mhz is very likely going to offer a greater impact on performance in day to day operation than the extra 1mb of L2 cache would.

It should also be pointed out that the 3.1ghz 1mb 6000 is a 65nm processor, while the 3ghz 2mb 6000 is a 90nm processor. While both carry an 89w TDP rating by AMD, given the more advanced manufacturing process, lower voltage, and energy efficient enhancements AMD has made to its 65nm nodes, you would see it running cooler than the 90nm version at idle and typical loads you would see in an HTPC. This would be a wise thing to consider given the cramped nature and poor airflow offered by most traditional HTPCs, not to mention the fact that higher efficiency processors can mean lower noise cooling.

Unfortunately AMD is currently unable to offer any 45w TDP processors that approach these clock speeds, but the recently launched 5050e is a 45w processor with a 2.6ghz clock speed, so while not quite as fast as the 3/3.1ghz 6000s, being rated at 45w TDP is certainly going to be an advantage if you are using a cramped micro ATX style HTPC case.
But I would have to ask how much punch you really need? Any dual core for AM2 would handle 1080p HD decoding with ease, especially with the 780G chipset being able to handle most of the grunt work. I would be very surprised to see any of these processors (including the 4850e) look past 40% CPU usage for AVC, VC-1, or Mpeg2 class 1080p HD media. If you are concerned with gaming, the 780G is a good chipset for it (as far as IGPs can go...) but its still going to be a big limitation for your performance and it wont matter if you pair it with a 2.4 or a 3.1ghz X2, the IGP is still going to be your bottleneck.

But if you expect to do a lot of multitasking, ripping/burning audio/video, and stuff like that, then yes it would be worth while to get a chip with a bit more kick, but with what the average HTPC would see, I dont know if a 6000 would be fully utilized and the balancing act would then quickly shift towards a more efficient 45w X2 than an 89w X2 like the 6000.

Wow!

Thank you for that. You gave me just the info I needed. I did not know that the 5050e had just come out. Looks like thats the one I'll be ordering.

I've made some poor choices in buying hardware in the past to save a buck and suffered the slow consequences. I really want a machine that works like a set top box only better.

Again, thanks for one of the best replies I've ever gotten to a post.