Core2 vs i7 memory bus speeds?

[sharkbait]

Can someone explain to me about memory bus speeds?

I have the Intel Core2 Extreme processor QX9650 (3.00GHz w/Quad Core & 12 MB Cache) and memory bus of 1333MHz. I understand that the new i7 processor only has 8 MB cache and memory bus of 1066MHz. If that is true, does the reduced cache mean much and what's the point of having memory that is 1333 or 1600 MHz if the processor will only run the memory at 1066 MHz?

Secondarily, is the nVidia GeForce GTX 260 video card that much of a downgrade from the GTX285?

Thanks for all your help.

Sharkbait

 

[Nubbleet]

You DO know that you can change the memory speeds lol. It just defaults to 1066.

And depends what you mean downgrade. All depends on resolution/settings/etc. In some conditions you won't really notice a difference, but in higher settings/res you will.

 

[septic]

I love this eye candy


Baez has a gpu list on the forums also
http://www.techist.com/forums/f76/graphics-performance-list-212331/