Less Cache

Question

Why is there less cache in the newer models. Here the spec for the old version.
The Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.2 13-Inch (Black - Late 2007/Santa Rosa) features a 2.2 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T7500), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 4 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus,
Here the spec for the latest model. Is there a big difference , there say you getting more and more speed. But to me it look like there going backwards.
2.1GHz or 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed
800MHz frontside bus

Answer 1

Intel hasn't reduced the cache on the Penryn processor per se. They offer Penryn CPUs with both 3MB and 6MB caches, dependent on CPU speed, for computers using an 800MHz bus. The 2 lower speed CPUs (2.1GHz and 2.4GHz) come with 3MB while the next two steps (2.5 and 2.6GHz) come with the full 6MB cache. Heat may have been one consideration.
http://www.intel.com/products/processor_number/chart/core2duo.htm
For Apple, I suppose this may make it slightly easier to add a wee bit more distance between the MB and the MB Pro (middle and higher end ones anyway).