hello, does an intel cpu with graphics integration weigh anything in Houdini if I have a video card? I'm looking to buy a new pc and choosing between the old i7 that has an 8mb cache plus integrated graphics and the new i7 with 10mb cache with _no_ graphics. i have no idea what cache means but i believe it has something to do with processing exchange between cpu and memory.

or do you have any other amd or suggestion that on the same $300 range?

Definitely go for the extra cache over Intel's graphics. Houdini won't run using Intel's GPU and driver, you'll need a graphics card anyway.