PS3 Graphics Chip Goes 65nm in Fall

[H3rmaN]

Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai has confirmed that PS3 Cell processors manufactured since last holiday use the more efficient 65nm technology, while smaller RSX chips are due in the fall.

Hirai said during a Thursday PlayStation business briefing that Sony has been cutting PS3 manufacturing costs by reducing the number of components and decreasing the size of chips.

"The Cell and RSX used in PS3s at launch were manufactured using a 90nm process technology. And now all PS3 Cells have shifted to 65nm process technology since last holiday season," he said.

The smaller chip technology runs more efficiently and costs less to produce.

While the improved Cell is in circulation, the RSX graphics chip, created in tandem with Nvidia, still uses 90nm technology.

But a more efficient RSX will be in PS3s shortly, Hirai says. "As for RSX, 65nm process technology has begun this year already, and will be ready for installment in autumn."

Source

Before someone asks (because I have a feeling someone will)....NO, this does not mean the new RSX will be more powerful than the current one! Just that it is cheaper to manufacture and will consume less power/generate less heat, NOTHING ELSE!

 

[nick09]

If they were making the chips more powerful it would be more expansive just for anyone to know.

 

[Robin]

I suppose this is all good for heat and power consumtion but I never really had any issues with the 90nm Cell... I don't think the PS2 underwent any nm changes during its entire life...

Just out of interest how is it cheaper to produce 65nm chips? Just curious... Im not a fan of this cheapening up of the PS3... it will end up like those rubbish late PS2 which broke down all the time.

Robin

 

[the Interceptor]

Just out of interest how is it cheaper to produce 65nm chips?

It is cheaper because a lot of the price of a chip is down to the production of silicon wafers, and the smaller the chip is, the more chips you'll get on one wafer, and the less waste you get. Also, the 65nm won't get as warm, so Sony can make a smaller and therefore cheaper cooling system for the PS3.

 

[GTP_chemicaL]

Same thing happend with the 360 and they last even longer now, about 1 year

 

[H3rmaN]

I don't think the PS2 underwent any nm changes during its entire life...

Not 100% sure about this, but I have a funny feeling it did, will look it up later when I have more time.

Just out of interest how is it cheaper to produce 65nm chips? Just curious...

as said above, more chips can be put onto a single wafer if its smaller, and there is less waste. Also less cooling is needed, so that will also reduce costs.

Im not a fan of this cheapening up of the PS3... it will end up like those rubbish late PS2 which broke down all the time.

Thats just how the indystry works Im afraid. The slim PS2's were not really less reailable as a whole, just the initial ones has cheap lasers which would die after a few days.

The rest of the hardware was generally quite good.

 

[Robin]

Oh rite, cheers guys 👍