New PS3 Chip

[ajbrun]

I've put this in here and not gaming, because it refers to furture computer processors.

This link shows some of the first details of the new PS3 cell chip
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4051983.stm

The three firms claim that the Cell chip will be up to 10 times more powerful than existing processors.

Does that mean that it'll be 10 times faster than todays computer chips, or the existing PS2 chip? I think it means computer chips - if that's right, then won't we be getting speeds of about 20 GHz or is that not connected to what it refers to???

If that's correct, then they're HUGE speeds! That'll be a giant leap in technology.

[Agent]

You have to remember though, its based on an entirely different architecture.
These chips are designed from the ground up of what they need to accomplish, x86 isnt to that extent. So no, it wont be 20 times faster than a x86 chip doing the same task.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=7078

"It will run at 4GHz, producing a not inconsiderable 256Gflops, with the cells connected to the central 64MB memory through a switched 1024 bit bus."
So, yes, its fast for a games console, but you can twist specs to make them look however you want

[ajbrun]

OK, so what's a gigaflop, and which bit is 10 times faster?

[BenW]

all you really need to know is its fast!

[Marcos]

Whatever it has, im buying it

[ajbrun]

Can someone explain the term gigaflop? I've heard a super computer described as being so many terraflops, so it must be something to do with power. Also, how many flops are PC's today?

I find it strange they called it a "flop"!

[iMc]

There was lots of hype about the PS2's 'emotion engine' being fast. It wasnt exactly all it was cracked up to be. Gigaflops and core speeds mean nothing if developers can't make use of it.

Having said that im expecting the PS3 to be very good indeed. Sony know they have got to put pressure on MS and the Xbox2.

[alterion]

and the revolution is coming.... tremble all ye sinners for ye will soon know the true power of nintendo

[TiG]

as the saying goes power is nothing without control, and i'm hearing from a programmers mate of mine that coding for the playstation 3 is a Pain in the arse.

So yes it may well look ace, but the sheer amount of effort to write games could mean a severe lack of games at PS3 launch...

Plenty of time i hear people say, well if you consider current games are usually in development for more than 12 months, and if you even say this takes twice as long then i think you get the picture

TiG

[Stoo]

TiG, they said the same for the PS2 launch, and again for the original playstation launch, and now look where we are.. I wouldn't worry about it too much

[Swafe]

apprently its gonna be 1000 times the power of the ps2.....and 10 times todays fastest CPUs

i.e at gaming, itll be incrediable

well note the apprently, the emotion engine was overhyped, and was pretty dissapointing - sure it can whip out some good graphics, but its not *that* amazing

ill wait to see some video of a few games before casting judgement, no doubt itll look incrediably snazzy, 1000 times as good as the ps2? yeah right

[iMc]

1000 times better. what muppet said that. it would have to look and play better than real life. lol

[Nemeliza]

PC still owns consoles and will continue to do so!

[Marcos]

PC still owns consoles and will continue to do so!

Are you being serious? I cant tell

[Kumagoro]

flop is floating point operations as far as i know.

[Swafe]

1000 times better. what muppet said that.

head of SONY Afaik

it would have to look and play better than real life. lol

Apprently CGI will look better than real life in 25 years


that i doubt, surely pixels would have to be smaller than an atom to achieve it?