PS3’s GPU 40nm redesign results in reduced power consumption

Sony said that the PlayStation 3 Slim would result in the company finding profit on the system. Despite a $100 price drop, the console’s slim repackaging would not only let the hardware break even, but also eventually result in profit for every console sold. Sony may have finally achieved that, as we can now confirm that the platform holder has reduced the PS3’s RSX GPU to 40nm from its previous 65nm chip design.

The advantages of such a reduction are numerous. A 40 nano-meter chip results in reduced power usage, it’s less likely to overheat and will require less cooling. Though the Yellow Light of Death is not as common on PS3 Slims, the RSX’s new chip size will also reduce such risks, making the new model more reliable. It joins the current 45nm Cell processor. Here is the latest redesign — introducing the CECH-2100A:

100422_10

The CECH-2100A features a number of changes to join the RSX die shrinkage. As is expected, this model’s heatsink has been simplified in comparison to the CECH-2000A (PS3 Slim with the 65nm RSX). The new model’s power supply weighs 30g less at 412g and is quite a contrast to the original 60GB PS3’s 815g power supply. The console’s cooling unit has also seen a reduction in weight and size, at 408g compared to the CECH-2000A’s 545g. A number of adjoining chips around the RSX have been removed, no doubt resulting in significant cost reductions.

Japanese website PocketNews carried out the strip down, and also provided a number of power usage  comparisons with the previous 120GB PS3 Slim model. The results are as follows:

Model name:                              CECH-2000A        CECH-2100A

XMB Menu (Still wallpapers)             76W                         67W
XMB Menu (Main Theme)                 83-86W                     71W
FFXIII game event scene                 96-107W                 78-83W

FFXIII game menu                             83-84W                     74W
BD playback                                        88-91W                   77-78W
Power Off (Remote Play Stand-by)    9W                            9W

A significant reduction of approximately 15 per cent. In comparison, the original 60GB PS3 beast consumed a massive 160W when playing Blu-rays. Averaging under 80W even when playing a game, this new PS3 model will make your wallet happy. In 2007 the situation looked like this:

image

So although this new PS3 Slim won’t compete with the Nintendo Wii, the machine has certainly come some way. Not only will the new model reduce costs for Sony, it’ll reduce energy costs for you. Not bad.

[UPDATE] – Sony has confirmed with PocketNews that the RSX graphics chip is now 40nm, rather than the previously reported 45nm. The story has been updated to reflect this information.

Readers Comments (19)

  1. hacker13sacker April 22, 2010 @ 12:56

    another reason why ps3 owns all

  2. 9W in Stand-by? Wat?

  3. Moocows111111 April 22, 2010 @ 14:09

    Cool now they’ll start to profit, then hopefully they make a good system in the next generation. I’m betting that the sequel to the Wii will have a Ps3 type of power due to its success.

  4. 9W in standby probably because it has the remote play with that feature that auto turn on the console. So it must stay online.

  5. Patrick Steen April 22, 2010 @ 14:34

    Any electrical item that is on stand-by is using power. TVs, Microwaves, anything. That’s why you should turn things off by the plug. Old CRT TV’s used to take up around 20W just in stand-by.

  6. Yet not one shred of evidence or proof that Sony is making anything or even breaking even on these. People just assume that the die is now smaller = profit!

    Lets actually wait for proof of this break even/profit talk instead of just pulling it out of thin air.

  7. This is old news! Test were run on the slim hardware months ago. Sony also confirmed this at the time of the ps3 slim launch. Even print magazines have reported this. It was a Huge selling point… 33% slimmer, 36% lighter, 34% less power.

    http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10318727-1.html

    among others… seriously. The ps3 slim was cracked open before you guys even unboxed a retail ps3 slim. welcome to last year patrick. Have a nice day in your time warp dude.

  8. Patrick Steen April 22, 2010 @ 15:15

    LC: This is the latest PS3 Slim model. The first PS3 Slim included a 45nm CPU, but not a 45nm GPU. These Slim models have yet to make their way into worldwide stores. The original Slim resulted in a power reduction of around 50% – which I wrote about when the console released. This new redesign results in a FURTHER 15% power reduction to that Slim.

    This is why I have included a table comparing this new model with the previous slim model. I urge you to carefully read content before criticising it. Good to see a link to CNET, I used to write for them. Thank you, come again.

  9. LC got pwned. lolz.

  10. hmmmmm i like how sony is always finding little ways to reduce things like this……idk. its just nice to know eh?

  11. So finally Sony can make bank on their Slim models. That’s awesome, Sony has really outdone themselves with the PS3.

    Funny thing worth mentioning, when i saw the thumbnail for this article in the top left corner of the forums, I thought it was an overview of a level in 3D Dot Game Heroes.

  12. @KillAll

    Sony said last year that there are two hardware revisions for 2010.One in spring will break even,the one in late 2010 will make profit at it’s current price.

  13. Everything in the article is great news only the place where it states Ylod, IMO its even uncommon for a Phat or launch PS3 to have YLOD, Its all about caring ur product. But i have agree that Fat bastard sucks up whole lot of electricity

  14. Wow, the PS3 inside looks very simple… Is really necessary that dome-like caparace? If it is as thin as it looks they could reduce the size even more don’t you think?

  15. Patrick Steen April 23, 2010 @ 01:52

    Gringo, there’s quite a lot more than the board – like the fan, cooling system, Blu-ray drive. It’s still a tight fit.

  16. wow 9 watts on standby, no wonder my parents are always going on at me to turn it off at the wall

  17. Any idea when we can expect to see these in stores?

  18. Patrick Steen April 26, 2010 @ 08:46

    They should be trickling in now. They are already out in Japan. Sony may be able to ramp up production now, following their previous struggles.

    Also to others – note that the 9W is for remote play standby.

  19. LOL pc uses 209w? only my gfx alone uses 340w.. (sony is retarded)

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