Sony's PSP slim cracked open: there's more NAND in there?
By Darren Murph 
posted Sep 6th 2007 10:24AM
posted Sep 6th 2007 10:24AM
[Via MaxConsole]
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cool
What's so suprising? Sony already announced that the new slim PSP would have double the memory. It helps reduce load times.
NAND is not RAM.
He didn't say RAM he said memory, and NAND is a type of memory.
um, Kilraven
HAHA!! Are you saying that RAM (random access MEMORY) is not a type of MEMORY? Thanks for clearing that one up.
They announced that the PSP slim would have more RAM. More RAM is going to result in faster load times. NAND is flash memory. When you update your firmware, it goes into NAND. Otherwise, AFAIK, it is unused.
Please don't respond to things unless you know what you're talking about.
Does this mean that they are preparing for a bigger firmware update which the older PSP's wont handle? I wonder....
@J:
Good to know you're literate. So if I say dogs are mammals, I'm also stating cats aren't? I'll let that sink in.
@JCD:
You're half-right. People shouldn't talk about things they don't know.
NAND memory IS non-volatile. It's deceiving in that it'll act like RAM with power applied and ROM with it off. It's why it's commonly used in mobile devices as...you guess it, RAM! So quit thinking when RAM is only the crap you shove in your PC.
That 64M is going to allow for a larger cache, which in turn will allow for quicker load times.
NAND is typically called flash memory. You're correct to say that it can be used as RAM or ROM, depending on the application. It can also be used as an SSD (memory sticks and such use either NAND or NOR memory). But just because it can be used as RAM doesn't mean it is RAM, just like virtual RAM isn't the same as real RAM.
Anyhow, Kilraven, you're missing the point. It isn't about semantics, its about functionality.
The psp does not use flash memory as its system RAM. That's why putting it in standby mode consumes electricity. The NAND in the psp is used for firmware. Games do not cache into the NAND, they cache into the RAM. If Sony increased the size of the psp's NAND memory, then they are most likely planning on the psp slim requiring larger firmwares than the psp 'fat.'
Let's put it another way. You want your games to have less intermittent loading. You can either A) increase the amount of pricy flash memory in your redesign and have the discs cache to it, or B) increase the amount of cheap-ass ram and have your discs cache there instead. It's an easy decision.
Conclusion: this extra NAND is not the extra RAM Sony promised to reduce load times.
"Since we decided to be engadet techno-douchebags, let me jump on the bandwagon and point out that flash memory can be Accessed Randomly and it is Memory."
HAHAHA you just made my day. engadget techno-douchebags.
it will be cracked
Those look like the #1 foam mitts you find at sporting events.
Maybe Sony is sending a message saying "No rootkit here. Now piss off" :P
It looks like Texas, only kinda reversed.
exactly what i was going to say
@ Mindfield.
I was thinking Oklahoma.
@ Mindfield
I don't know what state shape it looks like, I don't own a map.
Hmmm, more NAND huh? Seems like firmware updates are going to start getting bigger and with more features.
The bigger it is, the harder it falls. I hope so at least. I'm waiting for them to crack this before I bite.
I'm guessing there will now be firmware X.XX.Y So like 3.60.1 for Old PSP, and 3.60.2 for New one, of course the new one getting good things. Pfft, way to go Sony.
Oh well, this will be hacked, I'll probably pick one up when it can. I have no interest in something I can't mess with.
I'm a bit disappointed with the new PSP. I was hoping for a new lcd that eliminated the ghosting.
Also, support for resolutions higher than 320x. 480x would've been a nice update.
The one thing I'm thrilled about with the PSP Slim is the TV out.
...Which in turn, I wouldn't be thrilled about if it wasn't able to run my ripped PSX games and homebrew. Would the newly encrypted area effect possible future downgrades, I wonder?
its not a foam #1, its Chief Wahoo, the Cleveland Indians mascot
What exactly does "idstorage" do?
If I leave a comment here, will you then send to me a PSP for free?
I feel lucky today, at the point that I am pretty sure I'll won it.
LINK MAH BOIII!!!11
Hmm... some good points brought up regarding hacks, downgrading, etc. I doubt it will take more than 2 months to hack the PSP Slim. Following DA's work for the past year or so, he can crack these things about as fast as Sony puts them out.
However, if it can't be cracked, I think it WILL put a dent in sales of the new PSP. The reason why I bought the original was due to the fact that it could run homebrew (and probably the same reason why about half the PSP's sold thus far.)
Granted, cracking the PSP Slim might not be any different than cracking the old PSP: all it takes is time and some crafty work from DA. But, you never know what Sony has done under the hood of this thing.
OK, great, you've torn it apart -- now have you tried Pandora's Battery with it?
Heh...