PS3 to get smaller Cell and/or RSX chips in August?
By Thomas Ricker 
posted April 21st 2008 2:06AM
posted April 21st 2008 2:06AM
Nikko Citigroup upgraded its rating on Sony this morning in anticipation of it breaking even on PS3 costs earlier than expected. At the moment, Sony sells the PS3 at a loss. The respected group of analysts is now earmarking August as the milestone month. Sony's CFO recently suggested that the move would occur in the second half of the year -- a date analysts then pegged at November. No details behind the new upbeat expectations were provided by Nikko CG. However, it's safe to assume that the PS3's break-even event will be realized by a switch to a sub-65nm cell processor, sub-90nm RSX graphics chip, or both, since the smaller chips are less-costly to manufacturer.P.S. It's worth noting that Sony has consistently stated that the PS3 will only break-even when both the Cell and RSX chips have shrunk.
Update: Reader Yaddam205 just reminded us about the "Slim PS3" redesign rumored for release in Autumn. No guarantees but smaller, less power-hungry, and cooler running chips would certainly be at the foundation of such a rig.
How about the return of the Emotion Engine chip while we're at it?
Seriously, that has to be one of the dumbest moves Sony could have made- actually, it would even be better to have software emulation than no BC whatsoever with the 40GB. Honestly, how much money does it save them? 5; 10 bucks?
Die shrink is about the only thing Sony can do to drastically lower cost further in the near future. That or they could start removing extra hardware or replacing it with softwa....oh, nevermind.....
Yes get the MGS4 Gun metal grey bundle. It is worth it. I am not getting any console and sticking with my PC, where you are not punished for early adoption. :)
P.S. I have friends with all three systems and have played them all extensively. The Xbox 360 is the only one I have ever seen over heat.
I actually found out that the american version of the gunmetal ps3 will in fact be the 80 gig.So im deff getting one
Having a manager of gamestop as one of your best friends does in fact help a lot when ya want info.
Ace b: How did you find out the Gunmetal version would be 80 gigs?
I wouldn't count on the price coming down even if they do reduce the size... the goal for them is to break even remember? Right now they are bleeding money on the console... I wouldn't see a price point reduction for at least 6 months after any redesign because the design itself would be the sellling point, not the price point. Not that I'm saying I wouldn't welcome a price reduction, but I just don't see them being stupid enough to find a way to make more money and then give it back again without reaping some benefit first... that's just good business...
Your friend should probably remove the blankets or open the cabinet doors.
Sony didn't need to redesign the PS1/PS2 for the first 3-4 years. Units were selling like hotcakes.
Sony redesigned the PSP within 2 1/2 years due to a number of factors like poor sales and added anti-piracy measures.
I personally hope that they don't redesign the PS3 any time soon.
My already paid off GTA IV is compelling me to buy a unit within the next week although I wanted to wait until the Dual Shock 3 was included in the box.
I thought Sony gained profit from the PS3 already!?!?! Was that only from games then? I doubt it, seeing how there aren't that many best-selling games for the PS3.
I don't care how small they make the new PS3 -- just bring back the Emotion Engine chip. If mine breaks -- I'm fucked. (don't compromise on the graphic power and speed either)
Would smaller chips mean lower performance?
I'd buy a PS3 now if they'd only integrate an IR receiver.