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:

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:

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.

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