Cell Chip (PS3 CPU) Revealed by Sony, IBM and Toshiba

Feb 8 2005, 1:28am EST | by Luigi Lugmayr

As reported IBM, Sony and Toshiba revealed details about the new "Super Computer on a chip" - the Cell Chip.

The Cell Chip features a multi-core design comprised of one Power PC and eight so called synergistic cores (SPEs). The prototype Cell chip is clocked at 4Ghz.

The Cell is to support multiple operating systems, such as conventional operating systems (including Linux), real-time operating systems for computer entertainment and consumer electronics applications as well as guest operating systems for specific applications, simultaneously - That is nice!.
2.5MB memory are on the Cell Chip. Rambus XDR and FlexIO technology allow up to 100 gigabyte/s memory transfer rates. The prototype chip is 221 mm2, integrates 234 million transistors, and is fabricated with 90 nanometer SOI technology. The Cell Chip goes into production later this year.

IBM, Sony and Toshiba said the Cell Chip is 10 times faster than the lastest PC processors. They also said that already early 2004. The announcements made about the Cell Chip which will power the upcoming Sony PS3 (Playstation 3) still do not say much on how in reality the new chip will out perform Intel based systems. It also still lets the question open what the PS3 will be able to do compared to the PS2. So the wait goes on until 2006 the supposed launch date for the Sony PS3.

Intel is actually not sitting around and doing nothing about the Cell Chip threat. Intel is scheduled to release a dual core CPU mid this year code name Smithfield. Intel also has something called Vanderpool technology (see Intel.com) that allows CPU's to run multiple Operating systems simulatniously.
See also IBM's Press-Release.

Cell Chip Opinions around the Web:
Bloomberg
Tom's Hardware Guide
CNet

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.