PlayStation 3 hardware

The PlayStation 3's hardware consists of both the internal systems and a number of peripherals such as the SIXAXIS controller.

Unless otherwise noted, the following specifications are based on a press release by Sony at the E3 2005 conference,cite press release|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.|date=2005-05-16|title=SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. TO LAUNCH ITS NEXT GENERATION COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM, PLAYSTATION3 IN SPRING 2006|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/050517e.pdf|accessdate=2006-05-26] and slides from a Sony presentation at the 2006 Game Developer's Conference.cite web | url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20060329/3dps3.htm | title=Slides from Sony's 2006 GDC Presentation | publisher=Game Watch | accessdate=2006-05-25]

Central processing unit

The PS3 uses the Cell microprocessor, which is made up of one 3.2 GHz PowerPC-based "Power Processing Element" (PPE) and six accessible Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs). A seventh runs in a special mode and is dedicated to aspects of the OS and security, and an eighth is disabled to improve production yields. The floating point performance of the whole system (CPU + GPU) is reported to be 2 TFLOPS. PlayStation 3's Cell CPU achieves 204 GFLOPS single precision float and 15 GFLOPS double precision. The PS3 has 256 MB of Rambus XDR DRAM, clocked at CPU die speed. As of firmware update 2.01, 32 MB of the XDR memory is reserved by the PS3's XrossMediaBar user interface.Fact|date=June 2008

Graphics processing unit

The graphics processing unit, according to Nvidia, is based on the NVIDIA G70 (previously known as NV47) architecture. The GPU makes use of 256 MB GDDR3 RAM clocked at 650 MHz with an effective transmission rate of 1.3 GHz [http://www.edepot.com/playstation3.html#PlayStation_3_Hardware] and up to 224 MB of the 3.2 GHz XDR main memory via the CPU (480 MB max).

Configurations

To date, the PS3 has had several component revisions which serve to reduce power consumption. This is turn results in production savings, lower heat production, lower cooling requirements and quieter running. Since launch, the Cell has had it's process shrunk from 90nm to 65nm, as has the RSX GPU. Further improvements are planned, with IBM/Toshiba annoucing plans to commence fullscale 45nm Cell production in 2009 [http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080207-ibm-shrinks-cell-to-45nm-cheaper-ps3s-will-follow.html] , which will result in a further 40% reduction in power consumption over the 65nm Cell.

Connectivity

The PS3 supports numerous SDTV and HDTV resolutions (from 480i / 576i up to 1080p) and connectivity options (such as HDMI 1.3a and component video). [cite web|url=http://www.hdmi.org/press/pr/pr_20060622.asp|title=Press Releases|publisher=hdmi.org|accessdate=2006-11-20] [cite web|url=http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/videooutput.html|title=Video Output Settings|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|accessdate=2006-11-10] In terms of audio, the PS3 supports a number of formats, including 7.1 digital audio, Dolby TrueHD, and others; audio output is possible over stereo RCA cables (analog), optical digital cables, or HDMI. For the optical disc drive, a wide variety of DVD and CD formats are supported, as well as Blu-ray Discs. A 20, 40, 60, 80 or 160GB 2.5" SATA 150 hard disk is pre-installed. In the 60 GB and 80 GB configurations, flash memory can also be used — either Memory Sticks, CompactFlash cards, or SD/MMC cards. All models support USB memory devices; flash drives and external hard drives are both automatically recognized. However, they must be formatted with the FAT32 file system — the PS3 does not support the Microsoft-developed NTFS file system that is the standard in the Windows NT family. [cite web |url=http://www.tomkiss.net/games/usb-hdd-not-working-with-playstation-3-format-as-fat32/ |title=USB HDD not working with PlayStation 3? Format as FAT32... |accessdate=2007-06-19 |last=Kiss |first=Tom |date=2007-03-25 |publisher=TomKiss.net] For communication, the system sports four USB 2.0 ports at the front on the 20 and 60 GB models as well as the NTSC 80GB model, but the 40GB and 80GB PAL models only have 2 USB ports. One Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth 2.0 support, and built-in Wi-Fi are available on the 40, 60 and 80 GB versions.

Form and power consumption

The PlayStation 3 console is approximately 6 kg (approximately 13 pounds), 325 mm (W) × 98 mm (H) × 274 mm (D). [ [http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/071009ae.html NEW PLAYSTATION3 (CECHH00 SERIES) COMES IN TWO COLOR VARIATIONS AT A NEW PRICE | PRESS RELEASES ｜ Sony Computer Entertainment Inc ] ]

The case was designed by Teiyu Goto of Sony, and uses the 'Spiderman' font. [ Official Playstation Magazine, issue 005]

The power consumption of the initial PlayStation 3 units based on 90nm Cell (microprocessor) CPU ranges from 170–200 watts during normal use, despite having a 380 watt power supply. [cite web |url=http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20061111/ps3.htm |title=Blu-rayの起爆剤「PLAYSTATION 3」のAV機能を試す。|accessdate=2007-02-19 |date=2006-11-11 |publisher=AV Watch |language=Japanese] The power consumption of newer 40GB PlayStation 3(65nm process Cell/90nm RSX) units ranges from 120-140 watts during normal use. [cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/03/sony-says-the-40gb-ps3-is-still-using-90nm-chips/ |title=Sony says the 40GB PS3 is still using 90nm chips |accessdate=2008-01-08 |date=2007-11-03 |publisher=Engadget |language=English]

Universal power supply

The power supply can operate on both 60 Hz and 50 Hz power grids. It uses a standard C14 IEC connector and a C13 power cord appropriate for the region being used in. The power supply is capable of delivering approximately 380W, although the PS3 has never been measured using this much power. It is rumoured that the new Japanese PS3s have a 100V power supply instead of a universal one, as of this writing the most recent model (CECHH01) manufactured in April 2008 still has the universal power supply.

Disc drive

The PlayStation 3 disc drive is an all-in-one type allowing the use of different formats.

BD

The Blu-ray drive is a 2x speed, region coded type allowing the use of:
* PlayStation 3 BD-ROM [http://www.playstation.com/manual/pdf/PS3-01-1.6_1.pdf PlayStation 3 "Safety & Support" manual] ] (DVD region matched, i.e. Zone 1, Zone 2, etc., and All)
* BD-ROM (BD region matched, i.e. Area A, Area B, etc., and All)
* BD-R
* BD-RE (not compatible with BD-RE version 1.0)

DVD

The Digital Versatile Disc drive is an 8x speed, region coded type allowing the use of:
* PlayStation 2 DVD-ROM (PlayStation region matched, i.e. NTSC-J, NTSC-U/C, PAL or NTSC-C, compatibility removed in 40GB model, the recently released 80GB model, and the upcoming 160GB model)
* DVD-ROM
* DVD-Video (DVD region matched, i.e. Zone 1, Zone 2, etc., and All)
* DVD-Audio (DVD-Video content only)
* DVD+R
* DVD+RW
* DVD-R
* DVD-RW
* AVCHD
* DSD Disc [ [http://www.playstation.com/manual/pdf/PS3-11-1.8_1.pdf PlayStation 3 80GB model for Mexico "Safety & Support" manual] ]
* DualDisc [ [http://www.playstation.com/manual/pdf/PS3-01-1.6_2.pdf PlayStation 3 "Quick Reference" manual] ]

CD

The Compact Disc drive is a 24x speed, region coded type allowing the use of:
* PlayStation 2 CD-ROM (PlayStation region matched, i.e. NTSC-J, NTSC-U/C, PAL or NTSC-C, compatibility removed in 40GB model, the recently released 80GB model, and the upcoming 160 GB model)
* PlayStation CD-ROM (PlayStation region matched, i.e. NTSC-J, NTSC-U or PAL)
* CD-ROM
* CD-R
* CD-RW
* CD-DA
* Super Audio CD (compatibility removed in 40GB, 2008 80GB, and upcoming 160GB model)
* Photo CDFacts|date=October 2007
* Picture CDFacts|date=October 2007
* MP3 CD (MP3, WMA, ATRAC)

Official accessories

The PlayStation 3 Sixaxiscite press release |title=ACCESSORIES FOR PLAYSTATION3 BECOME AVAILABLE |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=2006-10-03 |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/061003e.pdf |accessdate=2006-10-03 ] is a controller that is very similar in appearance to that of its predecessors, the DualShock and DualShock 2. The SIXAXIS features finer analog sensitivity;cite press release|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.|date=2006-05-09|title=SCE ANNOUNCES NEW CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION3|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/060509be.pdf|accessdate=2006-05-24] more trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons; a PS (“home”) button; and a USB mini-B port for charging the internal battery and for wired play. The PlayStation 3 supports up to 7 simultaneous controllers over Bluetooth. The Sixaxis is named for its ability to detect motion in the full six degrees; however, unlike the PlayStation 2's DualShock, the Sixaxis controller has no vibration feature.

At its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced the DualShock 3 (trademarked DUALSHOCK 3), a PlayStation 3 controller with the same function and design as the Sixaxis, but with vibration capability.cite web |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/070920be.html |title=DUALSHOCK3 Wireless Controller With Rumble Feature To Be Introduced FOR PLAYSTATION3 |accessdate=2007-09-20 |date=2007-09-20 |work= |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment] Hands-on accounts describe the controller as being slightly heavier than the standard Sixaxis controller, and capable of vibration forces comparable to the DualShock 2.cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179170.html |title=TGS '07: Spot On - The Dual Shock 3 |accessdate=2007-09-20 |author= |date= |work=GameSpot |publisher=CNET ]

The PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adaptor is a device that allows data to be transferred from PlayStation and PlayStation 2 memory cards to the PlayStation 3's hard disk. The device has a cable that connects to the PS3's USB port on one end, and features a legacy PS2 memory card port on the other end.

Using Bluetooth, the PlayStation 3 BD Remote allows users to control videos and music on Blu-ray Disc and DVD. In Japan, the device was available starting December 7, 2006. The PS3 will accept signals only via its Bluetooth Remote, as the console does not have an infrared receiver; this prevents the use of universal remotes with the system. The Blu-ray Disc movie "" was included with the initial 400,000 release copies of the PS3 in North America, [cite web |url=http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/10/20/ps3_launch_details/ |title=Sony unveils details of PS3 online services |accessdate=2007-01-24 |last=Raby |first=Mark |date=2006-10-20 |publisher=Tom's Guide Publishing] while the first 500,000 European PlayStation Network activations after launch received a free copy of the Blu-ray release of "Casino Royale". [cite web |url=http://threespeech.com/blog/?p=283 |title=CASINO ROYALE FOR FIRST 500,000 PS3 REGISTRANTS |accessdate=2007-02-22 |date=2007-02-12 |publisher=Three Speech]

On April 25, 2007, Sony announced the PlayStation Eye. This is an updated version of the PlayStation 2 peripheral, the EyeToy. The camera is capable of capturing 60 frames per second video at 640×480 resolution and 120 fps video at 320×240 resolution. The four-channel microphone on the Eye can block out background noise. The camera will support live video chat and voice chat without a headset, and will be launched in the United States on October 23 for US$39.99,cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/10/10/playstation-eye-a-little-more-info/ |title=PlayStation Eye, A Little More Info… |accessdate=2007-10-11 |last=Stocker |first=Sarah |date=October 10, 2007 |format= |work=PlayStation.Blog |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] and in Australia on November 8 for AU$79.95.cite web |url=http://au.playstation.com/ps3/hw/playstation3eye.jhtml |title=PLAYSTATION Eye |accessdate=2007-10-12 |work=au.playstation.com |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] It will also be bundled with the card game "The Eye of Judgment" in the United States on the same day as the camera itself for US$69.99,cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/09/20/5-things-you-dont-know-the-eye-of-judgment/ |title=5 Things You *Don’t* Know: THE EYE OF JUDGMENT |accessdate=2007-08-25 |last=Valledor |first=Mark |date=September 20, 2007 |format= |work=PlayStation.Blog |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] and in Japan and Australia on October 25, 2007 for JP¥9,980cite web |url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/eoj/ |title=The Eye of Judgment（アイ・オブ・ジャッジメント） Biolith Rebellion ～機神の叛乱～ |accessdate=2007-08-25 |format=Adobe Flash |work=jp.playstation.com |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] and AU$159.95,cite web |url=http://au.playstation.com/games_media/games/ps3/e/eyejudgment.jhtml |title=Eye of Judgment |accessdate=2007-10-12 |work=au.playstation.com |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= ] respectively.

Official PlayStation 3 HDMI and Component AV cables are also available for retail.

Backward compatibility

The PlayStation 3 does not include interfaces for legacy PlayStation peripherals, though IGN.com tested a legacy controller using a PS2-to-USB adapter, finding that it is compatible, though most other devices (such as the "Guitar Hero" controller) may not be compatible.cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/745/745329p1.html|title=Guitar Hero II Compatible with PS3?|publisher=IGN.com|date=2006-11-10|accessdate=2006-11-18] However, with the release of firmware 1.70 for the Playstation 3, Sony has added support for previous Guitar Hero controllers with generic PS2-to-USB adapters (although the whammy bar is not functional). Nyko started production on the "Play Adaptor", a PS2-to-USB adapter allowing for guitars and other PlayStation 2 peripherals to be used on the PlayStation 3 and was scheduled for release in Q2/2007, but Nyko stated at the end of March that the production of this device had been postponed due to compatibility problems with the PS3.cite web |url=http://www.qj.net/Nyko-Clarifies-Guitar-Hero-Play-Adapter-cancellation/pg/49/aid/87965 |title=Nyko Play Adaptor Cancelled |publisher=qj.net |date=2007-03-30 |accessdate=2006-04-09] The PS3 supports both the USB EyeToy camera/webcam and SOCOM Headset for video and voice chat. A memory card adapter is available so users can copy their old PS/PS2 game saves to a virtual memory card on the PS3’s hard drive.cite web|url=http://www.consolewatcher.com/2006/08/playstation-3-supports-ps2ps1-memory-cards/|title=Playstation 3 Supports PS2/PS1 Memory Cards|publisher=Console Watcher|date=2006-08-11|accessdate=2006-08-12] The PlayStation 3 can also use Memory Sticks to store and save data for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software.cite web|author=Elle Cayabyab Gitlin|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=2005-08-01|year=|month=|url=http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2005/8/1/846|title=More PS3 details emerge in print|format=|work=|pages=|publisher=Ars Technica|language=|accessdate=2006-07-19|accessyear=|curly=]

References

External links

Official websites
* [http://au.playstation.com/ps3/ Australia] • [http://www.playstation.ca/playstation3/main.aspx Canada] • cite web | title = Japan | language = Japanese | url = http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/ • [http://uk.playstation.com/ps3/ United Kingdom] • [http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3 United States]

: Auxiliary sites by Sony:* [http://www.scee.presscentre.com/imagelibrary/default.asp?SubjectID=1530 Hardware Press Images] • [http://www.playb3yond.com/ Features and promotion site] • [http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/index.html User's Guide] • [http://www.us.playstation.com/support/ps3 Support]

Directories
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