czecherychestnut said:
Probably not, but remember a shrink from 65nm to 45nm results in a 50% reduction in chip area, hence twice the number of IC's per wafer, hence half the cost per unit (quite broad assumptions, but its a guestimate). So with the extra cost of 45nm fabrication, lets say each 45nm cell costs 60% of a 65nm one. So you are nearly halving the cost of two of the most expensive components in the PS3, even before you factor in all the other cost savings I mentioned previously. Sure it might cost $100million to redesign the masks for 45nm, but over the next 20 - 30 million PS3's, its wittles down to bugger all per unit, and insignificant compared to the savings involved. |
The major CELL chip I think I remember hearing it had been reduced from the original $150-$200 price down to like $20 already.... so even if they manage to half that is is only a $10 saving....obviously there are other things than the CELL but simply changing from 60nm (I thought it was 60 not 65.... I could be wrong though) down to 45nm is not going to save anywhere near $100 even when you factor in everything else.
If a Slim version comes out, with 45nm and the extra cost saving from smaller casing and whatever else hey cut out of the system, as well as lower shipping and storage costs etc.... then I could see the overall cost reduction coming down enough for Sony to consider cutting the price to $300 (whether it would save a full $100 on the current model i don't know... but it would be enough for Sony to warrant a price cut)
