The Official March 2010 NPD Thread (Data for 5 weeks ending Apr 3 2010)

[Squilliam]

drkohler said:

 

Squilliam said:

thelifatree said:

That's the same thing only simplified. yes. Surely theres enough resources to create more components to create more ps3's. Thus Sony would have to invest more money into creating components at a faster rate costing more money.

Nope.

They had production difficulties with their 45nm RSX chips. As it takes something like 10 weeks to get chips back from fabrication, they are pretty much supply limited by what chips they had at hand.

But you are aware that the slims CECH-2000B (FW3.15) were manufactured with 65nm RSX? Available in almost unlimited quantities, and ordered _months_ in advance of actual need. Any problems with 45nm would not have played any role in the fy that just ended.

CECH-2100B (FW3.20) are manufactured with 45nm RSX. Also ordered _months_  before actual use. And Sony would not care whether Toshiba/whoever makes the RSX chips now has diffculties. They do not buy risk wafers, they have contracts with the chip manufacturer. If the chip foundry suddenly has yield problems (unlikely since 45nm lines have been in use for 2+ years now), they have to use more wafers than planned to fulfil the contract with Sony.

 

They have every incentive to not produce too many of the 65nm RSX chips as moving quickly to 45nm versions would likely save them considerable money. Its the most likely explanation because the switch over coincides with shortages.