Rumour: PS4 to feature AMD GPU a gen ahead of nextbox

[Viper1]

GameAnalyser said:

Viper1 said:
A high end GPU of today will not be in the PS4 of next year. A $500, 200 watt, 300 mm2 GPU is not going to happen.

If it is Northern Islands based, expect at best an HD 7770. The HD 7750 would be even more likely.

Wow, Northern Islands, since when did we see them entering into the business?

I meant Southern Islands (the HD 7xxx series of GPUs).

drkohler said:

Viper1 said:

Couldn't tell you.  My guess is they wanted enough overhead to handle power spikes,

No, that is basic foresight. If you look at the efficiency vs load curve of any PC power supply, you will see that they all have maximum efficiency between 40%-60% of maximum output. Basically around half maximum load, the PowerFETs operate very stable and run "cool". Not having hot FETs in a tight box like the PS3 is almost a must if you don't want to melt the plastic.

Sure, on a very poor PSU.  But putting in a PSU rated for nearly 200% of your maximum power use is overboard.

The original X360 was just a 203 watt PSU when the system operates at almost the same as the PS3 (180 watts during gameplay)