The main PowerPC core is *by far* the most powerful on the Cell: in fact it's the only one you can characterize as a real CPU core. The other elements are essentially vector units. Linux benchmarks on the PS3 are pathetic: equivalent to a well-sub-1ghz desktop processor of any sort. Of course that isn't leveraging the vector units, but it gives you an idea what kind of power the Cell has in processing highly-branched general purpose code. Hell, the PS3 has essentially the same flexible general-purpose power than the Wii CPU! (which is a 700-800ghz full-fledged G4): the PS3s edge comes as developers figure out how to off-load work to the vector units, and also because the GPU can do things the Wii CPU has to handle. The PS3 and 360 are *VERY* skewed towards flashy graphics, because this is where the best bang-for-buck is. The trade-off (i.e. why these systems cost so little vs. a PC) is in very weak gamecode processing. So while the 360/PS3 can run flashy but ultimately shallow games like Gears of War and Motorstorm, they wouldn't have a chance in hell of running CPU-heavy PC stuff like Cell Factor or Crysis.
Existing User Log In
New User Registration
Register for a free account to gain full access to the VGChartz Network and join our thriving community.
