Loud_Hot_White_Box said:
It was designed first and foremost for PS3, at the request of Sony. It would not have been created when it was if Sony didn't approach IBM for a processor for PS3. If you mean that alll 3 companies (Sony, IBM, and Toshiba) knew from the beginning that it would have tons of other uses as well, then that is correct. |
This is incorrect. Sony created the concept of a processor they wanted for the PS3 in 1999, and STI was formed with IBM and Toshiba in 2001 to work on a project to create the a new processor that took Power4 architecture to the next level, including generalized GPU/shader abilities. But each of the three member companies had it's own agenda for the creation and marketing of the Cell. I seriously doubt that IBM would have worked on the project (which cost approx. $400 m), if it hadn't believed the processor could be used in applications that would eventually dwarf the value of its use in the PS3. In addition to that, IBM was already looking to extend Power4.
http://www.csd.uwo.ca/People/gradstudents/nplemieu/aboutMe/625_Project/celldoc.pdf
