This is obviously an assumption on my part based on generalization of the hardware physical size difference between Xbox One and PS4.

Considerations:

1) Existing rumors from over a year that discuss issues MS is having with its yields on its APU.
2) My comparison thread that shows MSony have nearly identical configurations internally.

• same cpu
• MS using smaller gpu but adding 32MB of embedded memory on APU
• both  have separate 8gbs of ram (separate in terms of not in apu)
• 500gb HDDs
• PS4 has internal PSU while Xbone uses brick in power cord (this is a huge difference here)
• BR drive in both
• Same basic other connections (usb, hdmi, etc)

Yet, the Xbox One is significantly larger. Why? The only real possibility is cooling. MS has a much larger need to reduce internal heat on their configuration than Sony does. Thus they have a larger cooling solution and increased inside volume in order to dissipate heat better.

While at surface value this is a big so the fuck what scenario, when you take it into account along with the rumors of MS having issues with their APUs due to added complexity of having eSRAM on the chip, then you have a supported concern that yes, this device very well may have cooling issues which was the big culprit in RROD.

Obviously take this with a big grain of salt as its just my assumptions. However, I think it makes perfect sense.

I'd definitely pick prevention as they recognize a significant risk.

...and I said it was conjecture and my assumptions multiple times.

You forgot the included Kinect.

Well, this is definitely no evidence for me but staying at least a bit OT, I am looking forward on Sony's motherboard-design. When I look at MS' board I think it's straight-forward and don't see anything wasted in the space available.

From the 5 billion transistors it appears they are using either 6t or 8t esram, neither of which produce much heat according to B3D. The consensus there seems to be yield issues alone, which is apparently AMD's problem, not Microsoft's. I think the size is a combination of aesthetic and aural requirements.

Wouldn't surprise me if XBone had heat issues which is why they have the big box and cooling system. They've also said it's quiet which suggests it has a large cooling fan that runs at low RPM.

Some of it is probably over-compensation after the RRoD debacle though.

I'd be more worried about the ps4 look how tiny it is with included psu inside that would need cooling a lot, Xbox one is huge in comparison

I'm pretty sure most people would prefer a large xbox instead of one that potentially craps out from heat issues. It seems they learned their lessons from the 360's hardware malfunctions.

We'll find out when the console's released. But I'll say that's a nice assumption. I'm not sure how much hardware is needed for Kinect inside the Xbone (if there is any).

Kinect has its hardware in the camera device AFAIK.