40GB PS3 Includes 90nm Cell, Power Usage Still Lower

While German site Computer Base initially reported the newest 40GB PlayStation 3 SKU would be shipping with a pared down 65nm Cell processor, another German site has confirmed with Sony that this is not the case. Sony told Heise Online that the 40GB model, which debuted in North America on Friday, still includes the 90nm Cell processor. Despite not having a smaller CPU, the newest PS3 model consumes around 32.5% less power than other PS3 models. The increased efficiency came from different components used in manufacturing the new models, which also explains why some end users were reporting the lesser power consumption as indicative of a new Cell processor. Sony told Heise Online the 65nm Cell processor would be coming to newly manufactured models in the coming months. Shacknews contacted Sony for comment, but has not yet received a response. The 65nm Cell CPU was perceived by some as one of the few benefits of the new model, which lacks backward compatibility with PS2 titles, halves the number of USB ports, removes flash memory card slots, and dismisses SACD playback in favor of a $399.99 price point.