View Full Version : More Info on Nvidias GPU
December 07, 2004 - Last night around midnight NVIDIA announced that it has been working with Sony on the GPU for Sony's forthcoming computer entertainment system. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that they're talking about PlayStation 3 here. Note that the PlayStation 3 name isn't actually official yet, though we'll continue to use it as it's basically guaranteed that's what Sony will call its PlayStation 2 successor.
The press release basically states that NVIDIA is and has been working on a GPU for Sony's system for some time now, and unfortunately not a whole hell of a lot more than that. This sort of came from left field as it sounded like Sony's Cell processor was going to be doing all of the work in its upcoming console, including the graphical duties. Still though, it would have seemed a bit odd for NVIDIA to leave ATI as the sole third-party GPU supplier for the upcoming console generation, as ATI is (unofficially and yet officially) supplying the GPU for the successor to Xbox and Nintendo's next as well.
While this does bring about a bit of confusion, there have also likely been a few sighs of relief around the industry. The PS2's obvious weak points are low texture memory and poor image quality. Coupling with NVIDIA practically guarantees the second part won't be a problem. The first is obviously still up in the air, but we don't assume Sony will drop the ball on this one again.
We had a chance to fire off a handful of questions to David Roman over at NVIDIA about the partnership. He wasn't able to answer some of our more probing questions obviously, but a few interesting things were mentioned:
Firstly, how long has NVIDIA been working with Sony on this collaboration?
David Roman: NVIDIA has been working on aspects of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s next generation system for the past 2 years.
How did NVIDIA become involved with working with Sony? Which party approached whom?
David Roman: Difficult to say. We have been talking to Sony about very many different projects from the early days of starting NVIDIA.
The Xbox GPU is essentially a beefy version of the GeForce 3. Will the PS3 (or whatever it will be called) GPU be based on forthcoming desktop GPU architecture or will it be its own entity entirely?
David Roman: It is a custom version of our next generation GPU
Up to this point, due to its proclaimed power, we had assumed that the Cell processor would be doing all of the processing in the PS3, both the generalized (AI, physics, etc.) and all of the graphical work. Will NVIDIA's GPU work in the terms that we're currently used to and handle the graphics entirely, or will it work with Cell in ways that current GPUs don't and let Cell handle some of the work (say, vertex transformation, for example)?
David Roman: I don't have that information. I know that this is a custom chip and we are working on its development with Sony Computer Entertainment
Will NVIDIA's GPU work be tied into the Cell architecture, or will it be a separate chip in the PS3?
David Roman: It will be a separate chip
S-Mart or Quickie Mart?
David Roman: …
Unfortunately our questions regarding such things as image quality, HD support and backwards compatibility couldn't be commented on at this time, but we sort of assumed that going in. At any rate, a few answers bring up a few interesting points, which only lead to more interesting questions.
Firstly, if NVIDIA's GPU for PS3 is a custom version of its next-gen chip, then SLI (or dual chip) is practically a shoe-in. We'd put a few bucks on the line that says there will be at least two NVIDIA branded GPUs in PlayStation 3. The interesting thing would be to see more than two, but that's for future investigation.
What we're not sure to what to make of here is how the Cell processor and NVIDIA-based GPU will work together. It's been said that the Cell processor is to be unbelievably fast, and if so it may outpace NVIDIA's GPU by quite a bit, meaning that the GPU will be the bottleneck in the system. Or alternatively, NVIDIA's next GPU will be blazing fast, faster than we'd expect, which should make console and PC gamers alike giddy with excitement.
A third option would be that Sony's Cell processor does indeed work with NVIDIA's GPU in a different fashion than regular CPUs tend to work with graphics solutions today. What way that could possibly be, we don't know. If we had to speculate, we'd say it would be something like performing vertex transformation in Cell and the lighting and shading via NVIDIA's part. Again, we can only wait and see what the truth is.
We should find out the exact details behind all of this by E3 next year, or possibly as early as GDC or so if we're lucky. Either way, we're hoping that the hype behind Cell actually holds some weight and that NVIDIA can couple a graphics solution to it that really provides for a next-generation gaming experience.
-- Chris Roper
http://gear.ign.com/articles/571/571598p1.html
Even though I dont know my ass from my elbow all this sounds yummy. WHat is a GPU (does that mean graphics processor unit) ?
gaming ultima
12-08-2004, 12:36
1. GPU stands for graphics processing unit
2. its not ‘Nvidia's’ GPU', it is/was a joint development by Nvidia and SCEI
3. actually once you get diff things that diff people said about it it becomes quite obvious whats going on here
basically its either a nvidia type design with some cell tech injected into it or its a graphical version of cell (visualizer anybody?) with some nvidia injected into it (so if it is the visualizer then nvidia would be the 1's doing the pixel engine's etc etc) or they are both the same thing
has anybody noticed that Nvidia cancelled their NV48 and NV50 projects, well could that mean that there is going to be a pc version of this and possibly meaning some cell tech might find its way into their pc cards
i guess we will have to wait and see but im very excited personally
DINAMO788
12-08-2004, 20:48
i take it you found that on IGN?
newyz, i know the GPU is a graphics thing but like what exactly is it?
how special really is it?
is it like a big new thing that could completely change gaming?
PeanutButterMunky
12-08-2004, 21:07
A GPU is "used primarily for 3-D applications, a Graphics Processing Unit is a single-chip processor that creates lighting effects and transforms objects every time a 3D scene is redrawn. These are mathematically-intensive tasks, which otherwise, would put quite a strain on the CPU. Lifting this burden from the CPU frees up cycles that can be used for other jobs."
locoderango
12-10-2004, 03:21
when asked
"Will NVIDIA's GPU work be tied into the Cell architecture, or will it be a separate chip in the PS3?
David Roman: It will be a separate chip"
dose any one think that kills off the possibility of the new gpu having
any sort of advanced multi core architecture?
the NV50 was canned mid way through development
Im hoping theres some sort of cell tech in the graphics chip
dose any one think that kills off the possibility of the new gpu having
any sort of advanced multi core architecture?
Firstly, if NVIDIA's GPU for PS3 is a custom version of its next-gen chip, then SLI (or dual chip) is practically a shoe-in.
Who cares about dual core when we have dual CHIP?
However, I highly doubt this on two terms:
-Power Consumption
-Heat ouput
Would two next-gen nVidia chip create too much heat or use too much power (At least more so then the generally accepted home appliance power usage :roll:)? I mean, just look at nVidia's current day bulky design, the 6800 Ultra uses two power cords (@ PC gamers: How many volts/watt is that?). From the way things look, it would seem that the only way nVidia's next-gen chip is gonna get beefier is probably bigger, but don't quote me on that :P.
That's my 2 cents...
gaming ultima
12-10-2004, 15:04
at the moment it seems quite possible even likely that the GPU will be cell based and if it follows the visulizer architecture then Nvidia are prob doing the pixel engine's
even if its not though its almost certain that there will be some cell tech in there.
well whatever turns up should be truly advanced as Sony will be able to build it on a 65nm process, current cards are build on a 110nm process
sina_html
12-10-2004, 21:10
this is funny guys. 4 huge companies are working togheter for year to create a very next generation proccesing device and u are just sitting behind your comps and judging and talking about the cell architecture or the gpu they will use and say foor ur selves : ow a very fast cell whit some nvidia stuff. mm is that gona work? i think they should use 512 MB of ram
whats the point?
cant u just wait and see
don_milz
12-10-2004, 22:10
this is funny guys. 4 huge companies are working togheter for year to create a very next generation proccesing device and u are just sitting behind your comps and judging and talking about the cell architecture or the gpu they will use and say foor ur selves : ow a very fast cell whit some nvidia stuff. mm is that gona work? i think they should use 512 MB of ram
whats the point?
cant u just wait and see
You can wait and see if you want.
but i think most of us here would like to discuss, wait and see.
Any way, personally i think the GPU will NOT be based on cell technology or it's architecture....for many reasons one of which is the GPU being 90nm (i'll get the link when i find it)...and the cell being 65. Having said that...i think the GPU WILL work together with the cell in some respect to get the best out of both parts.
And regarding the RAM......my prediction is that there will be 512 for the GPU to use itself...coupled with 32MB eDRAM....Rumors and insider sources are suggesting only 256MB main memory for PS3....maybe that main memory will even be used for boosting up the graphics memory (if required...but i would think 512 for graphics is enough).
this is funny guys. 4 huge companies are working togheter for year to create a very next generation proccesing device and u are just sitting behind your comps and judging and talking about the cell architecture or the gpu they will use and say foor ur selves : ow a very fast cell whit some nvidia stuff. mm is that gona work? i think they should use 512 MB of ram
whats the point?
cant u just wait and see
People discuss the future and it's possibilities all the time...especially concerning technology, if you want to "wait and see" then fine go back to beign a silent observer. However the rest of us are going to discuss the future of next generation gaming if thats fine with you. I know your trying to sound like the resonable intellectuall guy...I see it all the time. Your not impressing me.
don_milz
12-10-2004, 22:39
but i think most of us here would like to discuss, wait and see.
I already have blake backing me on that note, and i'm sure many other would as well, since they seem to be discussing and greatly contributing to discussions.
on another note...take a look at this
nVidia claim PS3 GPU "far more powerful" than anything they've previously worked on
...
This was backed up by nVidia's executive vice president of marketing Dan Vivoli in comments made to the San Jose Mercury. ``This chip is going to be far more powerful than anything we've done before,"
Superb....absolutely brilliant....it's getting better by the second...and my guess is that CEOs over at MS are shock.
this also came from the same source:
While the PS3 chip will incorporate many elements of nVidia's next-generation PC graphics technology, it is being designed as a standalone unit and is not based on existing PC architecture.
hmmm, very intresting....well we now know nVidia won't be making one of their existing PC architecture based GPUs....but i still have doubts about it being based on the cell architecture, i only think that the GPU will work and form a bond with the cell (to benefit both cell and the GPU) not be based on it.
SOURCE (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/r/?page=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/news/news_story.php(que)id=113056)
MiThRaZoR
12-10-2004, 23:54
Superb....absolutely brilliant....it's getting better by the second...and my guess is that CEOs over at MS are shock.
Wait... arn't CEO's the ones that only fill out checks??
Superb....absolutely brilliant....it's getting better by the second...and my guess is that CEOs over at MS are shock.
Wait... arn't CEO's the ones that only fill out checks??
What are you talking about? CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer. I don't understand why you think they have anything whatsoever to do with "checks".
don_milz
12-11-2004, 13:26
Superb....absolutely brilliant....it's getting better by the second...and my guess is that CEOs over at MS are shock.
Wait... arn't CEO's the ones that only fill out checks??
If that's the case then, i think we all would be CEO's...no need for a degree or any such qualifications, all you need to be able to do is write (to fill in checks)...and you're sorted. :lol: lol
gaming ultima
12-11-2004, 13:39
Superb....absolutely brilliant....it's getting better by the second...and my guess is that CEOs over at MS are shock.
Wait... arn't CEO's the ones that only fill out checks??
If that's the case then, i think we all would be CEO's...no need for a degree or any such qualifications, all you need to be able to do is write (to fill in checks)...and you're sorted. :lol: lol
it would be nice to get paid mega amounts of money for just filling in checks as well lol
MiThRaZoR
12-12-2004, 00:39
Superb....absolutely brilliant....it's getting better by the second...and my guess is that CEOs over at MS are shock.
Wait... arn't CEO's the ones that only fill out checks??
If that's the case then, i think we all would be CEO's...no need for a degree or any such qualifications, all you need to be able to do is write (to fill in checks)...and you're sorted. :lol: lol
it would be nice to get paid mega amounts of money for just filling in checks as well lol
It's either just me or someones telling me wrong the information....
cause my uncle he's a CEO of a company and my mom said that all he does is fill out checks and get paid alot for it... lol
So what do they do?
PeanutButterMunky
12-12-2004, 01:14
cause my uncle he's a CEO of a company and my mom said that all he does is fill out checks and get paid alot for it... lol
The same could be said for Bill Gates, but he didn't get where he's at by writing checks. CEO's play a major role in the success of a business, as well as all the people, sometimes thousands upon thousands, working under them.
MiThRaZoR
12-12-2004, 01:16
Yea, I know I was confused when my mom first told me that... A company got successful by some people writing checks? thats still cool tho
PeanutButterMunky
12-12-2004, 01:22
I think it requires of minimum of 6 years of college to get a degree as a CEO, and even that doesn't guarantee you a job with a big corporation. They are involved deeply with the business they're in. The bonus can be loads of cash ;)
CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) have heavy workloads on their shoulders...
I think it requires of minimum of 6 years of college to get a degree as a CEO, and even that doesn't guarantee you a job with a big corporation. They are involved deeply with the business they're in. The bonus can be loads of cash ;)
CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) have heavy workloads on their shoulders...
Bill Gates, Micheal Dell are both CEOs who never finished college. Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft, dropped out of Harvard. Dell, current CEO of Dell, dropped out of, I believe, Texas.
I point this out to demonstrate that there is no standard requirements to being a CEO. It all depends on the company and the person.
Larry Ellison is another dropout and he runs Oracle.
Also, another example is Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin. He never even went to Uni.
gaming ultima
12-12-2004, 15:21
it doesn’t take any qualifications what so ever to become the CEO or chairman or a corporation
anybody can start a business and any business could one day become a mega corporation, even Microsoft was a tiny company not many people had ever heard of once
one thing you do need however is a flare for it ...
Well if you dont actually own the company you can end up getting bumped up to CEO. Basically theres like maybe 4 or 5 people in the company that can vote to have you moved up and if your not doing a very good job then they can demote you. Chairman I think is what you might call them...not sure. My office knowledge is limited but I do know that some companies have this kind of system. So in that aspect, yea you want to be qualified.
don_milz
12-12-2004, 20:00
By my knowledge i think it goes like this:
Chairman
Vise president
Executive vise president
CEO (Chief Executive officer)
The rest can sod off (lol).
By my knowledge i think it goes like this:
Chairman
Vise president
Executive vise president
CEO (Chief Executive officer)
The rest can sod off (lol).
That is wrong.
Chairman refers to the head of the board of directors, who are elected by the shareholders of a public company to oversee the company. They have very little to do with the day to day operation of the company.
The executives that run the companies day to day operations are headed up by the CEO. Generally speaking under him are the CFO (chief financial officer), CIO (Chief Information officer) and sometimes a CTO (Chief Technology officer). Under each of them usually is the various presidents and vice presidents of there resected diveisions, i.e. Sales, Marketing and others.
MiThRaZoR
12-13-2004, 00:17
:? thats so confusing. Why do they have to have so many ranks? Damn them.
PeanutButterMunky
12-13-2004, 00:35
By saying damn them, that'd pretty much mean EVERY single major corporation. But I agree, it's quite confusing.
MiThRaZoR
12-13-2004, 00:46
Nah I don't really mean that, I'm just mad right now with all this frustration.
gaming ultima
12-13-2004, 12:04
you can also have COO which i think stands for cheif operations offiser
from what i can remember the firectors are responsible for the long term corperate stratagies etc etc of the company and the executives and oeration offisers etc etc that run the day to day running of the company
Wow, how did a thread about the nVidia next-gen CPU turn into a debate as to what CEO and the other various corporate rank stand for?
Also, another example is Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin. He never even went to Uni.
Wasn't he the guy that started a reality show called *Forgot the name (Something around rebellious billionare or such)* and would give his entire corporation to whoever wins?
I know what your talking about but he wasnt going to hand the company over. He was going to let someone be CEO for a year.
link: http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=66280
Article is up for grabs until I get home to do it.
THEREALNEXTGEN
02-24-2007, 03:28
Man, I heard they are making a monster of a graphics processor called the RSX. It will have 256mb, but all the specs have disappeared. I can't wait to see the graphics in the PS3.
renegadevikingPS3
02-24-2007, 04:29
has anybody noticed that Nvidia cancelled their NV48 and NV50 projects, well could that mean that there is going to be a pc version of this and possibly meaning some cell tech might find its way into their pc cards
I thought the Geforce 8800 GTS was going to fall down in price and be a RSX in a sense the gfx look the same. Technically 720p is way too easy for the Geforce 8800 GTS with any PC config.
Graphics Processing Unit is a single-chip processor
That would be true if not for the Geforce 7950 GX2 (Dual G71 cores).
xmokshax
02-24-2007, 04:58
therealnextgen really needs to be banned for resurrecting several ancient threads. honestly, it's ruining the forums.
ha ha almost 3 years old thread ?
StrifeTribal
02-24-2007, 05:00
Lmao, yeah it was funny at first, now its just getting stupid.
THEBLAKWALSTREET
02-24-2007, 05:01
K noit funny anymore, u should be banned for a week or something
THEREALNEXTGEN
02-24-2007, 05:52
Request immediate lock and trash disposal of thread.
grangerfx
02-24-2007, 05:56
Perhaps the mods will post a thread named "THEREALNEXTGEN is BANNED!" so we can bump that one from time to time.
THEREALNEXTGEN
02-24-2007, 05:58
Perhaps the mods will post a thread named "THEREALNEXTGEN is BANNED!" so we can bump that one from time to time.
READ AGAIN, DO NOT POST IN HERE. Request immediate lock and trash disposal of thread.
Uh why are you reviving really old threads then yelling at mods to lock and delete them? What the hell is the point of that.
THEREALNEXTGEN
02-24-2007, 06:03
Uh why are you reviving really old threads then yelling at mods to lock and delete them? What the hell is the point of that.
My account was hacked and READ; STOP RESPONDING TO THE THREAD. Request immediate lock and trash disposal of thread.
My was hacked and READ; STOP RESPONDING TO THE THREAD. Request immediate lock and trash disposal of thread.
http://www.synthstuff.com/mt/archives/orly.jpg
hacked you say LOL.
THEREALNEXTGEN
02-24-2007, 06:15
http://www.synthstuff.com/mt/archives/orly.jpg
hacked you say LOL.
Do you think that you're cute or funny? No you're not. Learn to READ. DO NOT POST IN HERE. Request immediate lock and trash disposal of thread. Soldier One get here fast.