MS readies second-gen 65nm Xbox 360?
'Jasper' due next year
Microsoft will release updated versions of its Xbox 360, this time with even more 65nm chippery, from August 2008, the console's pundit-in-chief has claimed.
The new version is codenamed 'Jasper' - actually, that's the name of the motherboard new models will be based upon - and is set to incorporate an incarnation of the console's AMD-made R500 graphics chip fabbed at 65nm.
So claims Dean Takahashi, who's been covering the Xbox 360 since before it was launched and last year published Xbox 360 Uncloaked, the first history of the console's development.
R500 is currently fabbed at 90nm, and it's the 90nm version that's being used in 'Falcon', the new Xbox 360 motherboard that incorporates a 65nm version of the multi-core IBM PowerPC processor that drives the console. Falcon also integrates HDMI.
Falcon was rumoured to be on the verge of being launched for most of 2007. Microsoft finally began shipping Falcon-based Xbox 360s last month, it emerged recently.
Falcon's use of a 65nm CPU allows it to get away with a less complex cooling system, and the introduction of Jasper will cut the components' heat output further. Excessive heat is widely blamed for the infamours Red Ring of Death that has plagued many a 360 and forced Microsoft to extend the console's warranty period to three years - at a cost of $1bn.
COMMENTS
@Giles
Agreed - that is the main concern for all Xbox-ers. They wanted a relatively priced console that 'could' be upgraded if they wanted. It's also the main criticism against the PS3 being the most expensive console of recent times (think the Neo Geo was the most!!). Adding in the bigger HD and HD-DVD drive would be shooting M$ in the foot as it's against what they have been saying about Phony's PS3.
Interesting to hear that some people do want a fully laden Xbox..
Also, being an external choice M$ could legitimately switch between HD-DVD and Blue-Ray depending on which one becomes the norm (of which, IMHO, we will have dual formats for quite a while as both have positives and negatives that only preference will decide).
Apart from the RROD issue, I really don't see the purpose of another incarnation.. Almost as many variants as the dreaded Vista!! (<- personal opinion: Vista is great for home [all flashy], but under-par for Business..)
TFIFriday!
Least Compatible??
How do you figure that, it adheres to all standards, starts up quicker and works just fine?
Sure there are some issues but they get resolved very quickly in my experience.
HD-DVD???
The Microsoft 360 HD-DVD is the least compatible HD-DVD player which is a little ironic considering that Microsoft had quite a bit of input in the spec of the HD format!
HD-DVD
Having the HD-DVD drive externally mean those who aren't interested in that can save money on the console.
