Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About The Cell Processor [Archive]

MrTA

06-12-2005, 02:26 PM

The news of Steve Jobs dropping Cell for Intel and saying that Cell was not good enough caused quite a long thread here at Evil Avatar. So when I checked out Real Tech News (damn good site that explains things so even people like me can understand) and found something really interesting (http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/1426).

We combed the Web for the best articles and opinions on the upcoming CPU. Our personal verdict: don’t look for a Cell on any desktop or notebook anytime soon (some experts disagree), but your living room is about to undergo quite a change, especially if you love the PlayStation.
The funny thing is that even if I have read all the articles they linked to and so on I still don't see any talks with actual video game developers. I know Sony trys to sell PS3 as an all out entertainment machine, but so what if they got the best processor out there if developers can't use it? It will be very interesting to see how it works out for Sony this time around.

crackeriah

06-12-2005, 02:45 PM

Um, Apple was never using (or planning to use) the Cell. Apple's G5 is the PowerPC 970 from IBM, but that's only a distant cousin of the Cell.

outontheporch

06-12-2005, 03:06 PM

sega genesis

sTubbs

06-12-2005, 03:07 PM

Um, Apple was never using (or planning to use) the Cell. Apple's G5 is the PowerPC 970 from IBM, but that's only a distant cousin of the Cell.

Actually, the thread and article being referred to was about the talks that Steve Jobs held with Kutagari? about adopting the CELL chip instead of Intel. So well Apple may never never had any explicit plans to use the CELL, they dwere obviously interested enough to have a sit down with Sony.

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 03:24 PM

Even the verdict that "your living room will undergo quite a change" is reaching.

gojira

06-12-2005, 03:59 PM

I read through (very quickly!) the article linked to in the lead story. I found this quote:

Has the PC finally met it’s match? To date the details disclosed by the STI group (Sony, Toshiba, IBM) have been very vague to say the least. Except that is for the patent application* which describes the system in minute detail. Unfortunately this is very difficult to read so the details haven’t made it out into general circulation even in the technical community.

I think this sums it all up. Nobody really knows. The Cell could be the next big thing, and it could be the next big flop. Even if you could benchmark the Cell next to an equivalent Intel CPU (price, watts, target market), benchmarks and technical designs don't always beat marketing and user preception.

AspectVoid

06-12-2005, 04:10 PM

The funny thing is that even if I have read all the articles they linked to and so on I still don't see any talks with actual video game developers. I know Sony trys to sell PS3 as an all out entertainment machine, but so what if they got the best processor out there if developers can't use it? It will be very interesting to see how it works out for Sony this time around.

You know, its possible that the lack of comments from developers is due to an NDA that Sony has with them right now. It'd be a fairly slick move, I think, to NDA developers until a week or two before the XB360 launch and try to steal steam from it with massive articles suddenly coming out about real details about what the PS3 and Cell can actually do.

I just wanted to throw another theory out there, that's all. Don't take it too seriously.

Zeal

06-12-2005, 04:24 PM

This is the most ridiculously biased analysis I've ever read.

If Apple was to "think different" on OS X licensing and get hardware manufacturers using Cells perhaps they could turn Microsoft's clone army against their masters.

Goodbye, credibility. I don't even want to read anymore bullshit hype until I see Cell actually performing in the real world.

Put up or shut up.

Dirty Harry

06-12-2005, 04:42 PM

This is the most ridiculously biased analysis I've ever read.

Goodbye, credibility. I don't even want to read anymore bullshit hype until I see Cell actually performing in the real world.

Put up or shut up.
Why dont you take your own advice and just shut the F up man. :) I'm sorry if im coming off as an asshole but all the posts i have seen from you are all based on incorrect information and biased opinions. Stop making such an ass of yourself please for the love of humanity.

B_Money

06-12-2005, 04:49 PM

Zeal

06-12-2005, 04:51 PM

All the posts i have seen from you are all based on incorrect information and biased opinions.

I'd like to see you prove any of that.

And by the way, if you actually take the time to read the article, you'll see it's more biased than anything I've ever posted, dumbass.

The editor ends with saying Cell will put the x86 market out of business and that Microsoft 'drones' will turn on their masters. It's also nice to add the guy hasn't even seen or had experience with thing. It's just another case of people pulling shit out of their ass without having any hands-on experience with the product. It never ends.

I simply asked them to show me real world performance of the processor, not talk. Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. Fans want to see ACTUAL results, not just talk.

Why do fanboys always get so pissed when you call them on their hype? Oh, I know why, cause it's always a load of bullshit.

Please read before attacking someone.

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 05:01 PM

Why do MS and Sony have all these plans for my living room? And why does my PS3 need to talk to my toaster? Okay, that part was a joke, but I'm begining to think the real "revolution" that Nintendo is planning is releasing a game system that's designed to play games, not to become some "digital entertainment hub." .

PS3 is going to have a hard time doing anything particularly special in your living room with no hard drive. Other than playing games, that is.

Dirty Harry

06-12-2005, 05:36 PM

I'd like to see you prove any of that.

And by the way, if you actually take the time to read the article, you'll see it's more biased than anything I've ever posted, dumbass.

The editor ends with saying Cell will put the x86 market out of business and that Microsoft 'drones' will turn on their masters. It's also nice to add the guy hasn't even seen or had experience with thing. It's just another case of people pulling shit out of their ass without having any hands-on experience with the product. It never ends.

I simply asked them to show me real world performance of the processor, not talk. Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. Fans want to see ACTUAL results, not just talk.

Why do fanboys always get so pissed when you call them on their hype? Oh, I know why, cause it's always a load of bullshit.

Please read before attacking someone.
Sir you suffer from a thing we call antiprocess. Maybe one day you will be able to live a normal life but for now things are just so uncertain for you. Anyways, what technical degrees have you earned that give you a qualified opinion?, aswell, can you list what vendor of education you got this masters in microelectronic engineering from?. The reason i want to know is that you seem to understand the workings of this invention and you have information that the general public does not have ahold of. It seems that you know something since you go to great lengths to detract from this marvel of technology.

Also the pupose of an editorial is to provide information aswell as an opinion of the matter. No one enjoys reading just the specs. So what if the writer has a slant towards the idea that cell will change the way Computing works, on the hardware level anyways. The whole point of an editorial news article is to provide a view point and after, you can form YOUR OWN view point from the information you have digested. So why are you biatching about it being biased are you that much of a yuppy?.

P.s.
If you had bothered to READ what i had previouslly said to you, i've been reading your current posting trends and i noted that most of your words are based on unfounded opinion. I am of the opinion that you infact are a joe nobody. So the idea that you know more than anyone else just baffles me.

P.s.s
To anyone not involved in this, sorry for the offtopic de-railment of this threading.

Zeal

06-12-2005, 05:47 PM

Thanks for completely dancing around the question in that overly dramatic post. I'll take it that you couldn't refute anything.

As for a "marvel of technology" (lol) as you put it, I'm simply reinterating what Steve Jobs said. A man that knows more about computers than anyone on this forum ever will. I'll take his word over yours.

And if you want to bitch at a wannabe know-it-all tech guru, please direct your replies at bobbler.

PS3 is going to have a hard time doing anything particularly special in your living room with no hard drive. Other than playing games, that is.

I agree. I take the no harddrive decision as an indicator that Sony has no online plan at this time.

Savok

06-12-2005, 05:51 PM

Few things

Degrees only impress suits, the word has lost all meaning to a sensible person

The article reads like an erotic love letter at times

I really don't want a hive mind enslaving us all.

Dirty Harry

06-12-2005, 05:52 PM

Thanks for completely dancing around the question in that overly dramatic post. I'll take it that you couldn't refute anything.

As for a "marvel of technology" (lol) as you put it, I'm simply reinterating what Steve Jobs said. A man that knows more about computers than anyone on this forum ever will. I'll take his word over yours.

And if you want to bitch at a wannabe know-it-all tech guru, please direct your replies at bobbler.

I agree. I take the no harddrive decision as an indicator that Sony has no online plan at this time.

And they "used' to have some plan in the making with AOL but im not to sure about it now. Meh :/

mister_slim

06-12-2005, 06:13 PM

Can we change the article title to: 'We know nothing so here's a bunch of speculation about the Cell Processor'?

Bushido

06-12-2005, 06:33 PM

How about we change the name of the article to
"everything you wanted to know about the cell processor but were afraid to ask on account of everyone flaming the shit out of you?

megatron666

06-12-2005, 06:33 PM

And if you want to bitch at a wannabe know-it-all tech guru, please direct your replies at bobbler.

I just read some your posts and bobblers post in the other Cell thread. And it seems to me that you are and asshole.

Everything bobbler said was as unbiased as possible and, if he didn't provide a link to the info he presented, it is easily looked up. You, on the other hand, simply made pathetic jabs just like in this thread.

Now, on topic, none of us know all the reasons why Steve Jobs didn't pick the Cell so guessing is useless. This article is pretty interesting to see just how the cell works.

Thenetcase

06-12-2005, 06:58 PM

Baked beans.
Soda.
Milk.
Refridgerator.
Washing Machine.

-------------------
Revolutionize those.
-------------------

B_Money

06-12-2005, 07:29 PM

PS3 is going to have a hard time doing anything particularly special in your living room with no hard drive. Other than playing games, that is.

I thought that was what the "cell storage" is for. Some sort of online repository for all your game saves and other media content.

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 07:40 PM

Cell storage can't give you downloadable levels and content for your games; you need local storage for that kind of stuff. As for "other media content", I'm not sure what you mean? Are you talking about video being stored on their servers and streamed across the internet to your machine? That sounds like... buffering... buffering... buffering... fun.

B_Money

06-12-2005, 08:01 PM

TrackZero

06-12-2005, 08:02 PM

You know, its possible that the lack of comments from developers is due to an NDA that Sony has with them right now. It'd be a fairly slick move, I think, to NDA developers until a week or two before the XB360 launch and try to steal steam from it with massive articles suddenly coming out about real details about what the PS3 and Cell can actually do.

I just wanted to throw another theory out there, that's all. Don't take it too seriously.

True, that's an interesting theory to consider. We'll just have to wait to see how it all plays out though.

TrackZero

06-12-2005, 08:05 PM

And if you want to bitch at a wannabe know-it-all tech guru, please direct your replies at bobbler.

Priceless. Bobbler should make that his sig.

zsears

06-12-2005, 08:08 PM

PS3 is going to have a hard time doing anything particularly special in your living room with no hard drive. Other than playing games, that is.

Just like how the PS2 didn't make dvd's a popular format. You are a dumb fuck, you don't need a hard drive to do everything.

Zeal

06-12-2005, 08:12 PM

The only logical conclusion for the lack of harddrive is that most games will not require it. If PS3 is unable to offer an online service similar to that of Live, I think it will really limit Sony's options next-generation.

This is especially true if you have a load of FPS and MMORPGs hitting Live and offering downlodable content, which they will.

Sony needs to develop an online component for their next system. It's a must.

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 08:24 PM

Just like how the PS2 didn't make dvd's a popular format. You are a dumb fuck, you don't need a hard drive to do everything.

lol, DVD was already taking off in the US before the PS2 hit. I know that a lot of dipshits like to give PS2 all the credit for making DVD "popular", but that's pure bullshit.

You DO need a hard drive for downloadable content. You DO need a hard drive if you're going to have all the PC connectivity functions that X360 has.

You can't create a true media hub without a hard drive. Just can't do it. That's not to say that they can't sell you a drive and give you all those additional functions later, just like they promised this gen.

B_Money

06-12-2005, 08:26 PM

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 08:30 PM

You don't need it for online play.

You DO need it for downloadable maps, skins, game types, weapons, etc...

If you like that kind of stuff being added to your online games, then you need local storage.

BloodAngel

06-12-2005, 08:32 PM

Well I usually like to keep away from flame wars, but I thought I would just make a comment.

Zeal is basically correct. The Cell for all practical purposes has no real world empirical proof that it has the capability to process Aunt EM's Cookie Recipe, much less bring the PC world and Microsoft to it's knees.

Sony is notorious for blowing smoke up the publics’ ass, what we will end up with is a decent console that plays games slightly better than the PS-2.

And who am I? Nobody really; just a humble Computer Engineer that works for IBM In Essex Junction Vermont. I have been in the industry for about Eighteen years, and am currently finishing up my doctorate. One thing that I have learned in my career is, it’s all about evolution, not revolution. We are not going to see Cray like entertainment systems in the next five or ten years, nor will PC’s go the way of the 8 Track tape player…. At least not in the next twenty years.

Now can we stop waving our E-peens, and enjoy the fact that in the next year we will be getting two to three nice gaming consoles?

B_Money

06-12-2005, 08:35 PM

lol, DVD was already taking off in the US before the PS2 hit. I know that a lot of dipshits like to give PS2 all the credit for making DVD "popular", but that's pure bullshit.

You DO need a hard drive for downloadable content. You DO need a hard drive if you're going to have all the PC connectivity functions that X360 has.

You can't create a true media hub without a hard drive. Just can't do it. That's not to say that they can't sell you a drive and give you all those additional functions later, just like they promised this gen.

a 512 MB memory stick can hold a lot of downloadable content. A console could easily play music or videos streamed from a home computer (MS could do this from any PC, Sony from PC or Apple with some custom software loaded on the computer) Of course G wireless is going to give you some stuttering with video, and I don't think even 100 Mbs can give you HD.

TrackZero

06-12-2005, 08:35 PM

Why do you need a hdd for online play? Each PS3 will have a built-in MAC address or some other identifier. All other information could be stored on the servers. Of course, when the console breaks, you'd be in trouble, but I'm sure that could be cleared up with a phone call.

You're right, you don't need a HDD for online play or for gaming. But it's really reminding me of the cartridge versus optical media problem all over again. Yes, the PS3 can go without a harddrive, just like the N64 went without CD-ROM. But it limits capabilities and ease of use, if I were to say Sony is making one mistake this generation, this is it.

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 08:42 PM

a 512 MB memory stick can hold a lot of downloadable content. A console could easily play music or videos streamed from a home computer (MS could do this from any PC, Sony from PC or Apple with some custom software loaded on the computer) Of course G wireless is going to give you some stuttering with video, and I don't think even 100 Mbs can give you HD.

lol, I guess if you like buying a bunch of 70 dollar memory sticks to put your downloadable content on, that's cool. :rolleyes:

zsears

06-12-2005, 08:44 PM

lol, DVD was already taking off in the US before the PS2 hit. I know that a lot of dipshits like to give PS2 all the credit for making DVD "popular", but that's pure bullshit.

You DO need a hard drive for downloadable content. You DO need a hard drive if you're going to have all the PC connectivity functions that X360 has.

You can't create a true media hub without a hard drive. Just can't do it. That's not to say that they can't sell you a drive and give you all those additional functions later, just like they promised this gen.

Consoles are evolving into something they were never meant to be, computers. Sorry if I offended you in some wierd way. I see that you enjoy sticking up for your pimp microsoft. You have to admit that having Linux installed onto an added hard drive is cool though. And why do you need a hard drive to connect to a pc again? You have to remember that memory cards are going to take a huge leap in storage space this time around. PS3 will have a hard drive, even if it is not default. The exclusion of a hard drive could also bring the price down.

B_Money

06-12-2005, 08:46 PM

Actually, I hate buying them, but I know somebody who would love to sell a lot more of them.

Reanimated

06-12-2005, 08:48 PM

Actually, I hate buying them, but I know somebody who would love to sell a lot more of them.

Sure. And that's good for you how?

Zeal

06-12-2005, 08:52 PM

There's two things that are a no-brainer when it comes to next generation videogame consoles: HD and a harddrive.

Microsoft's got'em both, Sony has one and Nintendo still living in 1995.

zsears

06-12-2005, 08:58 PM

There's two things that are a no-brainer when it comes to next generation videogame consoles: HD and a harddrive.

Microsoft's got'em both, Sony has one and Nintendo still living in 1995.
Well, Sony will have both, just you will have to buy a harddrive extra. You are right about Nintendo though they see things going "another" way.

B_Money

06-12-2005, 09:02 PM

Sure. And that's good for you how?

Since when are major corporations interested in my well-being?

Paranoia

06-12-2005, 09:10 PM

PS3 will have a hard drive, even if it is not default.

So its alright to say the 360 will have wireless, even if it is not default?

Stryfe01

06-12-2005, 09:11 PM

you guys are nuts...have to love the net. bunch of strangers pissing on each other. ms and sony read this and love it. cashing in all teh way to the bank.

TrackZero

06-12-2005, 09:15 PM

There's two things that are a no-brainer when it comes to next generation videogame consoles: HD and a harddrive.

Microsoft's got'em both, Sony has one and Nintendo still living in 1995.

Actually I'd say it's the console's online offering and harddrive is no-brainer, HD is still frivolous IMHO.

TrackZero

06-12-2005, 09:18 PM

Well, Sony will have both, just you will have to buy a harddrive extra. You are right about Nintendo though they see things going "another" way.

Nintendo at least has a 512MB flash drive built in. And once again, the HD thing is still not confirmed at this point.

bapenguin

06-13-2005, 03:39 AM

If my PS3 can talk to my Cell Refridgerator, is it going to "age" the food inside?

Tia

06-13-2005, 06:08 AM

Sorry if I offended you in some wierd way. I see that you enjoy sticking up for your pimp microsoft.

OK sorry for the out of context post, but can someone tell me what the hell is going on with people in the world?

Just like how the PS2 didn't make dvd's a popular format. You are a dumb fuck, you don't need a hard drive to do everything.

If this is not offensive... What do you call offending? slashing his throat with a knife? Raping his dog with a flaming branch? Peeing on his face?(And if you don't mind, he didn't offend you the least bit, he was stating his opinion without the cursing.)

Do you really don't know anymore how civilized people talk? :confused:

meh, sorry I know it was out of context, but it really annoyed me. :)

Calling someone "dumb fuck" is not suppose to be offensive? excuse me while I go mourn humanity.

*sniffles and goes away.

Goronmon

06-13-2005, 06:11 AM

Just like how the PS2 didn't make dvd's a popular format. You are a dumb fuck, you don't need a hard drive to do everything.
If anything its the other way around, the PS2 (especially in Japan) was popular because it supported the playing of DVDs.

Goronmon

06-13-2005, 06:12 AM

And so, it looks like even after all this time, no one really knows anything about the Cell processor thats of any value.

Good to know ;)

carneconcarne

06-13-2005, 06:51 AM

Yeah, I'm with Tia, this forum sucks. Time to quit reading comments.

Kamalot

06-13-2005, 07:03 AM

Maybe I'm the black sheep here, but I couldn't care about the processor in any of these upcoming consoles. I don't give a rat's ass about what processor is in my MP3 player and only barely care about the processor in my PC (because I have a choice in that matter and can swap the motherboard while retaining all of my programs and functionality.)

In all my time playing games, I've never had to write directly to a processor. I've never had to worry about pipelines or gigaflops.

Why not see what games are coming out for these consoles and base your console decision on that instead some microprocessor voodoo that 99% of the world isn't going to touch?

Remember how the PS2 was supposed to have an amazing processor, the Emotion Engine that would connect you to the Matrix? Remember the games and all the Jaggy edges?

I'm not buying into processor hype 'cause it has little-to-no bearing on the actual games produced.

Goronmon

06-13-2005, 11:20 AM

Nimos

06-13-2005, 01:04 PM

B_Money

06-13-2005, 03:27 PM

I wonder.. did Apple shoot themselves on the foot for not choosing the Cell processor for their Mac line ? Was it a smart move or the worst decision in modern computer history ever ? Only time will tell....

I thought Apple was in the MP3 player market anyways. Sersiously, I doubt Apple will be hurt by using Intel processors in thier computers. People who buy Apple computers wil lcontinue to buy them, no matter what, and PC lovers will stick with thier PCs.