Xbox 720 Processor Details Rumored to Have Been Leaked
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Hold on to your seat, folks, this ride might get a little bumpy. According to known hacker Hector Martin or otherwise known as "Marcan," the Xbox 720 is set to have a 1.66GHz CPU (Central Processing Unit).
This was in reference to his outing of the Wii U's processor as "just' being at 1.2GHz, while the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is at 549MHz. He posted the statement over on Twitter and when people started pointing out how "weak" Nintendo's Wii U was, he tweeted the following (via NeoGAF).
If you want more evidence that MHz isn't everything, a little birdie points out that Durango (Xbox 720) is specc'ed to have a 1.6GHz CPU.
Food for thought. (And don't bother asking me who that little birdie is.)
For reference, the current-gen Xbox 360 is at 3.2GHz, broken down to one CPU with three cores running at 3.2GHz and each one is capable of two threads.
So, if you're like me, chances are you've noticed the numbers and now wondering why Microsoft would make it weaker compared to the console they have now. First off, keep in mind that this is a rumor, so there is a possibility that Marcan's "birdie" told him wrong or was mistaken. Secondly, clock speed is just one thing and we still don't have a clue how many cores the Xbox 720 will even have. And while I'm not a technical person by any means, there's obviously a lot more regarding this than just the speed determing how strong the CPU is...in short, don't jump the shark and don't overreact.
Keep in mind, though, that up to now, Microsoft has yet to confirm, deny or say something regarding any of its next-gen plans and the rumors surrounding it. So again, take all this with a grain of salt. The last we heard of the Xbox 720 or Durango's processor was way back in September when we posted this report on how purported chip-maker AMD is having troubles having its chips pass the testing phase.
Hopefully, they sorted that little snag out. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one with bad memories when it comes to Xbox's and faulty hardware (read: 3RL).
So, what do you think of this "rumor?" Could it be true but we just don't know the whole story yet? For those who in the know, is this even a cause for concern at all?
RUMOR: Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4 Updated Codenames Revealed, 720 ‘Oban’ Chip Delayed
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By Matthew Bennett, Associate Editor
Posted on December 11, 2012 AT 06:39am
A new report has revealed the updated internal codenames for Microsoft’s and Sony’s next-generation consoles, the Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4. The report also offers new details on the chips that both consoles will use.
SemiAcurate is reporting (via internal sources) that Microsoft is now referring to the next Xbox console as “Kryptos” instead of the more widely known “Durango” name that has appeared in several previous reports. The site’s sources also claim that Microsoft’s next console will use an AMD chip codenamed “Oban,” however production issues have caused component quality to be “painfully low,” which could lead to delays.
I wouldn’t worry about CPU clock speed. First, current CPUs are able to do more per cycle and second, GPU performance is going to be more important. And the same rules for GPU performance apply.
Plus they are only looking to achieve adequate 1080p performance, they won’t have to worry about driving 4k monitors. Middle of the road PCs can do that now.
Microsoft remembers the RRD well, they are going to get their performance with the slowest clock and most efficient processors they can find so they don’t design heat death into the product.