Carmack and the PS3

[Freeman_JI]

Carmack was also asked his opinion on the architecture of the upcoming consoles like the PlayStation 3, and expressed surprise that the various companies had decided to use multiple processors. “I thought most people would have learned the lesson from previous generations where if you take a console that has one fast processor and one fast graphics accelerator, everyone knows how to work on it and it’s nice to program,” said Carmack. “If you take a console that has multiple processors that add up to some wonderful figure of power, it rarely gets utilized as much and hampers development time. I’m a little bit surprised.”

INFO of GAMESPY

Well that's it

[Viper]

He isn't the only developer saying it though one of the few to go on record.

[Michael Bluth]

haha, one of the best developers in the world states how hard it is to develop for the PS3 right after Microsoft rolls out XNA. Genius.

[Nights]

various companies had decided to use multiple processors

Wouldn't that means that the other systems are going to use multi processors too.

[Viper]

Xbox 2 will use a triple Power PC set up.

N5 will utilize one chip. A scaled down Blue Gene/L.

[Nights]

Hmmm. As far as I am aware nothing with N5 is official. Infact last I new Nintendo themselfs didn't know...

Until we see specs like we do with the others, I believe it's a little to early make that assumption, since nothing has been official announced.

[Viper]

IBM announced what they are using for N5 already. No specs were given but it is clear it is a single processor.

[Nights]

Hmmm. No specs are given... So it's no chance that it could use multiple processors. I would like the evidence that proves this.

[Viper]

Hmmm. No specs are given... So it's no chance that it could use multiple processors. I would like the evidence that proves this.
The Blue Gene/L is a single processor ship, specs for it are already out but this is a scaled form and Nintendo doesn't want a multi processor chip anyway.

Blue Gene/L is single processor per chip

blue Gene/P is dual processor per chip.

[Nights]

I still don't see how that proves the next Nintendo system does not use multiple processors.

Sounds like there's not evidence proving either way at this time. Usually when people say "various companies" it means more than 2.

[Viper]

I still don't see how that proves the next Nintendo system does not use multiple processors.

Sounds like there's not evidence proving either way at this time. Usually when people say "various companies" it means more than 2.
Keep in mind Gamespy said 'various companies', not Carmack.

That was journalist patter, usually not based on any facts.

Also notice the journalist said 'various companies', not 'all three comapnies'.

[Nights]

Your digging and not finding anything. I love it when you get like this. There is no proof either way yet, so just wait and see before pointing fingures at other companies.

[Viper]

Why don't you dig a little. Nintendo does not like dual processing ships. The whole point of IBM even being on board with NCl is to desgin a easy to use develoepr friendly chip. That stance is still with the company today. IBM is developping the Cell for PS3, a triple processor Power PC set up for Xbox2 and a scaled down single processor Blue Gene/L for N5.

I'd link you but Rueters only goes back 30 days. Their archiving company wants money to search after that.

Tell you what, I'll ask my rep.

[=NukeBlaze=]

Well, we assume Nintendo will be using a single chip to advertise the simplicity to develop for thier console, But I would imagine they would need supporting chips for the Gamecube software. This would still not be a muti-processor setup to power N5 games, just pointing at the small exception.

A simmilar setup as the GameBoy DS, which contains a new chip, and the pervious GBA processor. Sony's PS2 has this same setup for compatability with PS1.

In reguards to a processor having two cores, I do not believe it is as complex as having two individual chips. Technology in desktops will be heading to one processor with two cores, hence one processor package, and two chips. I blieve that this method involved a less complex process to program for, but do not quote me on that. Just basing this off of that the two cores would be able to share much of the suport circuitry and what forth. A dual core processor would be able to communicate inter-processor many times faster than a muti-processor system being that the two cores are very close in proximity, verus two chips soldered to the board a few inches apart. Let see what time will say.

[BooSh]

Hes talking bout the Box to. I think that multi processors might MIGHT be a good idea. 1 smaller processor then the rest dedicated for AI calculations. 1 Smaller then the AI to process the sound. And 1 gigantic one for everything else. All these need to be able to get to the memory bridge at good speeds, then they will work as one. The GPU also needs to be Realllll strong...

Better then NV40, and R320-R400

[Nights]

I don't care either way... I've owned every system including the CDI and the Sega Saturn is my all time favorite. So I'm all for it, Sega will be the only one who can utilize the multiple processors just like on there system. :-)

[=NukeBlaze=]

^ Anyone can utilize the processor power if they wish, it is just like the PS2 console. It is just a matter of investing the time of digging into the increased complexity of the programming. For example, if a epic of a game is created, they will hopefully invest more time in it an hence more system watts (HorsePower for you standard system people:)) to power what they wish to create. Just about anything from EA, fr example, will probably not dig to deep into the system's ins and outs. Some develops prefer to not have to do digging so they can invest thier energies into making a game and not battling the code system.

I still rember the good ol' saturn. The Emulator creators had a hell of a time creating a working emulation program for the system becuase of its multi-processor design.

[Viper]

Didn't they also hate the quadralateral polygon design?

[Nights]

Yes and now. Some developers preferred the quad. Edios did with Tombraider... It was different but had it's advantages Edios said.

The main part was the multiple processors and getting them to all work as a cohesive unit. Some developers complained about that, just to complain. Just like some developers complain about the xbox not having enough ram even though there should be no reason for that.

[Nights]

^ Anyone can utilize the processor power if they wish, it is just like the PS2 console. It is just a matter of investing the time of digging into the increased complexity of the programming. For example, if a epic of a game is created, they will hopefully invest more time in it an hence more system watts (HorsePower for you standard system people:)) to power what they wish to create. Just about anything from EA, fr example, will probably not dig to deep into the system's ins and outs. Some develops prefer to not have to do digging so they can invest thier energies into making a game and not battling the code system.

I still rember the good ol' saturn. The Emulator creators had a hell of a time creating a working emulation program for the system becuase of its multi-processor design.

Are there emulators for it? I have backed up copies of all my games and my Astal and Dragon Force 2 broke when I moved. Do the emu's work well? I have a souped up comp.

[Viper]

The Saturn technically had 8 processors but only 2 were CPUs which is what you are referring to about having multiple processors.

From what I remember of the Saturn, the two CPUs did not proces data, or at least couldn't access the RAM, simultaneously.

[Nights]

There were 1 main one for 2d which the system was designed for and 2 for 3D graphics thrown in last minute.

[=NukeBlaze=]

There are emulators for everything, including gamecube and PS2.(The cube and PS2 are terribly slow though emulated). I will have to look for the link and get back to you on it later.