The Hardware
Xbox 360
Multimedia Interfaces
- DVD
- CD
- USB 2.0
- Infrared
Graphics Processing Unit
The Xbox 360's GPU is the ATI Xenos, which can be compared to the ATI Radeon HD 2900XT desktop video card.
It runs at 500Mhz core speed and features 10MB eDRAM, which is an especially efficient type of memory. Current games take use of around 75% of the chip's capabilitys.
The GPU natively sends out the resolution 720p (1280x720), but it can be upscaled to 1080p (1920x1080) when connected to a proper HDTV. Note however that this is not true Full HD. Other supported resolutions include: 480p, 480i (NTSC) and 576i (PAL). The console can be set up via HDMI, Component, Composite or even VGA.
Central Processing Unit
The CPU takes the name Xenon and is provided by IBM. It is a simple setup of 3 equal cores, each of them running at 3,2 Ghz.
RAM
The Xbox 360 has 512MB of GDDR3 memory, which is shared between the CPU and GPU.
Sound
The console features 5.1 Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic surround sound, working with 256 sound channels and 32 bit sound processing.
The console put out the sound either with the included analog cable or optical digital cable.
Hard Disk Drive
The HDD of the current Elite model is 120GB big and communicates with the console via a SATA port.
Internet Connectivity
Every console incudes a standartd high speed ethernet port for connecting with Xbox Live.
Controller
Every Xbox 360 console, regardless the model comes with a infrared wireless controller, which requires 2 AA batteries. The gamepad itself is fairly standard, having 2 analog sticks, a d-pad, 2 shoulder buttons, 2 triggers and 4 face buttons.
Notes
The Xbox 360 has a failrate of 51%, meaning that there is a chance of 51% that the console shows a technical defect. That is indicated by 3 flashing red lights, also called the Red Ring Of Death. Microsoft responded to that by expanding the warranty to 3 years.
Models
The Xbox 360 is currently available in 2 flavours: The Arcade (199,99€) and the Elite (249,99€). The only difference between the two is the Elite's 120GB HDD, compared to the Arcades 0GB HDD.
PlayStation 3
Multimedia Interfaces
- BluRay
- DVD
- CD
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- Infrared
- USB 2.0
Graphics Processing Unit
The PlayStation 3's GPU is the Nvidia RSX, which is comparable to the Nvidia GeForce 7800Ultra desktop video card. Two of those chips are build into the system, with each running at 550Mhz Core speed. The memory size is 256MB for each core, running at 700Mhz. Current games such as Killzone 2 take use of around 25% of the GPUs capabilitys.
The chip's native output resolution is 1080p, but is also able to display 720p, 480p, 480i (NTSC) and 576i (PAL). The device can be connected via HDMI, Component or Composit.
Central Processing Unit
The console's CPU is called the Cell and was developed in a joint project of Sony, Toshiba and IBM. The Cell has 9 overall cores, each of them running at 3,2 Ghz. One core has the role of managing all the others, wile another handles the operating system, meaning 7 cores are available for game programming. Each core also has it's own memory of 256MB XDR RAM.
RAM
Each part has it's own memory.
Sound
The PlayStation 3 puts out 5.1 Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby True HD on 512 sound channels. It uses 32bit sound processing.
Hard Disk Drive
The current PlayStation 3 model features a 120GB HDD, which can be replaced by any other common 2,5" HDD.
Internet Connectivity
The console can either connect to an access point via WiFi, or via an ethernet cable.
Controller
The PS3 Controller is called DualShock 3 and shares the exact same layout of the DualShock 1 and 2. A motion tracking sensor is also installed into the wireless gamepad, and it can be recharged with a normal USB cable.
Models
There is only one PlayStation3 Model called the "PS3 Slim", retailing for 299€
THE WINNER IN THIS CATEGORY:
Without a doubt, the PS3 simply has the most raw processing power under it's case. In a what if szenario with both consoles under 100% usage of their technologie the PlayStation 3 would show far surperior results over the Xbox 360, and it's all because of the Cell. With it the programmers are no longer limited to the GPU in terms of graphics engenieering. They can assign each core a different task and couple this with the RSX's power to get the best graphical performence possible.
Other than the technical muscle, the PS3 also has the upper hand in terms of connectivity. Despite the impressing fact that it is able to play back BluRays, the PS3 also comes equiped with a WiFi adapter and recharging controller packs right out of the gate, both of which must be purchased seperately for the Xbox 360.
Stay tuned for ROUND 2, the console exclusive games.
