It’s been a few days the new PS5 model CFI-1200 in circulation, for which there was already a teardown. In the meantime, a new graphics chip and other technical details have also been confirmed.
The first teardown about two weeks ago was quite superficial, revealing a redesign of the PS5’s internal structure, a rebuilt cooling system and other optimizations, including the console’s weight.
PS5 with 6nm chip
Now you have dug a little deeper and can confirm (via Angstromomics) that the present PS5 with model number CFI-1202 about the speculated graphics chip based on 6nm (TSMC N6), which is codenamed Oberon Plus carries. This replaces the previous 7nm chip of the PS5 and brings further advantages.
On the one hand, there is the low power consumption, but also a higher yield from the wafers in production, which is estimated at around 20 percent. This is possible because the processor itself has been shrunk by 40mm².
“These console updates are today’s equivalent of what happened decades ago in the microprocessor industry, where existing designs were ported to a new, more efficient processing node with minimal rework,” it said.
Less power consumption also means less heat generation, ultimately resulting in less complex cooling or less need for heat dissipation. As the development of graphics chips, cooling, etc. progresses, it will probably come down to a PS5 Slim one day.
It is also mentioned that the switch to the TSMC N6 chip happens on the low-level platform in terms of hardware and software compatibility, which is why one can easily port the same design without any configuration changes. This is mentioned as a specialty in consoles, while one would typically develop for a new chip design.
PS5 production costs are likely to fall
The revision of the chip design clearly lies in the reduction of production costs and the increase in the profit margin, which is calculated quite tightly anyway. In the current process, it is expected that Sony will be able to reduce the cost of manufacturing the PS5 by 12 percent and achieve even better wafer yields in the future once the transition to the new chip is complete and production of the 7nm ends.
Already in the coming year another revision of the PS5 expected, according to the latest reports, will receive a new housing in which the drive can then be removed or added later. However, this new PS5 model has not yet been confirmed.
Anyone who initially speculates on the current PS5 model CFI-1200 / 1202 should keep their eyes open in retail.