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Sony Might Have Unlocked the PS4's 7th CPU Core For Developers

In the past, many developers mentioned that they were allowed to use only six cores of the eight-core CPU of the PS4, with the last two used by the operating system. Yet, Sony Computer Entertainment might have recently and quietly updated its SDK to enable developer to use the seventh core.

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dualshockers.com
uptownsoul3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Sony looking to step up the PS4's power for developers. And more power in the hands of developers is always a good thing

Abash3832d ago

Makes a lot of sense, the PS4 is only two years old. It would be highly unlikely if developers had already been able to fully access it's power in such a short amount of time

Ezz_Snake3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Or maybe something to do with the new remote play feature! OR PS1/2 Emulation

Tsar4ever013832d ago

This 7th CPU core unlock may have something to do with giving better performance output with Playstation-VR.

UltraNova3832d ago

@above

Or provide additional horsepower for PSVR...

So one extra core is 16.6% more CPU power for games, nice!

IamTylerDurden13832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Sucker Punch talked about this when 2nd Son came out. It's lovely to think what SP could do with a mastery of the hardware and more available power. 2nd Son was jaw dropping visually and technically and it's amazing to think it can get significantly better.

This is just in time for PSVR, the added power will help immensely.

stragomccloud3832d ago

Well, it's the least they could do. It's too bad they had to put gaming laptop hardware in their system. Really could've used more beef.

kreate3831d ago

Im not into motion controls...
Hope dev can use it for normal games.

IGiveHugs2NakedWomen3831d ago

For those of you who are interested, here ya go.

http://www.fmod.org/docs/co...

It's mainly fixes and updates for visual studio as far as I can tell, but the relevant information is in the first set of bullet points.

Dynasty20213831d ago

I love console owner naivety.

You think unlocking a core will suddenly make a real difference. So cute.

Lordani663831d ago

@stragomccloud

I see that PC Gamer.com, digital fraudry and other bullshit conspiracy theories sites worked well on you. Good job, sheepie! Now go play on you "powerfull" GTX 660, that was supposed to destroy next gen consoles, then it was 760, then titan, now these cards are absolete, while low access GPUs in PS4s are not yet 100% used. Yes, some games seem to look like they are, like the glitcher 3 or fallout 4, but that's just terrible coding - look at exclusives, they don't lie - they look better than multiplatbones, and work like a freaking charm (bloodborne, driveclub, the order, infamous, killzone... just to name a few).

BABY-JEDI3831d ago

As a wise uncle once said.
'With more power, comes greater responsibility!'
😉

indyman77773831d ago

Ezz_Snake good observation, I may add maybe they was keeping it in case they needed it for the power-vr, and have recently become convinced they don't need it for that. Or even....maybe....a possible hidden ps3 backwards compatible option.

After all, as recently as 4 days before confirming ps2 backwards compatibility they had said there was no plans for any backwards compatibility that they knew of.

+ Show (12) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
PC_603832d ago

1 core won't do much they need to overclock the CPU to get more performance

DarkHeroZX3832d ago

Well not necessarily. More cores means less of a workload for the others.

vandal GAB3832d ago

It could help reduce the dips under 30fps in future titles!

kenwonobi3832d ago

A whole core added is the equivalent to overclocking. They offset.

sinspirit3832d ago

No. A small overclock would hardly change a thing. These aren't high-end CPU's. A small overclock won't be a big change in performance and it's highly unlikely a large overclock could take place as it wasn't designed around it in the first place. A new core means less for the other cores and more effects processed at once across them all. Either way you think about it it's not going to be a huge deal for gaming. But, maybe it might provide more consistency with some things. The GPU is the main deal and without a huge increase to around 2GHz or above it wouldn't be substantial to brag about(but, if it doesn't increase temperatures I am not against it).

Srelhow3831d ago

None of this matters. More power does not = better playing games when it comes to consoles..... More power = more sparks shadows lighting A.I., and other things that make games look good. We have set the bar and said better gfx = better games for too long. This gen hardware would have no problem being 1080p 60fps fore every game that's developed for them. Unfortunately if gfx isn't pushed to the max the system can handle people start crying.

ShottyGibs3831d ago (Edited 3831d ago )

Wow at the disagree's.
The fact is higher cores won't give higher fps. This is where high clock speed with GPU power is king. That's factually true.
Any performance enthusiast knows this.
What more cores will do is allow for more intricate game design as long as the Developers leverage it.

Germany73831d ago

Just another insecure pc gamer trolling on a console related article, funny how nothing happens.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
3832d ago Replies(9)
GUTZnPAPERCUTZ3832d ago

Nice! Now they need to overclock the CPU to at least 1.75ghz like X1 instead of 1.6ghz, then they will match the CPU and still have the more powerful GPU and Faster Memory... I need to buy a PS4, But I need a new TV first, this 42" Vizio 60hz just isn't cutting it anymore lol

kenwonobi3832d ago

And this is exactly what will happen if they ever feel the need for it.

Paulino303832d ago

It's so funny how saying something that is not absolutely positive about SONY gets you a bunch of disagrees from the SONY police.lol

kstuffs3832d ago

Not a great idea to overclock something that's already a jet engine, unless you want melted plastic?

thejigisup3831d ago

60 really hurts don't it. I've got a 50"plasma that it's absolutely amazing, I skipped on 4k until next year either until after psvr launches(i need to save for it) or until after I see a tv with vast improvement over the current offerings refresh rate.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
Haru3832d ago

at least they dont yell from the rooftops everytime they relase a new update like another competition company does...

Lennoxb633832d ago

Software is their thing. What do you expect them to do?

PFFT3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

lol

kenwonobi3832d ago

While Xbox specializes in software. Sony does specialize in console hardware and gaming software in particular. They are no stranger to hardware or software.

kstuffs3832d ago

As opposed to nondescript "stability and performance" updates?

kstuffs3832d ago

Didn't Sony just copied MS on delivering beta updates to the OS?

BeefCurtains3831d ago

Yeah, "the other guys" should never talk about their updates and upgrades. No one wants to know when their console improves.

Yet here we are, someone starts a rumor about a Sony update and everyone in the Sony camp drops to their knees worshipping their PS4. But when "the other guys" do an update, the Sony police run out to squish the rumors or talk about how the update is worthless.

Funny how MS faster CPu gets dismissed by Sony as irrelevant. But if the Sony cpu gets an update, it's suddenly important again.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3831d ago
mrmarx3832d ago

The power of the cloud core lol

Bathyj3832d ago

I'm fairly ignorant in these matters, I'm just a gamer not an arm chair programmer like so many here seem to be, but would it be possible to offload parts of the OS to the cloud? Stuff they don't really need to be accessed quickly and runs in the background, leaving the cores free to do the intensive stuff in the game?

PSN_ZeroOnyx3832d ago

That is totally possible considering every PS4 connected to the PSN is also connected to a cloud service . However, they must be careful as to not slow down the OS since it will require information to be sent to the cloud and information sent back to the PS4, i.e. Press X, input sent to the cloud, request authorisation sent back to the PS4.

LamerTamer3832d ago

Yeah if you want the PS4 to be an always online required console. I don't.

rainslacker3830d ago

It's possible, although I wouldn't consider it ideal. I doubt many UI tasks are really all that taxing, and most of that would be memory related rather than CPU related. As far as I know, Sony still uses a flexible memory space to handle such things. The only feature I'm aware of that Sony requires connection for is fully trophy support, but most of that is just to keep things sync'd up.

With Sony's PS4, they have certain features which won't be used by many people, like game streaming, yet have to keep it available for use for those that do use it. But they have things within the console that handle that without taking much resources away from the CPU. Because of this, I think the PS4 has a rather low CPU resource footprint for the OS. The hyper-visor allows for dynamic switching without much apparent lag because it's designed to do so, and because of the way it's set up, it doesn't take anything away from the games.

I'm skeptical of this article, because I'm pretty sure one of the cores was locked away to increase yield of the chips, so if Sony is keeping one CPU for the OS, then the other one has to remain locked otherwise some people will find that their systems do not work when utilizing the last core. That wouldn't be a good thing for Sony at all, although it may be possible to offer free warranty repair for any affected units depending on what the fault tolerance was at the production level.

solar3832d ago

Capcom sells DLC on disc everyone flips out. Sony unlocks "cores" in hardware and that's just peachy. Really?

PSN_ZeroOnyx3832d ago

M$ unlocks 7th core and it's the second coming of Jesus. This isn't anything like locked on-disc content, this is a natural progression of hardware and not the first gen to do this.

dantesparda3832d ago

Are you serious? Or just nuts? Please tell me you're kidding. And this is always good news no matter who does it and is standard fare in this industry. Where have you been? Under your bridge all this time?

Weak attempt at trolling.

IanTH3832d ago

Well in the Capcom comparison, they are selling you the DLC already on the disc for more money. Sony isn't charging an "unlock" fee for the extra core.

Secondly there is a whole world of difference between making hardware decisions to ensure they have room to expand features if need be & then giving that extra performance back when they are comfortable with how things are going and Capcom putting extra content on the disc it expects you to buy. Capcom isn't holding it back to ensure technical issues don't arise, they do it to sell you already made content. The comparison you tried to make simply cannot be made.

solar3832d ago

let me break it down to you so you understand.

you bought the fucking console also. why does Sony get a free pass for making you and developers "wait" til "they" think it makes great press?

what about that developer who made a game, really pushing hardware, budget is tight and so is time, publisher makes them push the game out and gets shit reviews and shit sales because of technical issues.

Two weeks later, Sony "unlocks" this special power that would've made your game, instead of break it. They are outta a job, and you all rejoice some rah rah shit over some stupid piece of plastic.

but no one wants to look at any other side of the issue. Keep cheering, if that is what makes you better.

ecchiless3832d ago

Man just stop your comments are so dumb...

Muzikguy3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Your comments aren't making any sense! And the second one talking about making or breaking a game? Isn't that what alpha and beta are for? Isn't that why there are people testing these games? Don't start crying because a company can't solve their own technical problems

GTgamer3832d ago

Good god what are you saying

UNKLE3831d ago

That isn't the same thing use your brain man....

rainslacker3830d ago

So I went the weekend without being on. Came back, everyone had 10 bubbles. Now after reading some of these threads, I'm actually not looking forward to the day when N4G does away with the bubble system.

Highly off topic I know, but seriously, are all these comments about hypocrisy, and massve assumptions on how the industry or hardware or development work actually going to improve the comments section? My answer would be I guess it'll improve it for the trolls like you who want to incite stupidity and hate among the community.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 3830d ago
Muzikguy3832d ago

This is awesome news. I was wondering when we'd hear something like this!

neogeo3832d ago

won't make much difference. Games like Fallout 4 might not drop tp 20 fps, but still 900p stuff

pcz3831d ago

it can render the entire universe and all its contents in real-time now

Fin_The_Human3831d ago (Edited 3831d ago )

Love my PS4 and XB1 but the games this gen have been some what disappointing for me atleast...maybe I set my expectations too high and thought we would have gotten more than prettier graphics.

I expected so much from Fall Out and while its the best game I have played since BioShock Infinite...its not the Fall Out 4 I wanted.

rainslacker3830d ago

It's still rather early. I don't recall being terribly impressed last gen until maybe late in the 3rd year, and the tech advances were much more apparent. Few good games worth mentioning, but nothing that blew my mind. I expect this gen will be the same.

Thing about this gen is that I haven't really seen a game that breaks into something different than last gen. It's mostly just prettier versions of last gen games, occassionally with a few new things that seem to be on the cusp of the next gen, but ultimately nothing that is truly above and beyond.

This gen may actually go down as "the little things" which separate it from last gen games, and those little things are going to be rather hard to spot at times since they aren't truly tangible or visible parts of game design, but rather things like more complex or abundant physics or better lighting effects.

Fin_The_Human3831d ago

Knew it was going to happen just did not expect it to be this soon into the gen.

Better games for us.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 3830d ago
italiangamer3832d ago

This is the real "secret sauce" :DD

PudgeyBurrito3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

Hahaha, When I first read the headline I said to myself

"O no, Don't bring the secret sauce to PlayStation"

But that article actually explains what the technical aspects are so it makes sense. When do do this reminded you it's less stability for the O'S but more for the application.

2 and 6 = More stability
1 and 7 = Performance for the game, less stability.

If they could dynamically switch when you go in between the game and the OS that would be cool. Most likely just a permissions chance. My only fear would be with extremely buggy games that are not optimized and need the extra horse power to stay a foot which with this day in age.. is common.

ninsigma3832d ago

I don't think the dynamic would work because the 7th core resources are being given to the game. I would imagine to use the 7th core for the os then, anything that's using the core would need to be dumped. I could be wrong because I don't know much about cores but in my head that's what would happen.

IamTylerDurden13832d ago

Sony has talked about flexible memory, so you're not far off.

PudgeyBurrito3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

@ninsigma You are not far off sir. The data would have to be pushed from the cache/frame buffer of the core most likely to the memory and froze, then you would have to fill it with the OS's data to be processed and then dumped when going back into the game. There would also be some permissions for the lower levels to make the switch on the core as that would have a the most administrative security setting possible. That's what I meant by Dynamically switching.

TFJWM3832d ago

My guess is you are getting downvoted because no where is it implied that unlocking the 7th core would decrease stability. It's more likely that waited until they reduced the OS overhead and could unlock the 7th core with no stability issues.

PudgeyBurrito3832d ago (Edited 3832d ago )

@TFJWM The article simply states that they are loading the audio engine to use core six which releases core 7 for whatever which before probably also handled the audio engine. If they are going to use core 7 for the game engine then you are going to be minus one core for calculation which means more work for one core.. it's a balancing act for sure but it's still more stable to have 2 cores balancing the O.S then 1 regardless. 1 core for Audio/Party chat and OS features running at 1.6 ghz? Not the most stable considering the type of data being transferred. Either way though.. if they pull it off, Good on them.

ninsigma3831d ago

OK fair enough. I don't know too much about how cores work, that was just how it was working in my brain.
Thanks for the info :)

rainslacker3830d ago

They already do this through the hyper-visor. They also use a flexible memory structure which has to be able to relinquish control to the OS when needed for OS tasks outside the game, which itself is controlled by the hyper-visor.

How the dev implements these things can be left up to them, but they can only choose from some set scenarios that Sony layed out.

At least one core is reserved for OS tasks at all time though due to the OS running tasks while the game is running. In a programming environment, allowing control to a program of the main core is not standard practice because it opens all sorts of security or stability problems, and it would be troublesome for Sony to have to check for that kind of thing in compliance testing...which they already do some of anyways.

it's just the nature of how these multi-core chips work, and there is really no way around completely relinquishing that last core unless you're willing to make severe compromises to stability and in a closed system that is unheard of.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3830d ago
AizenSosuke3832d ago

Lol Secret sauce joke I despise those:(

PudgeyBurrito3832d ago

It would be a small boost for processing to both the gpu and cpu for draw calls and data processing.

Nothing major.

12.5%.

Nice little chunk of powa.

ZaWarudo3832d ago

This isn't even my final form!

Bathyj3832d ago

I haven't even seen that show (it's Dragonball Z right?) But great reference.

Snookies123832d ago

Let's be honest, we all know that 7th CPU was behind a paywall, curse the industry's DLC practices!

Haha, but seriously, this is really good if true.

UserNameIsNotTaken3832d ago

Joseph Joster, Is this your final Plan!? Oh My God!

AizenSosuke3832d ago

Dio Grande: Sony will take over World doo!!!

MJunior3832d ago

*When the fight is over in the first 2secs(or yrs, in this case)*

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80°

Playstation Plus Monthly Games for May: EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Nine Sols

All available May 5.

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blog.playstation.com
FPSRUSSIA26d ago

What's Point in commenting your basicly closing down the site.

LiViNgLeGaCY26d ago

I'm surprised it's still the old site. I thought he said starting today?

Eonjay26d ago

Its like the final episode of the Sapranos. You gonna go to make a comment and when you click add th-

Profchaos26d ago

Timezone thing maybe.... RIP

darthv7226d ago

Insert the Ferris Bueller end scene... "You're still here? It's over.."

LiViNgLeGaCY26d ago

I think the only game here for me is Nine Sols. Was always interested in that game.

TheColbertinator26d ago

Glad I don't buy FIFA games anymore

Rebel_Scum26d ago

Hey now! Thats a great month.

Nacho_Z26d ago

Good month for me, I wanted that particular footy game and thought it might be due. Anyway who cares, shame about the site I'll miss the comment sections. All the best everyone.

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70°

Naughty Dog Was Reportedly Divided On Joel's Controversial Fate During Development Of TLOU Part 2

Naughty Dog was reportedly divided on the controversial fate of Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 during the game's development.

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twistedvoxel.com
SimpleDad27d ago

NO, that can't be... No! I can't... Really?/s

Cacabunga27d ago

They for sure chose the worst way to deal with it

-Foxtrot25d ago

Funny considering Bruce left half way through development and now we get told there was an internal conflict with the story direction.

Makes you think…

HectixRose27d ago

I think it was good decision, if he was still alive, he would have been a mascot just like Kratos, drake and many others. These old dudes gotta die for new characters to take center stage with their own storyline. They keep dragging the emotional baggage into many sequels and eventually the story just turns into absolute shit show.

JEECE27d ago

It was ironic because people complained heavily about the story in the Uncharted games not having sufficient stakes because all the key characters always survived, despite the dangerous situations they were always in. Then ND killed a character in a more serious series and everyone lost their minds. Just shows that people don't always really want the thing they say they want.

CantThinkOfAUsername26d ago

I thought the more common complaint about Uncharted franchise was how the main cast are the good guys acting so nonchalantly while killing hundreds in cold blood (aka the dissonance between gameplay and story cutscenes). They just did it again in Part II.

Soy27d ago

Didn't have to kill him. Just have them part ways or Joel can "retire," whatever.

DarXyde26d ago

I don't think he would necessarily need to become a mascot (and besides, technically, I'd say Ellie is... So regardless, someone was going to be).

From a narrative perspective, I do think it has a similar effect to Ricky dying in Boyz N Da Hood: very likeable character, and you're really motivated to see the get back—in this case, it's more intense because it's an interactive experience. Most people hated Abby, but I get what they were after with portraying the cycle of violence and revenge—unfortunately, the game appears to want to take the side of the bad people.

But I will say that if Joel survived, it does become harder to tell an interesting story. What COULD have happened is an exploration into the rift between Joel and Ellie after the trolley dilemma events of the first game. It could have been interesting to see Abby out for revenge at the same time Ellie hated Joel.

Ashunderfire8626d ago

Sorry just had to say this lol! RICKYYYY!

Man Cuba Gooding Jr was miscast in that movie, but that part was cringey it was sad and funny at the same time man.

Ashunderfire8626d ago (Edited 26d ago )

I understand but the way they went about killing Joel, was poorly executed. Even the show of the Last of Us games tried to improved it, but it was just as bad. Well at least Joel got to know the reason why he had to die, before the death happened in the show. That part gave us the full context, but the game just let it happen with no pay off.

Joel death should have been a midway thing through the story, so we at least get to play him a little more with Ellie. Abby didn’t need to be this Hulk looking woman, but more like the show Abby which is a beater idea in my opinion.

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InUrFoxHole27d ago

The only ND game that was so disappointing to me I couldn't finish it.

pwnmaster300027d ago

Honestly as much as I loved the game, they could have just not killed him off.
I get it creator vision and all but killing a character that made you millions is just wrong imo. At least have him go down fighting.

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60°

Final Fantasy X 25th Anniversary Website Launches With New Nomura Artwork and Merchandise

Square Enix launches Final Fantasy X 25th anniversary site, revealing new Nomura art, books, music releases, and merchandise.

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twistedvoxel.com
-Foxtrot27d ago

Look I know VIII has its issues and all that but how on earth can the do big anniversary events with new artwork and merchandise for VII, IX and X yet VIII got sweet f*** all.

They could have given it something during its 25th anniversary yet all it got was a single Happy Anniversary post on their social media.

solideagle26d ago

they should know that we are OG fans of VIII as it sold truckload as well. not as much as VII or X. I personally didn't like IX but X and VI are my personal fav.

Shadow Hearts 2 covenant is another game I love. I hope one day someone can make remake, I would be delighted

Relientk7726d ago

Final Fantasy VIII is great and you are always the first to defend it in the comments