Wii U IBM Silicon Details; "Packs the same technology found in Watson"

"IBM tells us that within the Wii U there's a 45nm custom chip with "a lot" of embedded DRAM"

"The all-new, Power-based microprocessor will pack some of IBM's most advanced technology into an energy-saving silicon package that will power Nintendo's brand new entertainment experience for consumers worldwide. IBM's unique embedded DRAM, for example, is capable of feeding the multi-core processor large chunks of data to make for a smooth entertainment experience."

"Built on the open, scalable Power Architecture base, IBM custom processors exploit the performance and power advantages of proven silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The inherent advantages of the technology make it a superior choice for performance-driven applications that demand exceptional, power-efficient processing capability – from entertainment consoles to supercomputers."

Technology in the Wii 2 is also part of the technology that was used in IBM's Super super computer Watson (Watson jeopardy video here)

"It's a silicon on insulator design and packs the same processor technology found inWatson"

Source:http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/ibm-puts-watsons-brains-in-nintendo-wii-u/

Ah so they're basically saying that it's pretty powerful

That doesn't say much at all. Arguably a TV remote packs the same tech as Watson, they both use silicon based chips...

All I see is buzzwords and PR.

That doesn't say much at all. Arguably a TV remote packs the same tech as Watson, they both use silicon based chips...

subyman

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

All I see is buzzwords and PR.

Filthybastrd

Well we can confirm that it's a great CPU, is 45nm, has large amounts of DRAM, and can handle large chunks of data, has multi-core processors, and is power efficient.

for the GPU, any guesses on which AMD Radeon HD GPU it will be based on?

[QUOTE="Filthybastrd"]

All I see is buzzwords and PR.

XVision84

Well we can confirm that it's a great CPU, is 45nm, has large amounts of DRAM, and can handle large chunks of data like multi-core processors.

I'll still ask for a more specific size of EDRAM than "large". I've been plenty negative about everything coming out of E3 and don't need to go anymore sour but if we're talking "lot's of EDRAM, it's 45 nm and can handle large chunks of data" they might as well stay silent, we're not any wiser.

Edit: In retrospect, "Embedded DRAM" starts sounding like cache.

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

ActicEdge

[QUOTE="Filthybastrd"]

All I see is buzzwords and PR.

XVision84

Well we can confirm that it's a great CPU, is 45nm, has large amounts of DRAM, and can handle large chunks of data, has multi-core processors, and is power efficient.

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

ActicEdge

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

osan0

I started looking at people speculating on the console and I pretty much realized I am not interested in the System Warrior BS anymore. I just want to enjoy good games. If the system is powerful, that is great for power lovers. For me, its just about fun and what new experiences they can give us. Oh and making it affordable.

The WiiU, 360 and PS3 should square off in a jeopardy match

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

ActicEdge

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

millerlight89

It doesn't do much more for games. You can argue it does but the amount of examples you can give me deters me from thinking it matters much. Oh teh physics and the AI (which are nice though AI has barely improved at all).

[QUOTE="subyman"]

That doesn't say much at all. Arguably a TV remote packs the same tech as Watson, they both use silicon based chips...

osan0

If those tech demos are anything to go by, then I highly doubt you're looking at a 4830 or 4850 with 1GB VRAM like the rumors said.

If those tech demos are anything to go by, then I highly doubt you're looking at a 4830 or 4850 with 1GB VRAM like the rumors said.

gamecubepad

That doesn't mean anything. Unless it's a massively parallel computational device, it has nowhere near the power of Watson.

Watson is just made up up hundreds of processors. They took one of these processors and put it in the WiiU.

Guess what, for the longest time IBM had the most powerful supercomputer in the world. What was the main processor in it? The Cell.

please not this supercomputer stuff again.... it's just a little console outdated even before it's launch.SamiRDuran

Exactly

If those tech demos are anything to go by, then I highly doubt you're looking at a 4830 or 4850 with 1GB VRAM like the rumors said.

gamecubepad

And this effects Zelda how?Heil68

It makes Zelda look very pretty, that's how :)

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

ActicEdge

you are one of ur kind .... congrats.

As long as it is better than PS360.caseypayne69

So, what are we looking at then?Sik_kid_pk

Don't know. Ask Ninty. :P

Looks around 360 level. Maybe a 4650, or less.

so is that a good thing or a bad thing?Fuhgeddabouditt

I was hoping for something around a 4850, but the new controller is so awesome, it won't make a difference in the long run.

[QUOTE="caseypayne69"]As long as it is better than PS360.Jipset

Isn't it time Nintendo caught up though? I mean PS4 and the next Xbox will come out, and Wii U will be caught in last gen, PS3/360 specs.

Has anybody googled what the Watson machine ran on? I'm guessing just a bunch of IBM power pc 7s, but I can't find it in google....

EDIT: Yeah, it's the IBM power 750 express server (90 of them) which is based off of IBM power PC 7's. So if the report is true the Wii 2 probably has the quad core version of the IBM power PC 7.

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

ActicEdge

Contradictionright there brah.

please not this supercomputer stuff again.... it's just a little console outdated even before it's launch.SamiRDuran

Consoles are outdated compared to PC what a surprise :roll:

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care how powerful the thing is as long as its PS3/360 range. Graphics really do not mean much to me.

lbjkurono23

Contradictionright there brah.

Well I'm not expecting Nintendo to release a system weaker then something from 6 years ago. If they did I would still be interested though.

That doesn't say much at all. Arguably a TV remote packs the same tech as Watson, they both use silicon based chips...

subyman

[QUOTE="subyman"]

That doesn't say much at all. Arguably a TV remote packs the same tech as Watson, they both use silicon based chips...

navyguy21

[QUOTE="navyguy21"][QUOTE="subyman"]

That doesn't say much at all. Arguably a TV remote packs the same tech as Watson, they both use silicon based chips...

lbjkurono23