In the last three Scorpio threads there was a lot of talk about the CPU, so I think the question as we head into the reveal this week is...would a Jaguar CPU actually be a dealbreaker?
A lot of people seem to think this will release with Zen. Given that MS has briefed devs on everything the Scorpio offers except for the CPU, this seems more unlikely, especially since the move to a new CPU would require a brand new architecture for the most part, something devs need to know right away.
Still, anything is possible I suppose, and realistically keeping the Jaguar CPU leads to less headaches and better compatibility, which keeps in line to what MS wants- a unified ecosystem with Play Anywhere. To break it down, here's what we're looking at:
Zen CPU
+Big boost to performance, which is great in making the transition to 4k. You'd get all the benefits of a next gen CPU.
+Easier to break the Scorpio into its own next-gen system should MS allow devs to make Scorpio exclusives (as of now, they are not allowed to do so, unless it is a VR title).
+Considerably more future proof.
-Higher cost may place the Scorpio above $399.
-Harder for devs to work with as it would need its own set of tools to fully utilize, though in time this would be resolved as more machines upgrade to Zen.
-Makes immediate compatibility with current titles more difficult. This is a temporary problem that you'd see with some launch woes like odd bugs and performance issues between XB1/Scorpio.
-More difficult to scale down price year over year, basically remain as a premium machine for quite a while.
Jaguar CPU
+Easier and familiar for devs to work with.
+Keeps cost down at a solid $399 or lower pricepoint.
+Better compatibility with XB1.
-Locks the Scorpio to this generation, effectively making it a Xbox Pro.
-Performance issues that require devs to trade off resolution vs framerate will still be prevalent on Scorpio, much like we're seeing on PS4 Pro. Native 4k will still not be a wise choice compared to checkerboarding, etc.
I think a Jaguar would still make the Scorpio an effective upgrade, one that will still surpass the PS4 Pro and keep it in line at a good pricepoint, though would keep its future prospects of a next gen machine limited. Would a Jaguar be a dealbreaker for you?
A lot of people seem to think this will release with Zen. Given that MS has briefed devs on everything the Scorpio offers except for the CPU, this seems more unlikely, especially since the move to a new CPU would require a brand new architecture for the most part, something devs need to know right away.
Still, anything is possible I suppose, and realistically keeping the Jaguar CPU leads to less headaches and better compatibility, which keeps in line to what MS wants- a unified ecosystem with Play Anywhere. To break it down, here's what we're looking at:
Zen CPU
+Big boost to performance, which is great in making the transition to 4k. You'd get all the benefits of a next gen CPU.
+Easier to break the Scorpio into its own next-gen system should MS allow devs to make Scorpio exclusives (as of now, they are not allowed to do so, unless it is a VR title).
+Considerably more future proof.
-Higher cost may place the Scorpio above $399.
-Harder for devs to work with as it would need its own set of tools to fully utilize, though in time this would be resolved as more machines upgrade to Zen.
-Makes immediate compatibility with current titles more difficult. This is a temporary problem that you'd see with some launch woes like odd bugs and performance issues between XB1/Scorpio.
-More difficult to scale down price year over year, basically remain as a premium machine for quite a while.
Jaguar CPU
+Easier and familiar for devs to work with.
+Keeps cost down at a solid $399 or lower pricepoint.
+Better compatibility with XB1.
-Locks the Scorpio to this generation, effectively making it a Xbox Pro.
-Performance issues that require devs to trade off resolution vs framerate will still be prevalent on Scorpio, much like we're seeing on PS4 Pro. Native 4k will still not be a wise choice compared to checkerboarding, etc.
I think a Jaguar would still make the Scorpio an effective upgrade, one that will still surpass the PS4 Pro and keep it in line at a good pricepoint, though would keep its future prospects of a next gen machine limited. Would a Jaguar be a dealbreaker for you?
