The fixed function silicon is still very much speculation.
Technical Specifications
Processors
The CPU and GPU are built on the same package.
CPU: IBM PowerPC 7xx-based tri-core processor "Espresso" clocked at 1.24 GHz before the 3.0.0 update, 3.24 GHz after the 3.0.0 update. This is an evolution to the Broadway chip used in the Wii, is 64 bit and uses Power6 technote When IBM has said that Nintendo has licensed the Power7 tech from IBM, Nintendo is not using it for the Wii U, explaining its backwards compatibility.
GPU: AMD Radeon High Definition processor codenamed "Latte" with an eDRAM cache built onto the die clocked at 550 MHz before the 3.0.0 update, 800 MHz after the 3.0.0 update.
somebody on TV tropes seems to think that the clock speeds of the system were increased after the most recent update
somebody on TV tropes seems to think that the clock speeds of the system were increased after the most recent update
Isn't 3.24GHz really close to the PS4/720 CPU's? Or am I thinking about something else? And the GPU being at 800MHz is a lot better than what people thought before the Wii U released.
iirc rumors/leaks put it at 1.6
That is out of nowhere, where did they get that information?
For what?
somebody on TV tropes seems to think that the clock speeds of the system were increased after the most recent update
somebody on TV tropes seems to think that the clock speeds of the system were increased after the most recent update
somebody on TV tropes seems to think that the clock speeds of the system were increased after the most recent update
If clock speeds were increased, wouldn't you see performance gains on software?
Because some random on TV tropes should be trusted...........
It is also completely illogical to launch a home system that is running at clockspeeds so much lower than what it can run at then upgrade it's speed in a patch.
Because some random on TV tropes should be trusted...........
It is also completely illogical to launch a home system that is running at clockspeeds so much lower than what it can run at then upgrade it's speed in a patch.
If clock speeds were increased, wouldn't you see performance gains on software?
Because some random on TV tropes should be trusted...........
It is also completely illogical to launch a home system that is running at clockspeeds so much lower than what it can run at then upgrade it's speed in a patch.
Because some random on TV tropes should be trusted...........
It is also completely illogical to launch a home system that is running at clockspeeds so much lower than what it can run at then upgrade it's speed in a patch.
Sony and Nintendo both have done this in their handhelds. Nintendo has even gone as far as unlocking cores and adding more RAM access to games on 3DS.
Handle consoles run on batteries, that is why some are underclocked at launch.
Home consoles do not have that limitation.
For the already released games? I don't think so. Remember the ps3 unlocked some extra ram via the os throughout the years but old games never noticed an increase in anything, it's just from games that came out after the unlock.
Handheld consoles run on batteries, that is why some are underclocked at launch.
Home consoles do not have that limitation.
So, they increased the clock by 2.5+ times and increased the eSRAM 250Mhz?
And all of a sudden this heat sink is going to keep this thing cool? Yeah, I doubt that.
Handheld consoles run on batteries, that is why some are underclocked at launch (because higher clocks mean more power usage).
Home consoles do not have that limitation.
Is it feasible that they did it to keep the power draw and thermals down but later deemed it safe enough within the thermal ceiling to run at a higher clock speed, assuming the power supply could support it.
I'm obviously going to wait until we get more info, and someone tests the power draw and stuff like that, but Nintendo made the OS have 1GB when we know later Nintendo will unlock half of that for the games later on, so it's possible Nintendo under clocked the Wii U for launch I think, we'll have to see of course.
Nintendo may have underclocked because their tools weren't ready or their OS wasn't ready, which clearly it wasn't and still isn't.
somebody on TV tropes seems to think that the clock speeds of the system were increased after the most recent update
For the already released games? I don't think so. Remember the ps3 unlocked some extra ram via the os throughout the years but old games never noticed an increase in anything, it's just from games that came out after the unlock.
If clocks are running higher full time, then yes, even old software should see improvement.
I wouldn't be surprised by fixed function hardware in the Wii U at all. They seem to be getting a lot more performance from the hardware than would seem to make sense on paper for a 160:8:8 configuration, if that's truly what it ends up being. Fixed function would be one way to explain that, but I'm sure there are others we haven't thought about. It would be nice of some kindly gent from AMD would come along and explain it to us.
Not taking this seriously yet.
The 3.24 could mean the total amount, so the CPU was lowered 1.08 each (stability issues????).
The GPU at 800Mhz I think that is possible (GPGPU???).
Not taking this seriously yet.
The 3.24 could mean the total amount, so the CPU was lowered 1.08 each (stability issues????).
The GPU at 800Mhz I think that is possible.
exactly.
someone measure the power draw, if it is still ~33watts there was no clock speed change.
Yep. I believe it!
All someone needs to do to confirm or deny this is check the power draw. You can't just increase the clock that much without increasing the voltage...
Can anyone test this?
achieving 1.24 to 3.24 isn't it kind of unrealistic? honest question.
Yes, even if just for power consumption reasons alone, not to mention heat.
Not taking this seriously yet.
The 3.24 could mean the total amount, so the CPU was lowered 1.08 each (stability issues????).
The GPU at 800Mhz I think that is possible (GPGPU???).
Related http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/631516-wii-u/65338991
Disclaimer: please take with a grain of salt.
Hmm?
Anyways, I'm not buying that "rumor". There's so much against it. That small console would suddenly have to be ready to keep itself from melting (unless, of course, Nintendo planned for it, which itself is unlikely).
I have a metre at at home that can measure power draw. I'll check it in about an hour if noone else does.
Yep. I believe it!
All someone needs to do to confirm or deny this is check the power draw. You can't just increase the clock that much without increasing the voltage...
Can anyone test this?
You read my mind. ;]
Related http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/631516-wii-u/65338991
Disclaimer: please take with a grain of salt.
honestly it could easily disperse the extra heat, it is more a problem with the PSU, you'd have to move the power draw up by ~20watts putting the console's power draw just under 55watts... sort of reaching that limit there. The casing and heatsink I assume are designed to handle the full TDP of 75Watts.
I made an audible laugh.
"However, this guy said that judging by the PSU and airflow design of the system, Wii U could easily be clocked to 3.0 Ghz if not higher."
Heh.