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Sony rumored to be releasing upgraded PS4 with faster CPU, GPU and RAM

By Kenny Yeo - on 20 Apr 2016, 9:09am

Sony rumored to be releasing upgraded PS4 with faster CPU, GPU and RAM

(Image source: Sony)

According to multiple reports, Sony is said to be releasing an updated version of the PS4. It is referred to internally by Sony staff as NEO and it will feature faster CPU, GPU and RAM.

Both the CPU and RAM will have higher clock speeds, while the GPUs will benefit from higher clock speeds and more graphics cores. This table illustrates the difference between the new NEO console and existing PS4 consoles.

  Existing PS4 "NEO" console
CPU 8 Jaguar cores at 1.6GHz 8 Jaguar cores at 2.1GHz
GPU AMD GCN architecture, 18 CUs at 800MHz Improved AMD GCN architecture, 36 CUs at 911MHz
RAM 8GB GDDR5, 176GB/s 8GB GDDR5, 218GB/s

Given that Sony plans to launch a VR headset this October, this news doesn't come as a surprise at all. Virtual reality requires a significant amount of processing power and the current generation of gaming consoles have often been criticized as not having as much graphics capabilities as they could have had. In light of this, an upgraded console makes sense.

However, reports also say that Sony is keen not to alienate owners of their existing console. To this end, we are hearing that games will be required to run on both new "NEO" consoles and older consoles. In addition, Sony has reportedly told developers that they cannot offer exclusive gameplay options or unlockables that are only available to "NEO" console owners.

As a result, the only added benefit of "NEO" console owners is improved graphics, a more stable frame rate, and possibly, 4K output. 

No word yet on when this new console will ship, but reports are indicating that it will be sold for US$399 - that's the launch price of the PS4 back in 2013.

Source: Giant Bomb

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