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Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

Summary: ... or so the rumors say ...

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By for Hardware 2.0 |

According to rumors circulating, the next-generation Xbox console (currently rumored to be called Xbox 720) will be six times more powerful that the current Xbox 360 console.

Current rumors seem to be all over the place. Fudzilla is reporting that the updated console will feature a modified AMD Radeon 7000 series GPU that's mated to a PowerPC CPU to form a single System on a Chip (SoC). Charlie Demerjian over on SemiAccurate also believes that the Xbox 720 will be powered by a 7000 series GPU. Demerjian engages in some speculation too:

So, time for a little speculation. Oban is being made by IBM primarily, so that almost definitively puts to bed the idea of an x86 CPU that has been floating. We said we were 99+% sure that the XBox Next/720 is a Power PC CPU plus an ATI GCN/HD7000/Southern Islands GPU, and with this last data point, we are now confident that it is 99.9+%.

However, IGN is reporting that the console will not be using the 7000 series GPU, but instead a modified 6000 series part, specifically the Radeon HD 6670 which offers support for DirectX 11, multiple displays, 3D graphics and 1080p HD output. This chip would make the next-generation console six times more powerful that the current Xbox 360.

For the record, the rumors I'm hearing are all over the place. Right now either rumor could be true, or neither.

However, given that we're unlikely to see a new console until at least spring 2013, and maybe even not until 2014, it makes sense for Microsoft to use the best GPU possible, especially given the long lead time. The problem with games consoles is that no matter how powerful they are on launch day, they're getting less and less powerful compared to new PCs (or more specifically, new GPUs and CPUs) by the month. What's more, now that we expect consoles to have a long lifespan (the Xbox 360 is essentially 6 year old technology, and the PS3 5 year old), making then as cutting-edge as possible at the time of launch makes a lot of sense.

I'm not even certain that the Xbox 720 will feature a System on a Chip design to be honest with you. While there are advantages to this design, it seems to me that Microsoft would have to get its cooling system worked out perfectly if it is to put the both the CPU and GPU together. Microsoft has numerous issues with cooling related to the Xbox 360, so much so that the Xbox 360 S features a number of modifications to reduce the possibility of overheating. A gaming device is going to pump out of a lot of heat, and it seems to me that having to handle the heat from both the CPU and GPU using a single cooler package is asking a lot.

What would you like to see in the next Xbox console?

Topics: Mobility, Hardware, Microsoft

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63 comments
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  • Then why not call it the XBox 2160?

    That would even make it sound futuristic.
    Bruizer
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

      @Bruizer
      XBox 2014 :-).

      2 years after the WiiU... Hmm....
      neil.postlethwaite@...
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

    This will bury any other console, and wit Windows 8 integration, will give gaming PCs a run fir their money. The Hard core PC Gamers will not jump to this, but the more casual gamers can save thousands.
    Stephen-B
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

      @Stephen-B Most gamers tend to go for both, so next story.
      Aerowind
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @Aerowind
        Most gamers will have just one console/computer. SOME gamers might go for both.
        kstap
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @kris_stapley@...

        I don't kow where you get your stats? Perhaps from yourself?

        Well, myself, I have (2) Xbox360, (2) PS3, and a overclocked i7 16GB DDR3 RAM with (2) EVGA GTX580 FTW Overclocked and watercooled with distinct radiators/pumps for the CPU and GPU...

        Most gamers I know have at least a Gaming PC + one console of some sort. Consoles are cheap, mere disposable blades in a razor...

        Great LAN parties BTW...

        Just my $0.02.

        [i]~~~~~~~~~~
        It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive.
        ~ C. W. Leadbeater[/i]
        WinTard
        Reply Vote

    • Hey Rick_Kl, why are you using your iPhone?

      I know on my iPhone, "fir" is the most common auto correct when I'm trying to write "for". You are slipping Rick_Kl, you should be using your god Nokia phone.

      What I find interesting is why people like you and Mike Cox are so threatened by Microsoft that you have to create these reverse troll personas in order to create strawmen that you can then point to and say "see, there are crazy Microsoft lovers out there". Guess you are scared. I don't see why. Apple will be #1 for 20 years to come. Their monopoly position guarantees it.
      toddybottom_z
      Reply Vote

      • Mike Cox is saterical, and welcome here

        @toddybottom_z

        A great imagination and an even better sales Rep!

        Others, like those Ricky and "Stevie" not so much.
        William Farrel
        Reply Vote

      • Some may find reverse trolls welcome

        While my opinion on that is different, it is the reasoning behind the requirement to create these reverse trolls that interests me more. There is clearly a frustration being felt by the Apple community at large that there simply aren't enough people out there who sound ridiculous while talking about Microsoft when compared to the Apple fanbois and the way they talk about Apple. So the Apple community creates these personas so they can then sit back and say "See, see, Microsoft fanbois are just as bad as we are."<br><br>Like I said, some might find Cox's copy and paste hack jobs entertaining, it is personal preference. I'm commenting more on the need of the Apple community to create these strawmen and less on the quality of those strawmen.
        toddybottom_z
        Reply Vote

      • Well Rick_Kl

        What name are you going to use next? You are awfully slow. I do not own, nor would I ever be caught Dead with an iJunk phone. I also do not have auto correct enabled, but that's one of the bonuses of WP7 Mango. It's called choice, and for the record you should be banned for your anti Microsoft rhetoric. My employer would have fired you simply because you do not know what you're talking about. All it would take is one comment from our Microsoft Rep, and you would be gone. Simply having an iJunk phone is grounds for termination.
        Stephen-B
        Reply Vote

      • Some may find reverse trolls welcome

        While my opinion on that is different, it is the reasoning behind the requirement to create these reverse trolls that interests me more. There is clearly a frustration being felt by the MS community at large that there simply aren't enough people out there who sound ridiculous while talking about Apple when compared to the MS fanbois and the way they talk about MS. Their frustration is enhanced when they realize even their investment decisions are clearly ridiculous so they are not only annoyed but also poor. So the MS community creates these personas so they can then sit back and say "See, see, Apple fanbois are just as bad as we are."<br><br>Some might find toddybottom's copy and paste hack jobs entertaining, it is personal preference. I'm commenting more on the need of the MS community to create these strawmen and less on the quality of those strawmen.
        anono
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @NonZealot

        Perhaps you can explain why you're so threatened by Apple.
        msalzberg
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

      @Stephen-B
      I own an X Box 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS lite, Nintendo 3DS and I plan to buy the Nintendo Wii U and the Vita when they are released later this year. And that is just the systems that I have out, it doesn't even count the ones I have in storage......

      The average of a gamer is 35, and they tend to have a lot of disposable income and therefore buy every system. There are very few 'one system only' purists out there, so please take your trolling elsewhere.
      Doctor Demento
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @Doctor Demento

        There are a lot of one system only people, just look at XBOX360 sales in Japan vs the PS3 sales. I have all the three most recent in my house, I wouldn't have the Wii but the wife bought it and it sits collecting dust.
        hopp64
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @Doctor Demento
        Most 35 years olds have a family and other priorities. Single 35 year olds maybe.. but then again... why are you single at 35?
        kstap
        Reply Vote

      • STUPID QUESTION....

        @kris_stapley@...NOt everyone is meant to be a parent and not everyone is meant to be coupled. Let me give you an example. Parent A takes his toddler puts him in a car seat as is mandated by law if not the kid would not be in said because, and I know this because parent A stops at the local pub for a quick one and leaves toddler in said seat while drinking. The sun literally cooks toddle as the quick one turns into another and a pleasant chat with the boys. Should not have been a parent. I myself was married once did not take and after a time I found that single for me at least is much better:)<br><br>Pagan jim
        James Quinn
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @kris_stapley@...

        "most" is a very subjective / relative term? You apparently believe in stereotypes don't you?

        I'm fifty something, married, with children. My kids have been "computer literate" since age 2... When we go on family vacation in the Carribbean, we bring a plethora of electronics as well, at least (2) powerful laptops + tablet + everybody has their smartphones + underwater camera. Just for fun...

        Why not? What's the point of all these technologies if not to have some fun with it? In addition to the beach, horseback riding, scuba diving, ATV excursions, you get the drift?

        Oh, do you participate in (gaming) clans? With regular mandatory practices?

        [i]~~~~~~~~
        Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.
        ~ Unknown source

        Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards.
        ~ Vernon Sanders Law

        Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
        ~ Victor Borge

        I don't mind what Congress does, as long as they don't do it in the streets and frighten the horses.
        ~ Victor Hugo[/i]
        WinTard
        Reply Vote

    • The article says nothing about Windows 8 integration

      And even if Microsoft did that, none of the thousands of x86 applications are going to run on it. Same issue with porting Windows to ARM for mobile devices, different CPU, incompatible apps.<br>@Stephen-B
      GoPower
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

      @Stephen-B Why would this give a gaming pc a run for its money? Even at 6 times more powerful than the current Xbox it doesn't hold a candle to a true gaming PC. How could a single or even dual core PowerPC processor with an integrated ATI GPU come close to a quad or hex core gaming pc running SLI or Crossfire? Hell even my laptop has quad core i7 6GB of RAM and dual GPUs. If the 720 is going to be 6 times more powerful than the current 360 that is 5 years old, then they will just barely catch up to the processing power of a standard PC, much less a gaming PC. Having said that, it will be nice to see a console running current gen hardware.
      zapthepunctual@...
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Xbox 720 to be at least 'six times more powerful that the current Xbox'

        @zapthepunctual@... Preach the truth, gaming pc for me all day.
        Rampage434
        Reply Vote
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