How does PS3 perform with only 256MB of RAM and VRAM? [closed]

Question

Closed. This question is off-topic. It is not currently accepting answers.

---

Want to improve this question? Update the question so it's on-topic for Stack Overflow.

Closed last year.

PS3

• RAM: 256MB
• VRAM: 256MB (nVidia)
• CPU: 3.2GHz Cell Broadband Engine

PC (just as an example)

• RAM: 4GB
• VRAM: 2GB (nVidia)
• CPU: A high end i5 CPU for example

Why does PS3 perform as fast as a PC with higher specs ?

I want an accurate answer, I'm new to computer science and very new to computer architecture, so i want to know how (Motherboard, OS and other architectural stuff) affects a machine's performance

Thanks :D

Answer 1

It does because of the following reasons :-

1) Resolution

Because the Graphics resolution is cranked down to as lowest as possible ( 720p or even 600p ) , Since people play the game from a distance on consoles so they don't realize a BIG graphic downgrade while on lower resolution.

2) Game Settings

Game settings are cranked to "Very Low" or as low as possible to meet at least 25-30 FPS to make the game playable.

3) Resource Usage

In console almost entire 256 MB Ram is dedicated while gaming, whereas in PC the same criteria would be with 512 MB Ram due to OS usage, Check out AMD A4 APU's playing all latest titles ( at low res and settings ) with their integrated graphics and shared 512 MB Ram as VRAM.

4) Optimizations

In console version of the game a lots of resources are removed to make the game playable for eg. shadows, AA , lower texture details etc. For eg. COD Black OPS on Nintendo Wii has done so many modifications to make the game playable at about 64 MB VRAM only, obviously it looks BAD but that makes it playable.

5) Quad Core

PS3 runs a QUAD Core CPU with 256 MB Ram, games made for PS3 are more CPU intensive than GPU/memory intensive, for today's ERA with PS4/Xbox one consoles games are made to be more GPU/Ram intensive.

6) Swap in & Swap Out memory

PS3 roms might make use of virtual memory i.e secondary storage as a swap in to main memory to store less frequently used data to increase overall memory optimizations.

These are a few reasons on how PS3 handles game at 256 MB Ram. Its not that consoles don't get outdated its simply that they run games at low resolutions, lower graphic settings , removed shadows, AA, fog and other resources in game. You can do the same with a low end PC such as an AMD A4 APU with integrated graphics that will run games at lower resolution and lower graphics.