Xbox 360 Valhalla chipset pictured, sparks rumours of a slim Microsoft console
Published: Wed 17th Mar, 2010 | Author: Parm Mann
Products: Xbox 360
Companies: Microsoft (All Microsoft content)
Platforms: Xbox 360
External reviews: Microsoft Xbox 360
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An image of what is believed to be a forthcoming Xbox 360 chipset revision has been leaked onto the Internet.
The board, pictured below, is said to be the successor to the current chipset - codenamed Jasper - and features both the Xbox 360 GPU and CPU on a single die.
The combination of the two is believed to have been made possible by a die shrink, presumably to 45nm.
Thought to be codenamed Valhalla, the chipset appears to be a drastic redesign from current Xbox 360 boards. The Valhalla PCB (printed circuit board) appears to be smaller than all previous iterations, and a shuffle of I/O port positioning suggests that the board will surface in a new Xbox 360 chassis.
It could just as easily be an early prototype - or even a fake - but speculation regarding the fabled Xbox 360 Slim is now likely to pick up pace.
Judging by the image, it seems Microsoft's process shrink could pave the way for multiple developments. We could see a smaller, trimmed-down Xbox 360 console ala the PlayStation 3 Slim, or we could see Microsoft retain its current chassis and squeeze external components into its existing design - the power supply comes to mind.
Looking ahead, the introduction of a new Xbox 360 model could be timed to debut alongside Project Natal late in 2010. Conjecturing somewhat, could Microsoft be developing a console with Natal built in? It isn't outside the realms of possibility, we reckon.
Want to know what came before Valhalla and Jasper? Here's a brief outline of past, present and future Xbox 360 chipsets:
| Xenon | Zephyr | Falcon | Opus | Jasper | Valhalla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated launch date | Q4 2005 | Q3 2007 | Q3 2007 | Q2 2008 | Q3 2008 | Q4 2010? |
| CPU process | 90nm | 90nm | 65nm | 65nm | 65nm | CPU and GPU on single die (45nm?) |
| GPU process | 90nm | 90nm | 90nm | 90nm | 65nm | |
| HDMI output | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power supply | 203W | 203W | 175W | 175W | 150W | <150W? |
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Depending on where they may or may not go with this I would be interested in getting one.Quote
I think the PS3 has had the biggest fail though a few weeks back eh ? xD
Depending on where they may or may not go with this I would be interested in getting one.
Haha probably very true :mrgreen: although we don't know totals & it didn't require a 2 week repair process! If I'd been affected I'd have probably just turned it off for a day, no-biggy!
Shoddy, shoddy mistake that one, whoever 'overlooked' the fact a _well-known issue_ with a chip they used could do this needs to be given a slap on the wrist :confused:
I hope MS put something extra into a 'Slim' to make me want one, if it's just a small 360 then no chance I'd part with my cash. It looks like this won't even have WiFi integrated, FFS give us something (apart from Natal) to push us to buy one!Quote
By all means I would say the that more 360 are failing than PS3's, but is does seem that many of the early PS3's are failing now.
Also the length of warrenty will have an impact on the amount of returns, A 360 breaks after 2 years you will see it, I PS3 after 2 years won't get seen.
I know a couple of people who just binned there PS3's when they got the YLOD, as it is they have followed me into true HD gaming (also know as PC gaming).
Eitherway I shrink on this plus Natel could get it under many TV's.Quote
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/xbox-360-gaining-usb-storage-support-in-2010-update/ Double sided- coin is just that, a plus to some of you 20GB owners no doubt though ?
That cant to be right?!.. considering the latest arcades have a bit of memory built in now.. and surely having stuff on USB will open up people trying to hack their gamertags for more l33tz gamerscore.Quote
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