Xbox 360 "Valhalla" to merge CPU, GPU in one chip?

Microsoft is prepping a major internal redesign of the Xbox 360 that will be both cooler and less expensive, according to a report from a historically accurate source. Nicknamed "Valhalla," the processor design will not only move both the IBM-built three-core processor and the ATI graphics to a more efficient 65 nanometer process (down from 90 nanometers) but will merge them into a single chip. The change will not only reduce the heat issues that have affected the console but also reduce the cost and noise of the Xbox: only one smaller, primary cooling system will be necessary, says the claim.

Valhalla is likely to represent the final generation of the Xbox 360 ahead of its planned sequel and may not appear until late 2009 or early 2010. An interim step known as "Jasper" will include both of the 65 nanometer components in separate form and should be available as early as this year.

Current Xbox 360s are based on the "Falcon" design and use a 65 nanometer main processor but the 90 nanometer graphics unit from the original system; this is expected to carry on through a special design known as "Opus" that will primarily be used to replace broken Xbox 360s; it will be virtually identical to Falcon but use most of the architecture of the first Xbox 360s, which lack the HDMI video output of Falcon.

Filed under: gaming, gadgets
Other story tags: Microsoft, Xbox 360, Jasper, Falcon, Valhalla, Opus