Microsoft picks IBM as Xbox 2 processor partner, 3GHz maybe?

November 4, 2003

GristyMcFisty reports that according to The
Register, Microsoft has selected IBM to manufacture chips for the future generations of the Xbox gaming console. According to a statement the new Xbox technologies will be "based on the latest in IBM's family of state-of-the-art processor."

This suggests the Apple's G5 IBM's 130nm 64-bit desktop chip which already clocks to 2GHz. IBM has already said it has begun sampling the 90nm version, which bodes well for the platform's ramp to 3GHz and beyond. Sounds pretty sweet to my ears!

But which chips will IBM provide? The implication is that we're talking PowerPC processors. That seems unlikely given the current Xbox's foundation on x86 PC technology, but rumours have circulated of a compatibility break between the two generations of the console. If accurate, it's a bizarre move for Microsoft to make, particularly since backward compatibility surely helped Sony sell Playstation 2.

But x86 and PC technology may simply have been seen by Microsoft as an easy way into the console market. Having established a foothold, it might well now be looking to develop hardware more relevant to that sector rather than the general purpose computing arena.

ATI, meanwhile, already has a games console connection with IBM in the form of the Nintendo GameCube, which is based on a PowerPC 440 variant codenamed 'Gekko' and ATI graphics technology. Did ATI persuade Microsoft that this was the best route to take for Xbox 2?

But is IBM offering PowerPC technology? Some coverage of the deal, based on pre-release viewings of the press statement we reckon, suggests that the arrangement is more about manufacturing than CPU development. If so, that might favour AMD. Its Athlon 64 has been heralded by AMD fanboys as the most sensible choice Xbox 2. IBM and AMD have a joint development programme working on future 65nm and 45nm process technologies, so there's a connection between the two companies. We expect AMD to choose IBM has a fab partner when 65nm comes on stream.

But the
AMD-Xbox 2 connection is largely the result of speculation. Since
Microsoft has already dropped Nvidia for ATI, the pundits suggest, won't
it likewise drop Intel for the AMD? Today's announcement suggests that it
has not only ditched Intel but the x86 platform too, which suggests AMD
may not be getting a look-in after all.

GristyMcFisty adds that The Inquirer has also
posted some more information on Microsoft's Xbox 2 deal with IBM.
After The Inquirer posted the news above they were contacted by
someone at IBM who (accidentaly?) added the following
interesting information:

"It confirms our position as undisputed leader in
providing advanced chip technology for the gaming industry. We make the CPUs
for Nintendo's GameCube systems. We are shipping in volume the GeForce FX
advanced graphics processor for NVIDIA, the premier supplier of graphics
chips for the gaming industry. We are working with Sony Computer
Entertainment to develop the processor for its PlayStation3 system. And now
we've won the next-generation Xbox.

It may be a cliché, but this is an "IBM Team" effort.
Many of our major operations will be involved in the project, including --
Rochester, Minn. for design, our Austin, Tx. Advanced Microprocessor
Development Center and Raleigh, N.C. Technology Park for development, East
Fishkill, N.Y. for manufacturing and packaging, and Burlington, Vt. for mask
and test work. It exemplifies the type of business that we're starting to
win -- deals that use the full capabilities of IBM's many
resources."