PlayStation 5 Pro Hardware Deep Dive Revealed by Sony
Sony recently unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro in a different fashion compared to previous console reveals. The presentation, hosted by lead system architect Mark Cerny, delved into the hardware design and vision behind the new console, showcasing a shift towards machine learning in console design and an emphasis on enhanced ray tracing capabilities.
One key highlight of the PS5 Pro is its upgraded graphics processing power, with a focus on improving performance and image quality through a more capable GPU. The GPU, based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, features backported features from RDNA 3 and RDNA 4, delivering 16.7TF of performance at a clock speed of 2.17GHz. Additionally, the console includes full RDNA 2 features, mesh shaders, hardware VRS, and 2GB of additional DDR5 memory for developers to leverage.
Ray Tracing Enhancements
The PS5 Pro showcases significant improvements in ray tracing performance, allowing developers to utilize these features more extensively without compromising image quality or frame rates. With advancements in RT performance, the Pro accelerates ray tracing processes and supports BVH8, providing a boost in traversing complex RT calculations. These upgrades pave the way for a wider range of material rendering possibilities, enhancing visual fidelity in games.
Machine Learning and PSSR
Aside from its upgraded RDNA 2.x architecture for ray tracing, the PS5 Pro introduces “custom RDNA” for machine learning, specifically PSSR upscaling. Sony’s implementation focuses on efficient upscaling techniques, utilizing GPU hardware for faster processing. The console combines vector registers in the WGPs, optimizing memory bandwidth and execution speed for upscaling tasks.
The Future: Amethyst, ML Exploration, and Next-Gen
Sony’s collaboration with AMD on the Amethyst project aims to enhance lightweight and high-quality CNNs for real-time game graphics. This joint effort accelerates machine learning and ray tracing advancements, potentially influencing future console developments. With an eye towards PS6 and beyond, Sony and AMD’s partnership signals a commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of console technology.
As developers explore the capabilities of the PS5 Pro, exciting possibilities emerge for advanced RT implementations, improved upscaling techniques, and leveraging machine learning for enhanced gaming experiences. The future of gaming looks promising with the PS5 Pro leading the charge in innovation and cutting-edge technology.