PS3 Graphics Card: The RSX Reality Synthesizer

What GPU Is in the PlayStation 3?

The PS3 uses a custom GPU: NVIDIA RSX "Reality Synthesizer".

Key Specifications

• Architecture: Based on GeForce 7800 GTX (G70) — 90 nm, later 65/40 nm.
• Clock: 550 MHz (original), 500 MHz (slim).
• Shader Units: 24 pixel + 8 vertex (fixed-function-ish), not unified shaders.
• Memory: 256 MB GDDR3 @ 700 MHz (1.4 GHz effective), 128-bit bus → 22.4 GB/s bandwidth.
• System Memory Access: Can read/write 256 MB XDR main RAM via FlexIO (15–25 GB/s).
• Output: HDMI 1.3a, AV Multi, supports 1080p/60, 3D (later firmware).

How It Differs from PC GPUs

• No unified shaders (pre-DX10).
• Relies on Cell PPU/SPUs for vertex processing, physics, post-effects.
• Fixed-function triangle setup, no geometry shaders.
• Tiled rendering with EDRAM-like local memory (not exposed).

Performance Context

Roughly equivalent to GeForce 7800 GT / 7900 GS in raw pixel fillrate, but Cell offloading enables effects PC GPUs of that era couldn't do alone (e.g., Uncharted 2, Killzone 3, God of War III).

The RSX is a console-optimized, Cell-partnered design—not a PC card.