PlayStation Components: Hardware (CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage) & Software (OS, Firmware, Games)

A PlayStation console comprises interconnected hardware and software layers:

Core Hardware

• CPU: Custom AMD Zen 2 (PS5) / Jaguar (PS4) — executes game logic, OS.
• GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2 (PS5) / GCN (PS4) — renders graphics, compute shaders.
• RAM: GDDR6 16 GB (PS5) / GDDR5 8 GB (PS4) — unified memory for CPU+GPU.
• Storage: Custom NVMe SSD (PS5, 5.5 GB/s raw) / HDD (PS4, user-replaceable).
• Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray (PS5) / Blu-ray (PS4) — physical media.
• APU: CPU+GPU on single die (semi-custom SoC).
• I/O Complex: PS5: Custom decompression, DMA, SSD controller. PS4: Standard Southbridge.
• Power Supply: Internal PSU (PS5/PS4 Slim/Pro) or External Brick (Launch PS4).
• Motherboard: Interconnects all components.
• Cooling: Liquid metal TIM (PS5), vapor chamber, large fan, heatsink.
• Ports: USB-A/C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, Power, (PS4: AUX, Optical).

Input / Output

• DualSense / DualShock 4: Haptics, adaptive triggers, touchpad, gyro, audio, battery.
• Audio: Tempest 3D AudioTech (PS5) / Dedicated DSP (PS4) → Headset/HDMI/USB.

Software Stack

• Orbis OS (FreeBSD-based): Kernel, drivers, sandbox, file system.
• System Software: UI (Control Center / Dynamic Menu), Store, Parties, Share, Remote Play.
• Firmware: Low-level hardware init, secure boot, encryption keys.
• Games/Apps: Signed executables (fSELF/ELF) running in sandboxed processes.

Services

• PlayStation Network (PSN): Accounts, friends, trophies, cloud saves, commerce.
• PlayStation Plus: Tiers (Essential, Extra, Premium) — online multiplayer, game catalog, streaming.

Each generation redefines the balance; PS5's SSD/I/O complex is the architectural leap.