source http://www.redgamingtech.com/playstation-4-secondary-processor-2gb-ram-discovered/ weak processor for background tasks sounds like a good idea but could generate problem for the Mobo
Those Wired X1 test mobo shots reveal some sort of I/O chip. The markings look pretty generic (for a Southbridge chip)... so... based on that... maybe not. The X1 might have better power gating than the PS4, so it might not be needed.
Well now that the teardown reveals it has an 8GB NAND attached to it, I think it is a co-processor for low power background functioning... maybe ifixit is wrong and it's 8 Gb. Still probably similar to the PS4
Sony's CXD series are usually digital signal processors. Their use varies greatly. I could not find a data sheet of this one, so I think it was specifically made for the PS4. That doesn't help much, but maybe it will give a hunch to someone else.
Well the X1 has 8 GB... not Gb of NAND. So... I would expect the UI and transitions to be smoother than the PS4's implementation... keyword is expect.
NAND is not RAM, it's storage space, likely it's where the OS, or part of it, is kept. Both have 8GB of main RAM, the ps4 just has an extra 256MB for network downloading.
I know, but if the UI is all on the NAND and not cache on the HDD, then well the HDD won't get thrashed If the PS4 UI uses the HDD for UI caching, then it might chug every now and then... but... the co-processor in the PS4 does have 256 MB of RAM...
Speculation here, maybe the OS runs on this co-processor and the main X86 is dedicated for the running games? Would be a way to have the UI/ingame / voice chat / friend list stuff not effect game processing.
