Recent revelations regarding the PlayStation 6 and the next-generation Xbox APU have stirred considerable excitement among gaming enthusiasts. A new video shared by Moore's Law is Dead on YouTube has unveiled the existence of the AMD Zen 6 APU codenamed Magnus. This cutting-edge APU features a substantial graphics die measuring 264mm squared and a remarkable 384-bit memory bus, outstripping the current standard set by the Xbox Series X, which has a 320-bit bus.
The design of the Magnus APU is particularly noteworthy. It incorporates a unique square design that bears a striking resemblance to past designs from Mark Cerny, a well-known figure in PlayStation development. The specifications of this APU are equally intriguing, boasting an 11 CPU core configuration that includes three Zen 6 cores and eight Zen 6 C cores. This configuration is not only unusual but also suggests a significant focus on performance.
Initially, Moore's Law is Dead speculated that the Magnus APU might be intended for mid-range gaming laptops. However, further investigation revealed that the APU was not categorized for typical clients like the upcoming Medusa Point APUs or server applications. Instead, it was listed under the semicustom business unit, which is responsible for developing APUs specifically tailored for gaming consoles.
Examining the codenames associated with the semicustom business unit, the leaker identified Mero, which powers the Steam Deck, and Jupiter, rumored to be the APU for an upcoming PlayStation handheld. These connections, coupled with the Magnus APU's naming and design, lead to speculation that it could indeed be the APU for the much-anticipated PlayStation 6.
Despite these correlations, there remains a possibility that the Magnus APU could be linked to the next-generation Xbox. AMD leaker Kepler_L2 recently pointed out that the Magnus codename does not align with typical PlayStation naming conventions. Additionally, the design appears to be more expensive than what has previously been associated with PlayStation hardware, where Cerny tends to adopt a more conservative approach to die area.
The potential for the 384-bit memory bus in the Magnus APU could indicate that it is designed for the next-generation Xbox, especially given that the Xbox Series X already features a wider memory bus compared to the PlayStation 5. Furthermore, the leaker suggested that the Magnus APU is likely to include 80 Compute Units, which would significantly enhance gaming performance.
As anticipation builds for the new generation of consoles, whether the AMD Magnus APU will power the PlayStation 6 or the next-generation Xbox remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the details already available hint at a thrilling future for gamers, with expectations that these new systems will exceed the capabilities of their predecessors.
With more information expected to surface soon, gamers can look forward to discovering the full potential of these next-generation consoles and what they will bring to the gaming landscape.
