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PSP goes from 222MHz to 333MHz with new firmware

A little known fact about the PlayStation Portable is that each one on the market operates its games with an underclocked processor. Although the unit ships with a MIPS R4000-based CPU designed for a clockspeed of 333MHz, almost every single PSP game runs at 222MHz.

Sony revealed during GDC 2005 that its development kits limited the clockspeed allowed to developers, though official reasons were not revealed. Some believe that running at a lower clockspeed would drain the battery at a noticeably slower rate than if the processor were allowed to run at full speed.

Sony may be slowly unlocking more power to its developers as the PSP gets further into its lifecycle. High Impact Games’ Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is said to run at 266MHz, representing the handheld’s most demanding game yet.

Now confirmed by SCEA, the latest v3.5 firmware update for PSP – which also adds the ability Remote Play with the PlayStation 3 – finally allows developers to use the full 333MHz the PSP CPU is capable of. The PSP’s newly unshackled abilities do not affect already released games, however, as the speed increase will only be realized and utilized in games that specifically call for the CPU’s top speed.

While licensed software hasn’t pushed Sony’s handheld to 333MHz, modified firmware has. Software released by PSP modders allow for homebrewers to set clockspeeds to 333MHz, resulting in smoother framerates, but at the expense of battery life.

Sony has not yet announced any games that will take advantage of the full CPU speed.

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question
By colonelclaw on 6/25/2007 8:47:55 AM , Rating: 5
i don't own one of these, but i know a few people who do. the common complaint amongst them all is that the battery runs out way too fast. so, won't this new clock speed make it run out even quicker? are are they just a bunch of moaners?




RE: question
By Aikouka on 6/25/2007 8:52:53 AM , Rating: 2
Yes, it will run out quicker. I've never really complained about my PSP's battery life though. I'd say it was on par with my DS Lite until I turned the brightness down on the DS Lite.


RE: question
By augiem on 6/26/2007 1:03:11 AM , Rating: 3
Hmm... I wouldn't say so at all. PSP runs out in 3-4 hours, but the DS lite seems to go forever. (I charge it about once a month, play games about 1 hour a day, maybe 3-4 days a week.)

I am using it mainly to play old GBA games though. (uses only 1 screen). I did play one true DS game for a few weeks though and it definitely did not die as fast as the PSP.


RE: question
By Christopher1 on 6/27/2007 1:30:23 AM , Rating: 3
That's why you ALWAYS buy a rechargeable battery, and keep it plugged in when playing at home. Really, how many people are going to play for 4 hours away from an outlet? Not many, even when I was going up to West Virginia with my parents..... it was a 3-4 hour drive, and I had a car battery adapter with me.


RE: question
By Martimus on 6/28/2007 8:51:43 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Really, how many people are going to play for 4 hours away from an outlet?


That is kind of the point in having a hand held gaming device isn't it? I wouldn't bother bringing my GBA on a trip that was only 4 hours. I don't know about you, but driving to Florida usually takes me about 20-22 hours.


RE: question
By JustKidding on 6/25/2007 9:12:47 AM , Rating: 5
quote:
A little known fact about the PlayStation Portable is that each one on the market operates its games with an underclocked processor.

Another little known fact is that PSP batteries last longer if you lick them....


RE: question
By TheDoc9 on 6/25/07, Rating: -1
RE: question
By clayclws on 6/25/2007 10:53:53 AM , Rating: 3
Marcus started it~!!!

***puts on grumpy face***


RE: question
By Marcus Yam on 6/25/2007 11:34:16 AM , Rating: 5
Did not.


RE: question
By Chudilo on 6/25/2007 1:21:41 PM , Rating: 5
Actually. I think kids should be smart enough to think for themselves. You can't protect them from everything forever. They need to learn the self preservation skills to stay alive.

then you won't get the stupid warnings on everything and you won't need the don't try this at home bull.


RE: question
By typo101 on 6/26/2007 12:30:59 PM , Rating: 5
agreed. Its about time we stopped resisting natural selection.


RE: question
By Procurion on 7/1/2007 3:57:48 PM , Rating: 2
I peed on an electric fence once..........once.


RE: question
By chick0n on 6/25/07, Rating: -1
RE: question
By Goty on 6/25/2007 9:47:51 AM , Rating: 2
I've never actually timed how long it takes to kill the battery in my PSP, but I've never managed to kill it in one sitting (one sitting being a 10 hour car trip).


RE: question
By darkpaw on 6/25/2007 9:52:45 AM , Rating: 3
Mine hasn't lasted more then 3-4 hours since it was new. My original DS is usually good for 8 or so hours.

The PSP is more fun in general I think, but there is definately a battery issue for a lot of people.


RE: question
By softwiz on 6/25/2007 10:32:01 AM , Rating: 2
The way I read the article...

The battery shouldn't run out any sooner while playing most of the current games available today as they're not going to suddenly run at the new speed.

Unless the game you're playing specifically requests the additional speed, the PSP battery consumption rate be on par with normal.

I also would expect this to be the case as far as all the other (non game related) features on the PSP as well.


The Picture
By IcY18 on 6/25/2007 8:59:41 AM , Rating: 5
Nice picture!




RE: The Picture
By FITCamaro on 6/25/07, Rating: -1
RE: The Picture
By IceTron on 6/25/2007 12:26:39 PM , Rating: 4
Its ok that your gay. Really.


RE: The Picture
By Samus on 6/25/2007 4:17:06 PM , Rating: 2
I doubt she play's PSP anyway :)


RE: The Picture
By xphile on 6/25/2007 9:37:56 PM , Rating: 2
Course she does - that picture was taken just after she was awarded the 2007 World PSP Tongue Hockey high score.

And trust me if you needed a firmware update after watching that you're in big trouble...


RE: The Picture
By cheetah2k on 6/26/2007 9:51:40 PM , Rating: 2
Sony needs to release the PSP with rumble, er... vibrating... er... ok.. im done.