PlayStation EE (Emotion Engine) CPU

[Fluidic]

Ok... yes I know it's just a console gaming device, however, I'm wondering if there's an upgrade you can do to make the PS2's CPU (EE - Emotion Engine) run faster then the "norm"? It would be kinda neat to see games load faster, etc, etc.

A few people inform me that the limitation is the disc drive it's self. I understand that it's an optical drive, however it's a DVD optical drive -- don't DVD discs/programs get read faster then the old PS1 CD days??

Anyways. That's my question. Hopefully someone knows how to overclock this sucker. :)

[E36M3]

The Playstation 2 is truly an amazing machine, and my guess is that most of the speed issues you see are a result of two bottlenecks, one of which you identified.

I don't think the CPU would benefit from overclocking to any real extent, at least until the other bottlenecks are resolved. The two bottlenecks that I think contribute most to slow loading are:

a) Using a DVD to read game data (although it is much faster than a CD, Sony was shortsighted in not including an internal hard disk. Microsoft jumped on this, and realized how important it is, regardless of the cost)

For a really good description of how Sony messed this up and Microsoft got this right, I would highly recommend the book Opening the Xbox : Inside Microsoft's Plan to Unleash an Entertainment Revolution (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761537082/104-2383399-8131139?v=glance).

b) the complexity of programming for the PS2 makes it hard for even seasoned developers to write efficient code. The article is a bit old now, but Ars Technica has a great overview of the emotion engine for the non-alpha nerd: http://www.arstechnica.com/cpu/2q00/ps2/ps2vspc-1.html The article also links to some more technical articles, which are also really interesting. Having to control what are essential two different CPUs manually (well vector processing units, but they are pretty much the CPU in the sort of applications you'd write for a video game system) is a pain in the ass and a major challenge, not even taking into account the myriad of small caches to contend with (in contrast to a more standard PC or XBOX config where you have a couple huge caches and can be lazier)

If I were you, I'd leave good enough alone or buy an XBOX :) I haven't even played an XBOX yet, but the hardware sure is impressive.

Or, if you are really looking to nerd out your PS2, order the Linux developers kit from Sony.. it is a lot of fun.

[Fluidic]

Thanks for the information dude -- exactly what I was looking for -- I appreciate the in depth read.


Or, if you are really looking to nerd out your PS2, order the Linux developers kit from Sony.. it is a lot of fun.

You have my attention! Is there a link I can follow for more information?

[E36M3]

No problem.. you can order the kit here:

http://www.us.playstation.com/peripherals.aspx?id=SCPH-97047

and there is a great website to learn all about it here:

http://playstation2-linux.com/

The kit is great cause it includes a hard drive for the PS2, a keyboard + a mouse, so it is really a bargain. Besides, if you get bored of your games, you could always use your PS2 as a web server.


Originally posted by Fluidic Digital
Thanks for the information dude -- exactly what I was looking for -- I appreciate the in depth read.



You have my attention! Is there a link I can follow for more information?

[Fluidic]

Originally posted by E36M3
Besides, if you get bored of your games, you could always use your PS2 as a web server.

I've owned this thing three days -- 6 games later -- I'm bored. :P :)

Know any websites that are hosted from a PS2? I wonder what the performance is like??

[E36M3]

The only one I ever knew about doesn't seem to be around anymore, but it did get some press coverage last year :)

http://www.infosatellite.com/news/2002/07/a120702apache_ps2.html