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Sony PlayStation


Plastation LogoPlaystation System

I got the PSX back in 1996. I've put a lot of hours into this system, but it's all packed away now put into retirement (thanks to the PlayStation 2).

Note: This technical information is what I've gathered online and is not meant to be a definitive source.

Features & Specifications

CPU

  • R3000A from MIPS(SGI) and LSI Logic Technologies
  • 32 bit RISC processor
  • Clock 33.8688 MHz
  • Operating performance 30 MIPS
  • Instruction Cache 4 KB
  • Data Cache 1 KB
  • BUS 132 MB/sec

Geometry Transfer Engine (GTE)

The GTE performs high speed matrix multiplies.

  • 3D Geometry Engine (High speed matrix calculator)
  • Clearing capacity: 66 MIPS
  • 1.5 million flat-shaded polygons/sec
  • 500,000 texture-mapped and light-sourced polygons/sec

Memory

  • Main RAM - 2 Megabytes (16Mbits)
  • Video RAM - 1 Megabytes (8Mbits)
  • Sound RAM - 512 Kilobytes (4Mbits)
  • CD ROM buffer - 32 Kilobytes (256Kbits)
  • OS ROM - 512 Kilobytes (4Mbits)
  • RAM cards - 128 Kilobytes (1Mbit) flash-memory cards

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Handles everything that is drawn on screen.

  • Rendered in hardware - Upto 360K polygon/sec
  • Texture mapping
  • Flat or Gouraud shading

Sound

  • ADPCM audio source
  • 24 Channels
  • 44.1KHz sample rate
  • Digital effects include:
    • Pitch Modulation
    • Envelope
    • Looping
    • Digital Reverb
  • Load up to 512K of sampled waveforms - Supports MIDI Instruments

Graphics

  • 16.7 million colours
  • Adjustable frame buffer
  • No line restriction
  • Simultaneous backgrounds
  • NTSC Display Resolution up to 640x480 (Interlaced)
  • Colour Depth up to 24-bit 16.7 million colors
  • All calculations are performed to 24 bit accuracy
  • Texture mapping colour mode up to 15-bit 32,768 colors
  • 2D Graphical Capability - sprite display capability (Size: 1 X 1 Pixels to 256 X 256 Pixels)
  • Sprite Special Effects
    • Rotation
    • Scaling up/down
    • Warping
    • Transparency
    • Fading
    • Priority
    • Vertical and horizontal line scroll

CD-ROM Drive

  • Data Transfer Rate (DMA TO RAM): up to 300 KB/sec (double speed)
  • Maximum Capacity 660 Megabytes
  • Features:
    • Audio CD play
    • XA Interactive Audio

I/O System

Note: some of these hardware specs are only related to the original playstation and not the updated smaller model.

At the front of the PlayStation there is:

  • Control Pad socket
  • Memory Card socket
    • Backup RAM in the form of two removable cards
    • 128 KB Flash Memory; larger configurations possible
    • OS support for File Save, Retrieve and Remove

At the back of the PlayStation there is:

  • External I/O (covered by screwed plate) - For connecting future devices like hard drive or modem
  • Communication Port - Serial Port I/O
  • Composite video Red Right and White Left RCA phono plugs for connection to a hifi equipment
  • AV Multi Out expansion port - Supports RGB Video, S-Video video, and stereo audio