# PlayStation 5 APU

> main system-on-a-chip of the PlayStation 5, containing the CPU and GPU

**Wikidata**: [Q110989701](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110989701)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/playstation-5-apu-q110989701

## Summary
The PlayStation 5 APU is the main system-on-a-chip of the PlayStation 5, containing both the CPU and GPU. It was developed by AMD and manufactured by TSMC, featuring an 8-core Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU.

## Key Facts
- The PlayStation 5 APU is a system on a chip model with identical specifications for all production instances.
- It contains an 8-core Zen 2 CPU with a frequency of 3.5 GHz.
- It features an RDNA 2 GPU with a frequency of 2.23 GHz and 10.28 teraflops of computing power.
- The APU is used in both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition consoles.
- It's based on the RDNA 2 and Zen 2 architectures.
- The APU was designed by AMD and manufactured by TSMC.
- Its working titles were Oberon, Ariel, and Flute.
- The APU is classified as a system on a chip model, CPU model, and graphics processing unit model.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the PlayStation 5 APU?
A: The PlayStation 5 APU is the main system-on-a-chip of the PlayStation 5, containing both the CPU and GPU components in a single integrated circuit.

### Q: Who designed and manufactured the PlayStation 5 APU?
A: The PlayStation 5 APU was designed by AMD and manufactured by TSMC.

### Q: What CPU and GPU does the PlayStation 5 APU contain?
A: The PlayStation 5 APU contains an 8-core Zen 2 CPU with a frequency of 3.5 GHz and an RDNA 2 GPU with a frequency of 2.23 GHz and 10.28 teraflops.

### Q: What were the working titles for the PlayStation 5 APU?
A: The working titles for the PlayStation 5 APU were Oberon, Ariel, and Flute.

## Why It Matters
The PlayStation 5 APU represents a significant advancement in gaming console hardware, combining high-performance computing and graphics capabilities in a single chip. Its integration of Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU architectures delivers substantial performance improvements over previous generations, enabling more complex game worlds, faster load times, and higher fidelity graphics. The APU's compact design and efficiency also contribute to the overall user experience by enabling quieter operation and more consistent performance. As the heart of the PlayStation 5, it directly impacts gaming experiences and sets new standards for what's possible in console gaming, influencing game development approaches and player expectations for years to come.

## Notable For
- Integration of high-performance Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU architectures in a single system-on-a-chip
- 10.28 teraflops of computing power in the GPU component
- Use of custom-designed silicon rather than off-the-shelf components
- TSMC's 7nm manufacturing process for efficiency and performance balance
- Working titles including Oberon, Ariel, and Flute

## Body
### Design and Specifications
The PlayStation 5 APU is a custom system-on-a-chip designed specifically for the PlayStation 5 console. It integrates both the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) on a single chip, reducing power consumption and improving data transfer speeds between components.

The CPU component is based on AMD's Zen 2 architecture, featuring 8 cores with a frequency of 3.5 GHz. This provides substantial processing power for game logic, physics calculations, and system operations.

The GPU component utilizes AMD's RDNA 2 architecture, operating at 2.23 GHz and delivering 10.28 teraflops of computational performance. This enables high-resolution graphics, ray tracing capabilities, and complex visual effects that define the PlayStation 5's gaming experience.

### Manufacturing and Production
The PlayStation 5 APU is manufactured by TSMC using their advanced 7nm semiconductor fabrication process. This manufacturing choice allows for a balance of high performance and power efficiency, crucial for a consumer gaming console.

All instances of the PlayStation 5 APU are produced to identical specifications, ensuring consistent performance across all PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition consoles.

### Aliases and Naming Conventions
The PlayStation 5 APU is known by several aliases including PlayStation 5 system-on-a-chip, PlayStation 4 SoC, PS5 SoC, and PS5 APU. During development, it was referred to by the working titles Oberon, Ariel, and Flute, which reflected different stages or iterations of the design process.

The APU is classified as both a system on a chip model, a CPU model, and a graphics processing unit model, reflecting its integrated nature and dual functionality within the PlayStation 5 console.

### Role in Console Architecture
As the main system-on-a-chip in the PlayStation 5, the APU serves as the computational heart of the console, handling both game processing and graphics rendering. Its design specifically targets the needs of modern gaming, with features tailored for rapid data access, parallel processing, and high-bandwidth memory connectivity.

## References

1. PlayStation 5: everything you need to know about Sony’s newest consoles
2. PS5 specs and features, including SSD, ray tracing, GPU and CPU for the PlayStation 5 explained
3. PlayStation 5 launches in November, starting at $399 for PS5 Digital Edition and $499 for PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray Disc Drive