Einstein has a Idea for console gaming

[NoStateofMind]

Hey guys, I actually came up with this idea a couple of years ago and want to run it past the PC tech's and average gaming folk.

THE IDEA: The Hot Swap Console or Hot Swap PC

I was thinking it could be noob friendly, as in easy to upgrade. Picture an XBOX, with 3 slots in the top (kinda like for the old nintendo cartridges) 1 for CPU, 1 for GPU, and 1 for RAM (same for HD but slide in the side). All could be upgraded simply by removing one and adding the replacement. And every few years a new 'Console base' (think motherboard) would be introduced with new features.

I realize there are some things to take into account (power,drivers ect.) but I think it could be done with the right people.

The power supply could have a proprietery connector that is 'hot swapable', and the drivers could be downloaded online, as if to say if you install a new GPU, when you log on it will automatically uninstal and intstall new ones.

Cooling will be provided with the 'CPU/GPU/RAM Cartridge', maybe a fan where the nintendo game name would be.

This would help a younger generation move into upgrading PC's a little easier (by understanding what is in them).

Here are some benifits of this 'Upgradable Console':

#1. Any CPU could be used ie. INTEL/AMD> because of the slot interface (think nintendo again)

#2. Any GPU could be used. (same reasons above)

All of these things would be 'hot swapable', noob proof. All cartidges are covered in plastic (heatsink & fan except for where it blows air out). All you have to do is line up the connectors and have at it!

I believe in my idea. What I need, is to know what you gamers think. Would you buy it? Would you recommend it (little brother/sister)?

I need to know what you Tech's think. Is this feasable? What kind of problems am I looking at?

All questions, comments and ideas are welcomed.

PC Surgeon

 

[dug777]

because making games for a billionty different CPU/GPU/RAM combos defeats part of the point of a console (one standardized platform for all).

but most importantly, because what you have just described effectively exists (albeit with sharper edges), it's called a PC.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: dug777
because making games for a billionty different CPU/GPU/RAM combos defeats part of the point of a console (one standardized platform for all).


but most importantly, because what you have just described effectively exists, it's called a PC.

Games are being played on the PC with billionth combinations. So it is possible.

Yes, but if you don't know how (I'm sure there is atleast 50% don't), it costs a lot of money. Think $30 to $40 to install a card. maybe less on some things, but still, why pay more?

I do appreciate your comments though...something to work with. Anandtech is a great sounding board.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Maybe make it a 'hot swap PC'?

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: dug777
because making games for a billionty different CPU/GPU/RAM combos defeats part of the point of a console (one standardized platform for all).


but most importantly, because what you have just described effectively exists, it's called a PC.

Games are being played on the PC with billionth combinations. So it is possible.

Right. But games are also being played on much less expensive and less powerful hardware on consoles. However, consoles, due to the fact that they are ALL the same, can make much more use of that hardware.

Hell, look at the Gamecube. 485mhz CPU, 40mb RAM, GPU at 162mhz - you couldn't come close to running games on a PC with those specs. That's because programmers don't have to worry about drivers or compatibility issues. It all just works.

EDIT: Ugh, I can't seem to form sentences well in the morning.

 

[TecHNooB]

This is one of those arguments that only sounds good in your head. We know exactly what you mean, but the argument is final. The reason consoles do so well is because they are cheaper than high end PCs. Portable. And virtually all the same.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Then scratch the console thing, and go with hot swap PC idea. Is that more possible? A noob friendly upgradable PC?

I agree with the above posters on the console. Now the PC version is on the chopping block!

Thanks guys for your responses, keep them comming please.

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Then scratch the console thing, and go with hot swap PC idea. Is that more possible? A noob friendly upgradable PC?

You planning in writing your own OS for these PCs? Otherwise, they'll be little more than PCs that are easy to insert expansion cards and maybe CPU and RAM. Honestly, installing new parts is one of the easiest things to do when upgrading hardware. Drivers and supporting programs are the biggest PITA. Yay Windows.

 

[sandorski]

Other than the "Hot" part of swapping, that already exists, it's called the PC even. That's what Upgrading is!

It's not a new idea, just swapping chips, but it's an idea that never caught on nor was even tried. The biggest issue is that in order to make a PC(or any hardware) be simply upgradeable with a simple chip swithing, you must have all the necessary architecture to provide power and data transfer throughput any chip will require. Certainly possible, but the chip manufacturers will be limited to what that available architecture will provide, most likely producing less than optimal performance/capability. It is best to keep the current PCI-e/AGP type Bus Systems, since they provide a Basic connection that doesn't limit chip designers(at least for the time being). All the major necessary supporting Architecture can remain on the Cards where Engineers can push chips to the limit and add in features a motherboard does not have.

So, no thanks.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Well I thought that cake had lots of good fudge goo, but come to find out, it's loaded with POO!

Thanks everyone, a very special 300th post to you.

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Well I thought that cake had lots of good fudge goo, but come to find out, it's loaded with POO!

If you ever need an idea shot down, you can always count on AT.

 

[StrangerGuy]

I got an idea. Why not just simply make a PC "console" video card? You will get the best of both worlds, cheapness and optimization of the console and the flexibility of the PC. Sounds real good to me.

 

[Bladen]

Wouldn't it be some sort of paradoxical gaming Mac?