# PS5 Pro: What’s Behind the Lack of a Better CPU in the New Console? Insights from Experts
Recently, Sony officially introduced the **PlayStation 5 Pro**, a long-awaited enhancement to the initial PS5. The primary focus of the announcement was on the **graphical advancements** that the new console brings, highlighting improved image quality and performance. Nevertheless, a significant absence in the technical details was the **CPU** (Central Processing Unit). Unlike the graphical enhancements, the CPU in the PS5 Pro has remained largely unchanged compared to that of the standard PS5 model. This has sparked considerable speculation and dialogue among gaming fans and tech analysts.
In a recent two-hour podcast, the experts at **Digital Foundry** provided insights into the reasoning behind Sony’s choice not to upgrade the CPU in the PS5 Pro. They pointed out several key factors influencing this decision, such as **manufacturing costs**, **compatibility with current titles**, **the concept for the PS5 Pro**, and the strategic outlook for the **PlayStation 6**.
## 1. Manufacturing Costs and Chip Size
One of the main reasons why Sony opted against enhancing the CPU relates to **manufacturing costs** and the **size of the chip**. The CPU is among the most costly components in any gaming console, and boosting its performance would necessitate a larger, more intricate chip. This would substantially increase production expenses, which would ultimately be transferred to consumers.
Indeed, Sony had already implemented some cost-reduction measures in the standard PS5 model by shortening part of the **Floating Point Unit (FPU)**. The FPU is vital for executing floating-point calculations, which are crucial for activities like graphics rendering and physics simulations. By making these adjustments, Sony managed to control costs without significantly sacrificing performance.
Had Sony chosen a more potent CPU, the PS5 Pro’s price could readily have exceeded the **four-digit euro threshold**, rendering it less accessible to a wider audience. As it stands, the PS5 Pro is offered at **800 euros** for the base model, already a considerable financial commitment for many gamers.
## 2. Compatibility with Existing PS5 Titles
Another crucial factor was **compatibility** with existing PS5 games. A substantial CPU upgrade could have led to compatibility problems with current PS5 titles, potentially resulting in performance inconsistencies or requiring developers to update their games to align with the new hardware.
Sony is keen on ensuring that the PS5 Pro offers **smooth compatibility** with the current PS5 library. By maintaining a similar CPU architecture, Sony confirms that all PS5 games will perform seamlessly on the new console without needing extra optimization. This choice also corresponds with Sony’s plan of delivering a **mid-generation upgrade** that boosts performance without marginalizing current PS5 users or developers.
## 3. Strategic Positioning for the PlayStation 6
Another rationale for the decision not to enhance the CPU is tied to the **strategic positioning** of the **PlayStation 6**. According to Digital Foundry, Sony was cautious not to make an excessive leap with the PS5 Pro’s CPU, as this might have reduced the difference between the PS5 Pro and the forthcoming PS6.
Had Sony implemented a significant CPU upgrade in the PS5 Pro, the performance disparity between the PS5 Pro and the PS6 might not have been pronounced enough to warrant purchasing the next-generation console. By keeping the CPU fairly consistent, Sony guarantees that the PS6 will embody a more substantial performance upgrade when eventually launched, facilitating its marketing and sale.
## 4. The Vision for the PlayStation 5 Pro
Ultimately, the **vision** for the PS5 Pro was instrumental in the choice to retain the current CPU. Throughout the presentation, Sony consistently highlighted the enhanced **image quality** and **performance mode** of the PS5 Pro. In this mode, the console is crafted to deliver a **steady 60 frames per second (FPS)** at **4K resolution**, representing a notable enhancement over the standard PS5.
For this goal, the existing **Zen 2-based CPU** is more than adequate. Upgrading the CPU wouldn’t necessarily enhance the gaming experience meaningfully, especially since the main emphasis of the PS5 Pro is on **graphical improvements** rather than sheer processing power. Consequently, upgrading the CPU would have posed an unnecessary expense without providing a corresponding benefit to the user.
## Conclusion: A Balanced Upgrade
In summary, Sony’s decision to maintain the current CPU in the PS5 Pro resulted from various factors, including **cost considerations**, **compatibility with existing games**, **ensuring future readiness for the PS6**, and the **vision for the PS5 Pro** as a