Next Xbox Rumored to get Two GPUs, Hexacore CPU

Besides a launch time frame of late 2013, the latest wave of posts discussing the features of the console include a dual-GPU setup, similar to two AMD 7000-series graphics processors. However, the graphics units will be integrated as independent processors that can process separate tasks at the same time.

According to VG24/7, the new Xbox will integrate four to six processing cores, one of which will be reserved for Kinect and one for the operating system. Given upcoming Kinect upgrades, which are rumored to include automated avatar generation based on a user rendering, as well as much higher resolution, it is reasonable to offload some of the required processing horsepower from the Kinect device to the console itself. Previous reports suggested that Kinect will be a default feature of the new Xbox and will be offered as standard equipment of the console.

The VG24/7 article also mentions that an always-on Internet connection will be a requirement for the Xbox for piracy protection purposes. Interestingly, there is a note of a Blu-ray drive as well and it appears as if Microsoft does not feel that streaming only content is an option just yet.

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Douglas Perry was a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering semiconductors, storage technology, quantum computing, and processor power delivery. He has authored several books and is currently an editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.

121 Comments Comment from the forums

monsta

Sounds like the xbox is going to have some beefy hardware to compete with the next Playstation
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beardguy

I was liking everything I was reading until this:
"an always-on Internet connection will be a requirement for the Xbox for piracy protection purposes"

When will they learn that hardcore DRM like this cripples the user experience? I can just imagine my internet connection going out and not be able to play games even in campaign mode.
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EzioAs

This is good news right? If they integrate 2 GPU into the Xbox, all game developers will optimize their games and SLI or crossfire will scale better for the PC once it's being ported or am I wrong?
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Hydroc10

So in about 2 years pc gamers will start getting some decent ports?
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confish21

I hope the new lines of consoles are as powerful as possible.
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alvine

sweet make it 3d
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zooted

The VG24/7 article also mentions that an always-on Internet connection will be a requirement for the Xbox for piracy protection purposes.
That is ridiculous.
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hellfire24

a six core cpu,two gpus,man then how it's still a console?it's almost a pc.
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masseybe84

If this is true it can mean nothing but good things. It would be nice for developers to actually start developing games for 4 cores and 2 GPU's instead of having to hope for some half hearted support on the PC or a driver update to get SLI/Crossfire working.
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ikefu

I'm guessing the always on internet connection is false. I can see having to log in to activate or register a game on first use but always on? I'm thinking that is wild speculation.
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