So the new PlayStation 3 80GB Core system is out, and consumers are noticing something different about it. Not necessarily a bad thing, just... different. A user at the Slickdeals forum has stated his observations on the new unit.

According to him, it seems as though the new unit is more energy-saving. For one, the new model used only 130 watts as compared to the 155.2 watts that the 40GB model used when Metal Gear Solid 4 is on play. Other stats show that the new unit used only 111.9 watts when idle on the XBM, while the 40GB was guzzling up to 125.8 watts.

Could it be that good ol' Sony silently made the switcharoo to new 65nm RSX chips? They are cheaper to manufacture, yes, and they are for the most part considered to be more reliable after all. That seems to be the popular theory circulating nowadays.

Unfortunately, Sony seems intent on keeping the secret to their new 80GB Core system a secret as they have not made any official statements on the matter. But you're free to do your own sleuthing if you may wish. Do a little DIY compare and contrast if you can grab a hold of a 40GB and 80GB units - and do tip us on your findings!

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