The PlayStation Portable (PSP) had varying amounts of main RAM depending on the model, while a consistent amount of embedded DRAM was present across all versions. Specifically, the original PSP-1000 model featured 32 MB of main RAM, whereas subsequent models, beginning with the PSP-2000 and including the PSP-3000 and PSP-E1000, were equipped with 64 MB of main RAM. In addition to the main memory, all PSP models included an extra 4 MB of embedded DRAM.
Understanding the PSP's Memory Configuration
The memory architecture of the PSP was designed to efficiently handle its processing and graphical demands. It utilized two distinct types of RAM: main RAM and embedded DRAM, each serving a specific purpose within the system.
Main System RAM
This was the primary memory accessible by the PSP's central processing units (CPUs) for general operations, running games, and managing the system software.
- PSP-1000 (Original/Fat): Came with 32 MB of main RAM.
- PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite), PSP-3000 (Bright), PSP-E1000 (Street): These later iterations saw a significant upgrade, doubling the main RAM to 64 MB. This increase allowed for smoother multitasking, faster loading times, and potentially more complex game environments.
Embedded DRAM (eDRAM)
Distinct from the main RAM, the embedded DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) was a specialized, high-speed memory integrated directly into certain components.
- All PSP models, regardless of series, included 4 MB of embedded DRAM.
- This particular memory was strategically split and dedicated to specific hardware components: the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and the Media Engine. This design allowed for rapid access to data for graphics rendering and multimedia processing, reducing latency and improving performance in these critical areas.
Memory Specifications by PSP Model
To provide a clear overview, here's a breakdown of the RAM specifications for various PSP models:
| PSP Model Series | Main RAM | Embedded DRAM |
|---|---|---|
| PSP-1000 (Original) | 32 MB | 4 MB |
| PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite) | 64 MB | 4 MB |
| PSP-3000 (Bright) | 64 MB | 4 MB |
| PSP-E1000 (Street) | 64 MB | 4 MB |
The variation in main RAM capacity between the original PSP-1000 and subsequent models was a key hardware improvement, contributing to the enhanced capabilities and performance of the later PSP iterations.
For more detailed technical specifications about the console, you can refer to information available on Wikipedia.
