Specifically, the companies confirmed that Cell is a multicore chip comprising a 64-bit Power processor core and multiple synergistic processor cores capable of massive floating point processing. Cell is optimized for compute-intensive workloads and broadband rich media applications, including computer entertainment, movies and other forms of digital content.

Other highlights of the Cell processor design include:

-- Multi-thread, multicore architecture.

-- Supports multiple operating systems.

-- Substantial bus bandwidth to/from main memory, as well as companion chips.

-- Flexible on-chip I/O (input/output) interface.

-- Real-time resource management system for real-time applications.

-- On-chip hardware in support of security system for intellectual property protection.

-- Implemented in 90 nanometer (nm) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology.

Additionally, Cell uses custom circuit design to increase overall performance, while supporting precise processor clock control to enable power savings.