PS3 Memory Problems

PS3 Random Access Memory

• The lower amount of memory in the PS3 results in slight performance issues with the PlayStation 3 graphics processing. The PlayStation 3 includes a dedicated graphics memory bank to help offset this, although its graphics capability lags slightly behind that of the Xbox 360. Most gamers will not notice major differences between the graphics of each console

Inefficient Use of System Memory

• The dedicated bank for graphics memory should allow the PS2 to run more efficiently than its competitor, the Xbox 360, but the PS3 operating system reserves portions of both memory banks for system use. The operating system for the console prevents applications from using these features effectively. The Xbox 360 leaves 94% of memory available for use by games. A redesign of the PlayStation 3 operating system could solve this problem.

No Multitasking

• The PS3 comes with 8 processors, so its inability to do any kind of multitasking makes for a frustrating user experience. The lack of multitasking is not a memory problem per se, although it is possible the engineers felt the PS3 console's performance would suffer if they included multitasking capabilities. This does occur on older computers and laptops that have limited memory and operating systems capable of multitasking.

Not Enough Memory Left Error

• Saved game files get stored on the hard drive. Many games save all or part of the game to the hard drive to work around the low amount of memory available on the system. If a user tries to save a file on a nearly full hard drive, he will receive a "not enough memory left" error message.

Upgrading PS3 Hard Drives

• Users can buy larger hard drives for their PS3. Deleting saved game files saved in the game data directory frees up enough space for a PS3 user to save newer games. A user can also attach an external hard drive to save data on the hard drive that does not relate to video games.