New PS3 more energy efficient?

A German tech site is reporting that the new 40GB PS3 console will include a 65nm version of the Cell processor, thus reducing the system's power usage.

As previously reported, the new USD 399 model will be available in North America on November 2. It eliminates the PS2's Emotion Engine and graphics synthesizer chips and cuts two of the four USB ports.

The new system should therefore output less heat and noise, according to the tech site's report. The site also claims that the new console features a smaller heat pipe and a new motherboard.

SCEA did not respond to a request for comment prior to press time.