Well well, even though it was reported that Sony was using the 90nm (nano metre) Cell processor in the new 40Gb Playstation 3 console units, Sony boss Kaz Hirai confirmed it in fact uses a 65nm processor.
Today, Sony Computer Entertainment boss addressed the issue directly. In an interview posted at Japan's Impress Watch, Kaz Hirai confirmed that the new model uses a 65nm process for the Cell chip.
The system's RSX graphics chip, on the other hand, still uses a 90nm process. However, the shrinkage of the CPU alone was enough to cut the power usage of the system considerably.
Source
What makes this noteworthy is the fact that a smaller die size Cell processor (from 90nm to 65nm) means it generally costs Sony less money to produce these processors, less power consumption (less on power bills overall) whilst bringing down the price retail.
Explains why the ventilation holes on the newer 40Gb SKU is less whilst remaining cooler whilst being quieter at the same time. :)
