There are some i7 CPUs with more threads and comparable clock rate, as well as significantly more flexibility between cores and shared cache memory. Remember, each SPE only has access to 256 KiB of data, roughly 275 KB. The Wii U by comparison has 32 MB of eSRAM shared between CPU and GPU: that’s 116 times more memory available to the vast majority of CPU processes, and it’s shared. So the PS3 can process very quickly, but not for a lot of data (or very accurate data) while most other consoles and computers have more flexible shared caches between cores. Only the PPE on Cell is capable of accessing system memory (RAM). The seven other SPEs can only access and process 275 KB of data each, and from my understanding it’s not shared.
The PS3’s Cell was incredibly powerful for the time, I mean, no PC was capable of simulations like Flower, Journey, or Little Big Planet, but nowadays a lot more physics and particle processes are moving to the GPU which is much faster and much more capable of handling simulations like this, assuming a boost in cache is possible. And CPUs have also exceeded the Cell in terms of raw processing power in consumer machines as well for at least the past three years. Additionally, the limitations with memory and graphics power on the PS3 are the most debilitating factors. So, if you want comparable graphics, an integrated card will work, and if you want comparable simulations, a newer, lower-end dedicated graphics card will work, and if you want comparable CPU power with something much more flexible, a mid-grade i7 card will completely supersede any benefit the PS3 could’ve ever given you, and with more cache to spare. And if you just don’t care about price and want to put the Cell to shame, try a Xeon E5-2699 v3 processor with 18 cores, 36 threads, and 45 MB of cache. Sorry, but Cell is no longer the supercomputer that Sony touted it for 9 years ago. Technology marches on!