Is the Xbox Series S Powerful Enough?
The Xbox Series S, the newer generation of gaming consoles from Microsoft, has raised concerns among gamers about its ability to handle demanding games with the level of quality we’re accustomed to. Is it truly powerful enough to run demanding games smoothly and maintain its performance? Let’s dive into the details.
The Short Answer
No, the Xbox Series S is not the most powerful console available. The Series S’s custom AMD Zen 2 CPU is less powerful compared to the Series X and the PS5’s custom AMD Zen 2 CPU. Additionally, its 10GB GDDR6 RAM and 664 MHz GPU are slightly outdated compared to the latest gen. However, Microsoft emphasizes that the Series S still delivers impressive performance for today’s games and supports Ray Tracing, which helps in rendering graphics with precise lighting and reflections.
What Does it Lack in Power?
To begin with, the Xbox Series S uses an inferior cooling system, making it heat-sensitive when run in High Performance Mode for extended periods. Furthermore:
• Lower Storage capacity: The Series S comes with 512 GB SSD storage, compared to the Series X’s 1 TB and the PS5’s 825 GB (with the option for up to 2 TB with expansion).
• RAM Allocation: Although 10GB of GDDR6 RAM seems decent, much of it is used by the operating system and mandatory applications, leaving around 2-3GB available for games. PS5 consoles, on the other hand, have 16GB of GDDR6 RAM with no reserved for non-game purposes.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Although boasting some improvements over the previous X1, the GPU (Navi 12 based) still falls behind that of the Series X, with 1,600 CUDA cores vs 1,600 (enhanced) cores and slower memory bandwidth.
• Performance: 60 fps and 1080p resolutions are common at default settings, whereas PS5 can often handle up to 4K 60 fps and above in most games. (More on this below in "Ray Tracing".)
What does Ray Tracing Do for Xbox Series S?
- Enhanced Visual Quality: Ray Tracing brings improved lighting, reflections, and ambient occlusion in games that support this advanced feature. It significantly raises the visual fidelity and authenticity, making the experience even more immersive.
However:
- Ray Tracing Not a Panacea: Ray Tracing capabilities can vary across titles, with some experiencing varying results, while others still support ray tracing without requiring Xbox Series S-level processing.
- Frequent Crashes: Ray Tracing is resource-intensive and prone to causing minor stutters, glitches, and even crashes in heavily taxing games.
- Impact on Frame Rates: Ray Tracing usually demands a performance sacrifice at the cost of slightly decreased frame rates or a compromised graphical experience, if both aren’t carefully managed in the game settings.
A Look at Graphics Capability:
| Consoles | GPU Cores (Enhanced) | Performance | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | 1,584 (Enhanced) | High-performance rendering, frequent 4K60/30fps | Up to 8K 30 fps, 8K30 |
| Series S | 1,600 | Good for mid-level gaming, some dips for Ray Tracing | Mainly 1080p/60fps and occasionally 1440p, limited 4K@60 |
Should you Get an Xbox Series S?
In conclusion:
• Series S: Offers smooth 4K performance at lower frequencies, decent Ray Tracing capabilities, and relatively quieter performance, but less overall processing power.
• PS5: More advanced CPU, increased storage and RAM, improved ray tracing capabilities, and greater emphasis on next-generation experiences, such as haptic feedback and more refined DualSense controller features.
Take the time to understand which gaming style best fits you, considering the factors you’ve read here and consider factors like:
- Performance in your desired titles.
- Your preferred level of ray tracing integration (ranging from light touches to total immersion).
- Compatibility, and your ability to support cross-platform gaming experiences where desired.
The decision remains dependent on individual gamers; for some, an Xbox Series S can become their primary console of choice, while others prefer an all-out next-generation approach with the PS5, knowing it may lead to even more advanced visual rendering in the long run.