What CPU is in an Xbox?
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of any gaming console, including the Xbox. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Xbox CPUs, exploring the types of processors used in various Xbox models, their specifications, and why they’re chosen for gaming.
Xbox Series X CPU
The Xbox Series X is powered by a custom 7 nm AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores running at a nominal 3.8 GHz or, when simultaneous multithreading (SMT) is used, at 3.6 GHz. One CPU core is dedicated to the underlying operating system. This CPU is designed to provide a significant boost in processing power, allowing for faster game loading times, smoother gameplay, and improved graphics rendering.
Xbox Series S CPU
The Xbox Series S, on the other hand, has a CPU equivalent to the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X. It features many of the same specs, with the most notable difference being the 2700X’s higher clock speed. This CPU is designed to provide a balance between processing power and power consumption, making it suitable for gaming and general computing tasks.
Why AMD for Xbox?
AMD has been the processor of choice for Xbox consoles for several reasons. AMD’s advanced IP, know-how, experience, and commitment to making the CPU happen have contributed to their success in winning the contract. Additionally, AMD’s leading-edge IP in CPU, GPU, memory, video, audio, and I/O make them an attractive partner for console manufacturers.
Other Xbox CPUs
The Xbox One and Xbox One S use AMD’s Jaguar CPU architecture, which is similar to the CPU used in the PS4. This CPU has eight cores, with each core having 32 KB L1 instruction and data caches, and one shared 2 MB L2 cache per four-core module.
CPU Performance Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the CPU performance of various Xbox consoles:
| Console | CPU | Cores | Clock Speed | Threads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | AMD Zen 2 | 8 | 3.8 GHz | 16 |
| Xbox Series S | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | 8 | 4.0 GHz | 16 |
| Xbox One X | AMD Jaguar | 8 | 2.3 GHz | 16 |
| Xbox One S | AMD Jaguar | 8 | 2.2 GHz | 16 |
Gaming Performance
The CPU plays a crucial role in gaming performance, particularly in modern games that require intense processing power. A fast CPU can help reduce loading times, improve frame rates, and enhance overall gameplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CPU is a critical component of any gaming console, including the Xbox. The Xbox Series X and Series S use custom AMD CPUs, with the Series X featuring a more powerful processor. The choice of AMD for Xbox consoles is due to their advanced IP, know-how, and commitment to making the CPU happen. By understanding the CPU specifications and performance of various Xbox consoles, gamers can make informed decisions about which console to choose and how to optimize their gaming experience.