What CPU is equivalent to the Xbox Series X
What CPU is equivalent to the Xbox Series X? Let's find out
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The Xbox Series X is the latest and greatest from Microsoft. A flagship console, it has some pretty impressive specs and is capable of offering high-end gaming performance.
Now Read: What CPU is equivalent to the PS5?
Let’s find out what CPU the Xbox Series X uses and whether or not we have a similar option available for PCs.
What CPU does the Xbox Series X use?
The Xbox Series X uses a custom-made Zen 2 CPU from AMD. The CPU is based on a 7nm enhanced process and has the following specs:
- 8 cores
- 16 threads
- 3.8GHz max clock
When the CPU is under an intensive multi-core workload, all cores can run simultaneously at 3.66GHz.
Overall, the CPU’s specs are very respectable. 8 cores and 16 threads match the industry standard today and is more than most games could ever utilize.
The 3.8GHz clock is somewhat lower than what you would expect from a high-end CPU, especially considering most high-end PC-based processors these days have a 5GHz+ boost clock.
However, the Series X’s CPU cores use the 3.8GHz clock speeds available to them very efficiently, resulting in the top-notch gaming performance we get to experience on screen.
What CPU is equivalent to the Xbox Series X’s CPU?
Comparing CPUs from consoles and PCs isn’t so straightforward. It’s important to note that games tend to be better optimized on consoles because of the single hardware configuration that developers have to work around.
On PC, much more hardware combinations exist. It’s impractical to optimize a game’s code for every piece of hardware out there.
The point is: a PC will need a CPU will better specs to deliver the same performance seen on consoles.
Ryzen 7 3700X
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Speed
3.6GHz/ 4.4GHz
Core (Threads)
8/16
Socket
AM4
TDP
95W
With that in mind, we believe the closest equivalent to the Xbox Series X CPU is the Ryzen 7 3700X.
The 3700X is built on the same Zen 2 architecture as the Series X’s CPU. It features an identical core and thread count of 8 multithreaded cores, totaling 16 threads.
The 3700X does, however, have a moderately higher clock speed, at a 4.4GHz boost, compared to the Xbox’s 3.8GHz. However, as we discussed earlier, this is balanced out by the optimization differences between the console and PC platforms.
So, practically speaking, the Ryzen 7 3700X ends up offering you the nearly identical performance to Microsoft’s flagship console.
But that’s only in CPU-bound scenarios. You do have to pair the 3700X up with an equally powerful GPU as well to really match the Xbox in performance.
CPU Alternatives to the Xbox Series X
While the Ryzen 7 3700X is the closest match in this case, it is an older Zen 2 processor, so it doesn’t have the best availability. Here are alternatives that will serve you just as well.
Ryzen 7 5700X
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Speed
3.8GHz – 4.6GHz
Core (threads)
8 (16)
Socket
AM4
Graphics
Vega 8
The Ryzen 7 5700X is a direct upgrade to the 3700X. Its specs are mostly identical to its predecessor, which the exception of a higher clock speed.
The 5700X has a 4.6GHz boost clock compared to the 3700X 4.4GHz. A difference of 200MHz is felt, mostly in single-threaded applications but also somewhat in multicore applications, as all cores will be running at a moderately higher clock speed.
Overall, the Ryzen 7 5700X is an excellent option in the Zen 3 lineup. Let’s take a look at an option from Intel too.
Intel core i5 12600
Intel Core i5-12600KF
Boost clock speed (single core)
4.9 GHz
Total Cores / Threads
10/16
P-cores
6
E-cores
4
Socket
LGA 1700
Overclockable
Yes
The Alder Lake 12600 has 6 cores and 12 threads but a higher 4.8GHz core clock, compensating for the difference. It offers identical performance to the other processors on this page, but you’ll likely be able to find it for cheaper.
The processor’s fast boost clock affords it slightly superior gaming performance too.
