What CPU is equivalent to Xbox Series S
What CPU is equivalent to Xbox Series S? Let's find out
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The Xbox Series S is a powerful gaming console that features a similar library of games as the Series X console but is remarkably cheaper. Today, we’re finding out what CPU is equivalent to the Xbox Series S to see if it’s possible to replicate this value-focused console’s performance and affordability on a PC platform.
Now Read: Best CPU for gaming 2023
What CPU does the Xbox Series S use?
The Xbox Series S uses a custom AMD Zen 2 processor with the following specs:
- 8 cores
- 16 threads
- 3.6GHz maximum clock speed
- 3.4GHz clock speed with SMT
A 3.6GHz max clock speed is below par by PC CPU standards, but it works very well on the Series S due to excellent game optimization. In most instances, you’re GPU bound.
A single CPU core is by default dedicated to serving the console’s operating system, so only the remaining 7 are a factor in gameplay performance.
It’s also interesting to note that the Xbox Series X shares a nearly identical CPU with the Series X, the only difference being the Series X’s 200MHz higher clock speed.
What CPU is equivalent to the Xbox Series S’s CPU?
Considering the Xbox Series S processor’s specs and performance, we believe the closest CPU equivalent is the Ryzen 7 2700X.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
A Zen 2 processor featuring the same architecture as the Series S console processor, the Ryzen 7 2700X is a powerful 8-core, 16-thread chip.
The most noteworthy difference between the two is the clock speed. While the Series S CPU has a max clock speed of 3.6GHz, the 2700X has one of 4.3GHz, meaning it has definitively better single-core performance.
Theoretically, this higher clock speed should allow it to outperform the Series S CPU by quite a margin in gaming. In reality, the two are pretty much neck and neck because games on PC aren’t as well optimized as games on the console. The 2700X clock speed advantage is therefore offset.
Alternative options
While the 2700X is the closest equivalent to the Xbox Series S CPU, it’s probably not the best option for you if you’re looking to replicate the console’s performance on PC. The 2700X is rather old at this point, and you can find newer options that not only deliver better gaming performance but do so at a similar price point.
Ryzen 7 5700X
The Ryzen 7 5700X is a direct upgrade to the 2700X. It’s built on Zen 3 architecture, meaning it naturally has an improved IPC (Instructions per clock cycle) and is more power efficient.
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Speed
3.4 GHz / 4.6 GHz
Core (Threads)
8 (16)
Socket
AM4
TDP
65W
Like the 2700X, the 5700X packs 8 cores and 16 threads. However, it has a 4.6GHz maximum clock speed, and that translates to more in-game FPS, especially when CPU-bound.
Find our dedicated Ryzen 7 5700X review here.
Intel Core i5-13400F
The Intel i5-13400F is a powerful 10-core, 16-thread processor built on Intel’s hybrid core architecture. It’s equipped with 6 hyperthreading-enabled performance cores and 4 smaller efficiency cores.
Intel Core i5-13400F
Brand
Intel
CPU Model
Core i5
CPU Speed
4.6 GHz
Platform
Windows
The CPU has a max clock speed of 4.6GHz, which makes it an excellent gaming processor, better than the 2700X.
Going with the “F” version of the 13400 is a good idea if you’re building a gaming rig since you’ll pair it up with a robust GPU and won’t need the internal graphics.
Final word
To summarize, the CPU equivalent to the Xbox Series S processor is the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X. It features many of the same specs, with the most notable difference being the 2700X’s higher clock speed. The clock speed difference is compensated for by the fact that games on PC aren’t optimized as well, so the actual performance is quite similar.
If you’re looking to buy a CPU to replicate the Xbox Series S’s performance, you’ll find that the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Intel Core i5-13400F are better options available at a similar price to the 2700X.
