Which GPU is in the Xbox Series S and how to build an equivalent gaming PC in 2024

Microsoft introduced the Xbox Series S back in 2020 as a performance-segment budget alternative to the $499 Series X. This $300 console has gone on to outsell the Xbox Series X. Like every other offering on the shelves, the Xbox Series S is a ninth-generation home video game console. Although it packs every next-gen feature, it targets a lower 1440p resolution. It targets the entry-level market with enough rendering prowess to play the latest AAA games. This allows the device to be cheaper.

Today, it is possible to build a gaming PC that levels the power of the Xbox Series S within $700. Although gamers will have to spend a bit more while shopping for a PC, the extra features and flexibility that come with a regular computer make the investment worth it. Nonetheless, both machines have their sets of pros and cons, and the final decision between the two lies solely on your preferences and use case.

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What GPU powers the Xbox Series S and what is its equivalent in desktop hardware?

Known as the Lockhart GPU, the Xbox Series S's graphics processor offers a more cost-effective solution while maintaining impressive performance. Built on TSMC's 7 nm process node, the Lockhart GPU boasts a compact die size of approximately 197 mm², which is nearly half the size of the Series X's GPU. With 8,000 million transistors, the Xbox delivers remarkable graphics capabilities, making it a compelling option for gamers seeking an affordable yet powerful console experience.

The GPU can access up to a maximum of 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, with a bandwidth of 224.0 GB/s. The CPU can exclusively utilize the remaining 2 GB of slightly slower memory.

The Lockhart GPU has a total of 1280 shading units, 80 Texture Mapping Units (TMUs), 32 Render Output Units (ROPs), and 20 Compute Units (CUs). It is rated for up to 100 W of power draw. Theoretically, the processor can output up to 8.013 TFLOPS.

This makes the Lockhart GPU inside the console slightly faster than the RX 590 and slightly slower than the Nvidia GTX 1660. However, since the graphics card is based on the RDNA 2 architecture, it can handle ray tracing, a feature absent on the aforementioned GPUs.

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How to build a gaming PC to level the Xbox Series S

Building a gaming PC that levels the power of the Series S is easy today, thanks to the fall in graphics card prices. The $300 budget console does not pack high-end hardware. Thus, a budget gaming computer is enough to match the power.

Given below is a system configuration for a computer that has been designed to meet the budget console's performance level.

• CPU: Intel Core i3 12100F 4C/8T ($92.98)
• Motherboard: Gigabyte H610M S2H DDR5 mATX ($89.99)
• Memory: Teamgroup Elite 16 GB DDR5-5200 ($37.99)
• Storage: Teamgroup MP33 1 TB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe ($47.99)
• Video card: AMD Asrock Challenger D RX 6600 8 GB ($189.99)
• Case: Silverstone FARA H1M mATX mini-tower ($60.64)
• Power supply: Corsair CX650M 550W 80+ Bronze certified semi-modular ($59.99)

Overall, this PC will cost users just under $610. It is slightly more powerful than the Series S. The Radeon RX 6600 modern AAA titles at 1080p with a high framerate and even is a wee little bit faster than the GPU in the Xbox. The GPU can also play games at 1440p.

Developers optimize their games to run the best on the latest consoles. Thus, even a few years later, the budget $300 console from Microsoft will run games without a hiccup. However, this slightly faster PC might fall apart within a year or two.