Ultimate Showdown: PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S – Which Console Reigns Supreme?
When looking to get a new gaming console, many people are left with the question of Playstation vs Xbox.
The flagship devices from these companies being the PS5 and the Xbox series X. Here we are going to have a look at the performance, reliability, repairability and exclusive content available with each of the devices.
Content and Games:
As this is the main reason one purchases a game console.
PS5 has : The Last of Us series, Gran Turismo Sport and many of the Final Fantasy games.
Xbox series X has : some of these titles include, Halo, Forza Horizon and the greatly anticipated Elder Scrolls IV.
PS5 Games
Xbox Series Games
Performance:
PS5 is typically around 15% cheaper than the Xbox series X, however performance wise the Xbox is a notably more powerful console.
CPU Performance: Xbox is clocked 8% faster and the GPU offers 11% more performance in raw compute workloads.
Cache: PS5’s L1 cache is clocked 22% faster meaning it will be easier for game developers to optimise performance on the PS5, especially considering the variable frequency of the PS5’s processors.
RAM: Both consoles offer the same amount of RAM, however the Xbox has an asymmetric approach to its RAM speeds, also making optimization easier for game developers.
PS5 Tear Down
Xbox Tear Down
Repairability perspective:
- When first opening both of these devices the PS5 is definitely an easier console to get under the hood of. This is mostly down to the finicky removal of the stand on the Xbox which always seems to come off with difficulty.
- A key thing of note is that the Xbox uses a more traditional thermal compound, while the PS5 uses liquid metal for its superior thermal transfer. This is great from a performance perspective however liquid metal is also able to corrode other metals and short various things on a circuit board due to its high conductivity.
- Xbox is a safer console for attempting amateur repair when compared to the PS5.
All in all, the PS5 takes full advantage of its hardware to deliver competitive performance at a competitive price. While the Xbox series X offers robust performance on a robust platform at a reassuringly more expensive price point.
Xbox Thermal Paste
Play Station 5 Thermal Paste
Essentially what this boils down to from a consumer perspective is that the PS5 may offer a smoother gaming performance at lower resolutions, however over time as game developers optimise the hardware, the Xbox series X has more room for improvement and is likely a better long term investment since game developers have more compute to work with.
