GPU Equivalent to the Xbox Series S (PC Comparison)

The Xbox Series S delivers impressive 1080p/1440p gaming performance in an affordable $299 package. But how does the power of its GPU compare to entry-level gaming PCs? This expert guide compares the raw specs and real-world capabilities of the Xbox Series S GPU versus popular Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon graphics cards to help you decide which platform is right for your gaming needs and budget.

Xbox Series S Overview and Specs

The Xbox Series S features custom processor technology, including a 4 TFLOPS GPU based on the cutting-edge AMD RDNA 2 architecture, which also powers the latest Radeon graphics cards.

Here’s an overview of the key hardware powering the Xbox Series S:

• GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 compute units, 10GB of shared GDDR6 memory
• CPU: 8 core, 16 thread Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6GHz
• Memory: 10GB GDDR6 (8GB usable for games)
• Resolution Target: 1080p/1440p gaming

This compact, affordable Xbox delivers surprisingly strong 1080p gaming and can even handle 1440p in some optimized titles. But in raw technical specifications, its GPU lands somewhere between popular entry-level gaming graphics cards like the GTX 1660 and RX 6500 XT.

Xbox Series S GPU vs. AMD RX 6500 XT

The RDNA 2-based RX 6500 XT is the closest AMD GPU equivalent to the Xbox Series S. But thanks to its faster clock speeds and advanced architecture, the 6500 XT commonly outperforms the Xbox.

RX 6500 XT Key Specs:

• 5.5 TFLOPS
• Game Clock: 2650 MHz
• 8GB GDDR6 memory
• RDNA 2 architecture

Benchmarks show the RX 6500 XT averaging around 15-25% higher average FPS across a variety of games. However, the Xbox Series S offers a more consistent, smoother experience thanks to the console optimization.

Xbox Series S advantages:

• Lower power draw and heat output
• Optimized gaming performance
• Quick Resume for instantly jumping into suspended games
• Fixed hardware specs simplify development

But the RX 6500 XT brings higher peak frame rates and you can crank up graphics settings in some titles. Overall, the 6500 XT is around 25% more powerful, but the Xbox delivers impressive optimization.

Xbox Series S vs. Nvidia GTX 1660 and GTX 1060

Nvidia’s popular GTX 1660 and previous generation GTX 1060 graphics cards are the closest GeForce competitors to the Xbox Series S GPU.

GTX 1660 Key Specs

• 6GB GDDR5 memory
• 1,530MHz base / 1,785MHz boost clock
• Turing architecture
• 5.5 TFLOPS processing power

GTX 1060 Key Specs

• 6GB GDDR5 memory
• 1506MHz base clock
• Pascal architecture
• 4.4 TFLOPS processing power

The GTX 1660 pulls ahead of the Xbox Series S with around 30% higher benchmarks on average. But again, the optimized console hardware and software help close this performance gap in real-world gaming.

Meanwhile, the aging GTX 1060 still roughly matches the baseline performance of the Series S in most titles. However, the Xbox leverages modern RDNA 2 architecture features absent in the older Pascal-based 1060.

Comparing Xbox Series S and PC Graphics Platforms

There are inherent differences between standardized consoles and configurable gaming PCs that affect real-world gaming performance and features.

Graphics and Performance

The Xbox Series S generally targets 60 FPS at 1080p or 30 FPS at 1440p resolutions. Games automatically scale rendering resolutions below these targets if needed to maintain performance.

Meanwhile, PCs allow you to manually configure resolutions and graphics settings per game and can exceed the capabilities of the Series S hardware if you tweak settings or upgrade components. You can enable uncapped frame rates for ultra-smooth gaming at over 60 FPS.

PC Advantages:

• Higher potential framerates
• Tune settings game-by-game
• Upgrade GPU/components separately

Gaming Ecosystem

Consoles offer simplified and streamlined gaming centered around big-screen TV gaming experiences. The Xbox Series S instant resume feature allows you to jump back into the action in seconds.

PC gaming delivers greater flexibility and customization in exchange for added complexity tweaking settings. PCs also enable access to mods, emulator gaming, digital game stores and other capabilities.

If your priority is smooth big-screen console gaming, Xbox Series S delivers fantastic value and performance at $299. But PC gaming remains appealing for its added configurability and versatility beyond gaming.

Building a Comparable PC

Given the highly optimized nature of console hardware and software, matching the gaming performance of the Xbox Series S requires around a $600-$700 DIY budget gaming PC:

PCPartPicker Part List

As you can see, even utilizing today’s most affordable PC gaming components, building a DIY rig to match next-gen Xbox Series S gaming performance requires an investment roughly 2.5x the cost of the console itself.

Xbox Series S vs PC: Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between an affordable Xbox Series S console or similarly priced budget gaming PC boils down to your needs and priorities:

• For big-screen console gaming on a tight budget, the $299 Xbox Series S can’t be beaten
• Console gaming means simplified operation without fussing over components or settings
• Xbox extras like Quick Resume deliver awesome quality-of-life
• PC gaming means near-unlimited upgradability and customization
• DIY PC builders can stretch budgets further shopping sales on used components
• PC platform enables mods, emulation, and a wider range of game stores/titles

If your budget is firm or console gaming is your priority, snagging an Xbox Series S is a no-brainer. But PC gaming remains appealing for its flexibility – albeit at the cost of added complexity. Ideally, you might decide to own both platforms to enjoy the unique strengths of each!

At the end of the day, modern PC graphics cards like the RX 6500 XT and GTX 1660 deliver around a 25-30% raw performance boost over the impressively well-optimized Xbox Series S. But Microsoft simply can‘t be beaten when it comes to sheer dollar-for-dollar gaming value.