The Xbox Series S made waves when it launched in late 2020 as an affordable entry point into next-gen console gaming at just $299. With impressive capabilities like 1440p gaming, 120FPS frame rates, DirectX raytracing support, and ultra-fast load times, the Xbox Series S far surpasses what you‘d expect from a console at its price point.
But how much would it cost to build a DIY gaming PC in 2023 that can match or beat the Xbox Series S? What PC components offer equivalent performance, and what are the tradeoffs versus buying an affordable pre-built console?
In this guide, we‘ll compare the Xbox Series S hardware and specs to modern PC components to see what it takes to build a comparable living room gaming rig.
Inside the Xbox Series S
First, let‘s quickly recap what the Xbox Series S is packing under the hood:
- CPU: 8-core/16-thread Zen 2-based at 3.6GHz (slightly underclocked compared to Xbox Series X)
- GPU: 20 RDNA 2 compute units at 1.55GHz (4 TFLOPS power)
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 (8GB usable for games)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Resolution Target: 1440p at 60FPS, up to 120FPS
It‘s not the most powerful console hardware, but still very capable for the price and perfect for smooth 1080p or 1440p gaming.
Next we‘ll see how it stacks up to some of today‘s entry-level PC components.
GPU Comparison – RX 6500 XT
Let‘s start by comparing the Xbox Series S integrated GPU to AMD‘s current budget-minded offering, the Radeon RX 6500 XT.
Xbox Series S GPU
- 20 RDNA 2 Compute Units
- 1.55GHz Clock Speed
- 4 TFLOPS Processing Power
- 128MB Infinity Cache
Radeon RX 6500 XT
- 16 RDNA 2 Compute Units
- 2.61GHz Game Clock Speed
- Up to 5.2 TFLOPS Processing Power
- 16MB Infinity Cache
At first glance, the RX 6500 XT looks comparable on paper – same architecture, slightly faster clock speeds and more overall processing power thanks to architecture improvements.
However, the Xbox GPU benefits from a unified memory design with full-speed access to the entire 10GB GDDR6 memory pool. The RX 6500 XT only comes with 4GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory, which can bottleneck performance in modern games.
The Xbox is also better optimized to use its memory efficiently thanks to the integrated console design, while PC games have more overhead.
As the chart above demonstrates in testing, the Xbox Series S and RX 6500 XT trade blows in most gaming benchmarks. Ultimately they offer reasonably similar 1080p performance, but the Xbox has more memory headroom for future games.
Alternative GPU Options
The RX 6500 XT is a good match for both price and performance compared to the Xbox Series S as of early 2023. However, here are some alternative GPUs to consider at different price points:
Entry-Level: AMD Radeon RX 6400 (slower than Xbox Series S but only $129)
Faster Alternative: Nvidia RTX 3050 ($249+, RT and DLSS support)
Last-Gen Value: AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB or Nvidia GTX 1660 Super (used for under $150)
Any of those graphics cards should outperform the aging GTX 1060 and provide at least Xbox Series S levels of 1080p gaming performance.
CPU Comparison
The Xbox Series S uses a custom Zen 2 8-core/16-thread CPU clocked at 3.6GHz. There is no direct equivalent CPU available for desktop PCs.
The closest matches we can find are budget current-gen processors like AMD‘s Ryzen 5 5600 non-X variant or Intel‘s Core i5-12400.
Here‘s how they stack up on paper:
Xbox Series S: 3.6GHz 8c/16t Zen 2 CPU
Ryzen 5 5600: 3.5GHz 6c/12t Zen 3 CPU
Core i5-12400: 2.5GHz 6c/12t Alder Lake CPU
Thanks to the unified memory pool, developers can optimize game performance for the Xbox Series S to maximize workloads across all 8 CPU cores. Games will be designed to run smoothly at 30 FPS or 60 FPS targets.
On PC, there is more variance in performance depending on background processes and system memory speeds. The Ryzen 5600 is faster for 60FPS gaming, but may struggle to maintain high FPS in CPU-demanding scenarios due to fewer cores.
Either CPU will provide good longevity for 1080p gaming though, similar to the Xbox Series S.
Equivalent PC Build & Cost Breakdown
Now let‘s put together a sample DIY gaming PC build using 2023 components that can match the performance of Microsoft‘s $299 console:
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor | $129.99 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $119.99 @ Amazon |
| Memory | Silicon Power GAMING 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory | $47.99 @ Amazon |
| Storage | Western Digital Blue SN570 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $41.99 @ Amazon |
| Video Card | Gigabyte Radeon RX 6500 XT 4 GB EAGLE Video Card | $159.99 @ Amazon |
| Case | Cougar MG130-G MicroATX Mini Tower Case | $51.98 @ Newegg |
| Power Supply | EVGA SuperNOVA GA 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $54.99 @ Amazon |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total | $606.92 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-01-11 16:18 EST-0500 |
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 – $129.99
- GPU: Radeon RX 6500 XT – $159.99
- RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200Mhz – $47.99
- Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD – $41.99
- Case + PSU: $106.97
Total Cost: Around $610
As you can see, even with a budget build using current entry-level parts, the cost of building a custom gaming rig capable of Xbox Series S levels of performance lands over twice the price of the $299 MSRP for the console itself.
You‘d need to go used/second-hand on some parts like the graphics card to get closer to a $400 total spend. Building this PC really drives home what an incredible value the Xbox Series S is compared to DIY options. Let‘s go over some more considerations.
Xbox Series S vs Budget Gaming PC
Beyond just hardware and specs for dollar, there are some other tradeoffs to think about when deciding between an affordable pre-built console option like the Series S and piecing together your own entry-level gaming PC.
Console Pros
- Simpler plug-and-play setup
- Designed for living room and controller gaming
- One-time payment without subscription fees*
- Used game discs and video apps support
- Optimized graphics settings and performance
- Couch co-op and splitscreen gaming
(*) Require Xbox Live subscription for online multiplayer.
PC Pros
- More customizable and higher performance potential
- Upgradeable over time
- Supports mouse + keyboard controls
- Cheaper games with digital discounts
- Desktop productivity/ internet/ streaming apps
- Higher frame rates if GPU power allows
For kids or casual gamers that just want an affordable plug-and-play system for the latest games, the Xbox Series S offers major convenience and peace of mind. Parents don‘t have to worry about upgrades, replacing parts, or troubleshooting driver issues over time either.
On the flip side, more hardcore gamers may enjoy customizing and upgrading their own system. And having a powerful PC delivers flexibility to use it as both a gaming rig + general desktop computer for work, content creation, media, and more – all features lacking on a dedicated gaming console.
There‘s also always the "build it yourself" factor if you enjoy PC DIY projects. Putting together your own entry-level rig can be fun and educational!
Both platforms will effectively provide a great 1080p gaming experience. But for sheer value under $300 playing the latest titles, the Xbox Series S still can‘t be beaten by a budget custom build.
Let‘s wrap up with some closing thoughts.
The Xbox Series S is Still The Value Champ
While the Xbox Series S lacks the 4K capabilities or high-end performance of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, it still packs impressive graphical power under the hood thanks to modern GPU and Zen CPU architectures.
Matching the balanced configuration in a comparably priced DIY gaming PC build proves extremely difficult, even with a budget component selection. The Xbox integration and optimization just can‘t be mimicked.
Of course, you sacrifice flexibility and customization versus assembling your own desktop rig the way you want. But for sheer value focused purely on gaming itself, the Xbox Series S delivers in a sleek living room-fit package.
No gaming PC can compete pound for pound with the Series S costing just $299 brand new in 2023. Even buying used parts, you‘d be hard pressed to build an equivalently powerful homebrew Steam Machine for under $400.
If you prioritize affordability first and foremost, the Xbox Series S removes any PC part hunting or building hassle. Just plug and play the latest titles in smooth 1080p or 1440p glory.
For tinkerers willing to spend more on DIY upgrades over time, crafting a budget-based but capable gaming PC can be fun and instructional. Just know performance will be similar to Microsoft‘s console until you sink in $150+ more on key components.
Either way you choose to play, both platforms have distinct advantages and drawbacks when trying to save money. Hopefully breaking down the hardware and specs compared to cost gives a clearer picture of where Xbox Series S value stands versus entry-level computer builds!
