Microsoft today launched its discless Xbox Series X, showcasing a fresh white exterior and a complete internal redesign that marks a notable advancement in console technology. This version of the popular gaming console features a new motherboard configuration along with a smaller system-on-a-chip (SoC) built on a more efficient 6nm process. These changes contribute to reduced power consumption, making the console not only more efficient but also likely more cost-effective for manufacture.
Noted tech YouTuber Austin Evans conducted a detailed teardown of the new models, revealing that the reduced size of the chip allows the new Xbox Series X systems to consume approximately 10 watts less than their predecessors when idling. This drop in power usage, albeit modest, could have significant implications for Microsoft, especially concerning Xbox Cloud Gaming, where power efficiency is crucial.
The motherboard has undergone significant transformations as well. With a design that simplifies and relocates numerous components, the new Xbox Series X models omit the SSD shielding found in the original and feature a blank space where the disc drive would typically reside in the discless version. This implies that consumers looking to retrofit a disc drive will face challenges, as retrofitting requires soldering additional connectors.
Further innovations are visible in the cooling mechanics of the revised Xbox Series X models. Microsoft has transitioned from the previous vapor chamber cooling system to a more conventional copper heat pipe design. While the cooling system has shifted, Evans reports that the exhaust temperature and noise levels remain comparable to the original model, suggesting Microsoft has effectively maintained the operational performance of the console.
When comparing the power usage metrics, the original Xbox Series X records approximately 61 watts at idle. In contrast, the special-edition 2TB model demonstrates a reduction to around 51 watts, while the discless variant drops to an impressive 38 watts during idle conditions. When gaming, power consumption also shows improvement, with the original model using 167 watts, compared to 156 watts for the discless model and only 151 watts for the new 2TB edition.
While these dietary drops in wattage may seem incremental on the surface, they represent a substantial shifting trend towards energy-efficient gaming systems. The financial implications for Microsoft, particularly in operating its Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, are likely to be positive as they apply these new technologies.
For gaming enthusiasts, the new Xbox options hit the market today, with the discless model retailing at $449.99 and the 2TB special-edition version priced at $599.99. These figures place Microsoft in a competitive position within the ever-evolving video game industry, as they continue to seek ways to balance hardware efficiency, strong performance measures, and gamer satisfaction.