From a pure data perspective, the PS5 may not be ahead of the Xbox Series X, but as is so often the case, the advantages are in the details. One focus of yesterday's presentation with lead architect Mark Cerny was once again the SSD and how the total memory PS5 is structured.
Roughly speaking, it can be said that the complete system was designed in such a way that data streams are never slowed down by bottlenecks. This can already be seen from the specifications presented and the scale on which the PS5 can process the data.
PS5 Specs
CPU
- x86-64-AMD Ryzen ™ “Zen 2”
- 8 cores / 16 threads
- Variable frequency, up to 3.5 GHz
GPU
- Graphics engine based on AMD Radeon ™ RDNA 2
- Ray tracing acceleration
- Variable frequency, up to 2.23 GHz (10.3 TFLOPS)
System memory
- GDDR6 16 GB
- 448 GB / s bandwidth
SSD
- 825 GB
- 5.5 GB / s read bandwidth (raw)
Especially interesting
| IO Throughput PS5 vs Xbox | Raw: 5.5GB per second Compressed: Typical 8-9GB per-second |
Raw: 2.4 GB / s Compressed: 4.8 GB / s |
As you can see, the PS5 is twice as fast when it comes to data exchange and ultimately does not need as much computing power to do the same tasks. This could be a decisive advantage or at least a compensation over the Xbox Series X, because until now it is not clear whether Microsoft also thought about these things. According to their specifications, you have hardware that is around 20 percent stronger, but will you be able to play it out?
Charging and installation times will practically disappear
Cerny has once again explained examples of this using the charging and installation times, which will virtually disappear. The main reason for this during installation is that “brand new files with the changes they contain do not always have to be created”. Installations as we know them now will no longer exist.
With regard to loading times, it is also expected that these will be "blindingly fast". One even assumes that you have to slow them down partially and artificially to create a harmonious transition. Sony writes:
“The PS5's custom I / O system was designed to minimize disruption to gaming fun – especially loading screens. Developers can stream content to PS5 games incredibly quickly, making PS5 gaming experiences seamless, dynamic, and enabling almost instant fast travel in huge game worlds. ”
The next generation defines itself between the PS5 and Xbox Series X between strength and speed. Who will win the race here will only be seen when there are actually some practical examples. However, this should only be expected in a few months.
