Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe Xbox Series X family uses a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, an RDNA 2 GPU rated at 12 teraflops, 16GB of GDDR6 memory, and a custom NVMe SSD. Current models include the 1TB Carbon Black disc edition, 1TB Digital Edition, and 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition.
The tables below separate shared hardware from model-specific storage, disc-drive, weight, and price differences.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Xbox Series X specifications at a glance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2, 8 cores |
| CPU clock | 3.8GHz; 3.6GHz with simultaneous multithreading (SMT) |
| GPU | Custom AMD RDNA 2 |
| GPU compute units | 52 |
| GPU clock | 1.825GHz |
| GPU performance | 12 teraflops |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 320-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 10GB at 560GB/s; 6GB at 336GB/s |
| Internal storage | Custom NVMe SSD; 1TB or 2TB depending on model |
| Storage throughput | 2.4GB/s raw; up to 4.8GB/s compressed with hardware decompression |
| Game output target | True 4K gaming and up to 120fps, depending on the title and display |
| Maximum output claim | Up to 8K HDR |
| Video features | HDR, Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync |
| Optical drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray on disc-equipped models |
| HDMI | One HDMI 2.1 output |
| USB | Three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports |
| Wireless | 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi and dedicated Xbox Wireless radio |
| Wired networking | 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD with Atmos, and up to 7.1-channel LPCM |
| Dimensions | 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1cm (5.94 × 5.94 × 11.85in) |
| Launch date | November 10, 2020 |
| U.S. launch price | $499.99 |
These core specifications come from Xbox’s current Series X product page and Microsoft’s detailed product listing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Current Xbox Series X model comparison
| Model | Storage | Disc drive | Listed weight | Color | U.S. price observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X Carbon Black | 1TB custom NVMe SSD | 4K UHD Blu-ray | 9.8lb (4.4kg) | Carbon Black | $649.99 |
| Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition | 1TB custom NVMe SSD | None | 7.9lb | White | $599.99 |
| Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition | 2TB custom NVMe SSD | 4K UHD Blu-ray | Check the model-specific listing | Galaxy Black | $799.99 |
The prices above are U.S. Microsoft Store prices observed in the August 16, 2026 research snapshot, not permanent specifications. Prices, stock, and regional availability can change; check the current Xbox Store listings before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- FASTEST, MOST POWERFUL XBOX — Experience next-generation performance with 12 teraflops of processing power, delivering smoother gameplay, richer worlds, and faster responsiveness than any previous XBOX.
- TRUE 4K GAMING UP TO 120 FPS — Enjoy breathtaking visuals with true 4K resolution, HDR, and frame rates up to 120 FPS, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 1TB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 1TB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF GAMES — Play thousands of games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX, with many titles enhanced for better visuals and performance on XBOX Series X.
The models have the same listed external dimensions, but they are not identical in storage, optical drive, color, and weight. The Digital Edition is not described here as a lower-performance console: its confirmed distinction is that it removes the disc drive and weighs less.
CPU and GPU
Every current Series X model is built around a custom AMD Zen 2 processor with eight cores. It runs at 3.8GHz without SMT and 3.6GHz with SMT. Microsoft also lists a 360.45mm2 system-on-chip die and a 7nm Enhanced process.
The custom RDNA 2 GPU has 52 compute units clocked at 1.825GHz. Microsoft rates it at 12 teraflops. Teraflops measure theoretical floating-point throughput, not guaranteed game performance. Resolution, ray-tracing effects, memory behavior, frame-rate targets, optimization, and dynamic resolution all affect what a particular game delivers. The 12-teraflop number should not be used as a direct ranking against every PC graphics card.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The RDNA 2-based design also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing in compatible software. Ray tracing is a game-by-game feature and can affect resolution or frame rate when enabled.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series X console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black, Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, Power cord.
- Equipped with AMD's Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, DirectX ray tracing delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and accurate reflections to create dynamic, living worlds.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 w/320 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6 GB @ 336 GB/s; Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: True 4K; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; High Dynamic Range: Up to 8K HDR; Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
- Bundled with HDMI_Cable
Memory and bandwidth
Series X has 16GB of GDDR6 memory connected through a 320-bit bus. It does not operate as one undifferentiated pool at 560GB/s. Microsoft specifies two bandwidth tiers:
- 10GB at 560GB/s.
- 6GB at 336GB/s.
This split is a hardware design detail that developers account for when allocating resources. The 16GB figure is total system memory, not a promise that all 16GB is available to games; the operating system and system functions also require memory.
SSD storage and expansion
The Carbon Black and Digital Edition contain a 1TB custom NVMe SSD. The Galaxy Black Special Edition doubles the advertised capacity to 2TB. Advertised capacity is not the same as usable space: the operating system and reserved partitions reduce the amount available for games, and the exact figure can vary by model and system software version.
Microsoft lists 2.4GB/s of raw I/O throughput and up to 4.8GB/s of compressed throughput using a custom hardware decompression block. These are technical throughput figures, not guaranteed loading times for every game. Engine design, asset streaming, updates, and optimization also matter. Microsoft explains the storage architecture in its Xbox Velocity Architecture overview.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE IN GAMING — Experience next-gen speed and performance in the smallest XBOX ever. The XBOX Series S delivers powerful all-digital gameplay in a sleek, compact design.
- UP TO 120 FPS GAMEPLAY — Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, powered by XBOX Velocity Architecture, a custom NVMe SSD, and DirectX Raytracing for a heightened level of realism.
- 512GB CUSTOM SSD AND XBOX VELOCITY ARCHITECTURE — Reduce load times dramatically with the custom 512GB NVMe SSD and XBOX Velocity Architecture, enabling lightning-fast performance and seamless world streaming.
- QUICK RESUME — Seamlessly switch between multiple games and resume exactly where you left off. No more waiting through title screens and loading bars.
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF DIGITAL GAMES — Play thousands of digital games from XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX 360, and Original XBOX with backward compatibility. Many titles are enhanced for better visuals and performance. Smart Delivery ensures you always get the best version for your console.
Expansion options
- Storage Expansion Cards: Cards plugged into the dedicated expansion port are designed to reproduce the internal SSD experience and are the appropriate option for many Xbox Series X|S optimized games. Microsoft’s product listing recommends a 1TB Seagate card and describes the card as replicating the custom SSD experience.
- USB external drives: USB HDDs and SSDs provide additional storage, and many Xbox One, Xbox 360, original Xbox, and other compatible titles can run from them. Some Series X|S optimized games must be moved to internal storage or an approved expansion card before they can launch.
A generic external SSD should not be treated as equivalent to the internal drive. USB storage is often the better-value choice for archiving and backward-compatible games; an expansion card is more convenient for current-generation titles that require internal-SSD-level performance.
Resolution, frame rate, HDR, and HDMI
Xbox markets Series X for “True 4K” gaming and up to 120fps. Those are capabilities and targets, not guarantees that every game renders natively at 4K or reaches 120fps. Some titles use dynamic resolution, upscaling, separate performance modes, or lower frame-rate modes to balance image quality and performance.
Series X also supports output up to 8K HDR according to Xbox. That is an output or readiness claim, not evidence that most games render natively at 8K. A careful summary is: Series X can output up to 8K HDR, while most games target lower resolutions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The single HDMI 2.1 output supports 4K output, up to 120Hz where supported, HDR, Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, and AMD FreeSync. Actual results depend on the game, television or monitor, HDMI cable, active console settings, and sometimes the specific HDMI input. A 120Hz display does not make every game run at 120fps.
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Older televisions, AV receivers, and soundbars may also limit 4K/120Hz, VRR, HDR, or passthrough. Microsoft notes that some HDMI features have exclusions.
Disc drive and backward compatibility
The Carbon Black model and 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition include a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. It supports physical games, compatible backward-compatible game discs, and 4K Blu-ray movies. Physical media can also be bought used, lent, or resold, subject to each game’s licensing and installation requirements.
The 1TB Digital Edition has no optical drive. It is intended for games purchased digitally or accessed through digital services, so physical Xbox game discs and UHD Blu-ray movies cannot be used. The important confirmed difference is media support, not a stated CPU or GPU reduction.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Audio specifications
Microsoft lists support for Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD with Dolby Atmos, and up to 7.1-channel LPCM.
Best Value
The final audio result depends on the game or app, console output settings, television, AV receiver, soundbar, speakers, and connection path. Supported formats do not mean every game produces an Atmos signal. Atmos may also require compatible hardware and applicable software or licensing configuration.
Ports and connectivity
- One HDMI 2.1 output.
- Three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports.
- One dedicated storage-expansion port.
- 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi.
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet.
- Dedicated Xbox Wireless radio.
Microsoft’s current detailed listing uses the term USB 3.1 Gen 1. Other technical documents may use newer USB naming for equivalent-generation connectivity, so the Microsoft label is retained here.
Dimensions, weight, and placement
The listed dimensions for the disc-equipped design and Digital Edition are 15.1 × 15.1 × 30.1cm, or 5.94 × 5.94 × 11.85in. The disc-equipped design weighs 9.8lb (4.4kg), while Xbox lists the Digital Edition at 7.9lb. The exact Galaxy Black weight should be checked against its model-specific listing rather than assumed from the Carbon Black model.
These are the console’s physical dimensions, not recommended furniture-clearance measurements. Whether placed vertically or horizontally, keep ventilation openings unobstructed. Allow additional room for the rear HDMI, USB, Ethernet, power, and expansion-card connections, and avoid a cramped cabinet that restricts airflow. Follow the current setup documentation for placement requirements.
What comes in the box?
The standard console package includes:
- Xbox Series X console.
- Xbox Wireless Controller.
- Ultra-high-speed HDMI cable.
- Power cord.
Storage expansion cards, headsets, rechargeable battery packs, and additional controllers are normally separate purchases unless a particular bundle states otherwise.
Which Series X model fits?
- Choose Carbon Black if you own physical games, buy used discs, want 4K UHD Blu-ray playback, or value lending and reselling physical games.
- Choose the 1TB Digital Edition if you buy exclusively through digital storefronts or subscriptions, do not need a disc drive, and prefer its lower listed price and lighter weight.
- Choose the 2TB Galaxy Black model if you expect to keep many large current-generation games installed and want more internal space without immediately buying an expansion card.
All three models share the Series X platform described above. The practical buying differences are storage capacity, physical-media support, weight, color, price, and regional availability. For current prices and availability, use Microsoft’s live Xbox category page.
Quick Recap
Important specification caveats
- “12 teraflops” is a theoretical GPU-throughput rating, not a universal performance guarantee.
- “True 4K” and “up to 120fps” describe console capabilities and targets; individual games may use dynamic resolution, upscaling, or different performance modes.
- “Up to 8K HDR” does not mean that most games render natively at 8K.
- 16GB is total system memory, not necessarily memory available to games.
- 1TB and 2TB are advertised storage capacities; usable space is lower.
- 4.8GB/s compressed throughput is a technical maximum, not a guaranteed loading speed.
- Expansion cards are the intended internal-SSD-equivalent option; USB storage is not universally equivalent for optimized games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems




