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Xbox Series X (coming 10 Nov 2020)
- Thread starter gkarris
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Nothing about the specs is cutting edge. It will basically be a PC with a laptop style APU like a AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. Ray Tracing, Neural Rendering, Path Tracing and Frame Generation are jargons that current gen GPUs(at least nvidias) are capable of. FSR4 support in games is lagging behind DLSS4.5 and its override features. Therefore AMD will have alot of work ahead of itself. However, they are working with Xbox, Sony and GPU board partners so there will be synergies.Ya'll see the GDC talk news? Basically MS is telling xbox devs to write games for PC. AMD also dropped the bomb about some features coming to the next xbox not being available (thus far) on RDNA4 as well (that is sure to go over well with the community when it becomes general knowledge).
Microsoft confirms AMD FSR Next and ML Multi Frame Generation for Project Helix - VideoCardz.com
Finally, AMD ML Multi Frame Generation Microsoft used its GDC 2026 Xbox Developer Summit to share the first real graphics details for Project Helix, itsvideocardz.com
AMD reveals "FSR Diamond" for Next-Gen Xbox, but is it RDNA5 exclusive? - VideoCardz.com
AMD confirms FSR Diamond as a new codename during Project Helix reveal AMD has now attached a new name to its next FSR stack. In a social media post
I don't think it will need more than but with 16-18 GDDR7. AI upscaling is so good now that if it matches a 9070xt or 4070ti, it will be capable of 4k 120hz at high settings with upscaling and ray tracing in most games.
diamond.g
macrumors G5
MLID seems to think Helix could be as strong as a 5090. 🤷♂️
Remember the below?😆
RAM cost has multiplied over the past 2 years. Furthermore AI upscaling now looks as good if not better than rasterised. The average gamer does not need a 32GB GPU for TVs that are only 60 or 120hz capable.
In light of RAM and SSD cost AND supply, rumour specs from 2025 are outdated and will be even more so in 1.5-2 years when the console retails. Why? In the past manufacturers used to agree years RAM supply contracts with Micron and Samsung. Now, pricing and supply adjustment has shifted to quarterly and even monthly reviews.
diamond.g
macrumors G5
If it's a PC it will need more than 16-18 GB RAM, unless you mean dedicated VRAM only. There's a decent number of PC games that already choke with less than 20GB total RAM, FFXVI for example. Even on the absolutely lowest settings it's not a good time. Granted it's a horrible port. But there's also a lot of PC games that need 10GB+ VRAM to look good and 10GB system RAM to run.
The Series X already has 16 GB RAM, I'd expect the followup to have 32 or at least 24 GB.
^^
Like the Ally X and Steam deck it's likely that helix will have unified RAM and VRAM. This will make it more cost effective and simplify supply chain or having to separately source RAM and VRAM.
But yeah 24-48gb could be good. Remember that ai upscaling and neural rendering reduce ram consumption.
I think it will be adequately powered, with MS encouraging partners like MSI and Asus to produce more powerful variants. A bit like the Ally X. This reduces inventory risk for MS.
Like the Ally X and Steam deck it's likely that helix will have unified RAM and VRAM. This will make it more cost effective and simplify supply chain or having to separately source RAM and VRAM.
But yeah 24-48gb could be good. Remember that ai upscaling and neural rendering reduce ram consumption.
I think it will be adequately powered, with MS encouraging partners like MSI and Asus to produce more powerful variants. A bit like the Ally X. This reduces inventory risk for MS.
diamond.g
macrumors G5
I am actually curious if they are going to use GDDR or LPDDR. I feel like using LPDDR would make for a better PC, but a crappier console experience, unless they go with like a 1024 or bigger bus.
diamond.g
macrumors G5
A big GPU need lots of bandwidth but care less (than CPU) about latency? I guess they could hide the use of LDPPR with infinity cache (Strix Halo).
Because the future of gsming is to lean more on AI upscaling, high bandwith ram is essential and cheaper than developing a larger or more sophisticated GPU die.
They could also use split ram configurations like the series X, 80% of it fast for graphical workloads and 30% is lower bandwitch ram for OS and CPU functions.
Apple recently agreed a 100% price bump on ram from Samsung. Bargain if you ask me. Steam is struggling to secure ram for steam machine.
The config for the Helix will likely be informed by to things:
-Feedback from developers on performance targets during alpha testing of dev kits early next year.
-Pricing and supply offered by Samsung and Micron.
Scarcity sucks 🙁
They could also use split ram configurations like the series X, 80% of it fast for graphical workloads and 30% is lower bandwitch ram for OS and CPU functions.
Apple recently agreed a 100% price bump on ram from Samsung. Bargain if you ask me. Steam is struggling to secure ram for steam machine.
The config for the Helix will likely be informed by to things:
-Feedback from developers on performance targets during alpha testing of dev kits early next year.
-Pricing and supply offered by Samsung and Micron.
Scarcity sucks 🙁
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
Xbox CEO called Game Pass 'too expensive for players' in a leaked memo
I think MS was feeling the pinch from that huge price increase, as people cancelled (or lowered) their subscriptions.
I think MS was feeling the pinch from that huge price increase, as people cancelled (or lowered) their subscriptions.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
Yes, they raised the price 50% on the premium tier
ok
It seems many people including the new xbox boss doesn't hold to that opinion
If they reduce the price, they will like reduce the quality of the games and limit the number of day 1 exclusives.
I've had lot of value out of gamepass but I don't subscribe continuously. I don't dip in for 1-2 months when there are new games that I want to try or play.
I've had lot of value out of gamepass but I don't subscribe continuously. I don't dip in for 1-2 months when there are new games that I want to try or play.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
I'm just pointing out the obvious where MS thought they could raise the price by 50%, and not reap any negative consequences. From what I saw on YT, reddit, and other social platforms people were incredibly angry at the price boost and how they modified the tiers.
People were threatening, or had already stated they cancelled their sub. It seems that talk wasn't just idle threats, given that MS is admitting that the subscription is too expensive. Lets not kid ourselves, if this did not result in mass cancellations, or a significant uptick in cancellations they wouldn't be saying anything
diamond.g
macrumors G5
I bet GP could pay for a lot more games like Exp 33, than games like CoD. Even at a cheaper price.
As fewer xbox exclusives have been released, gamepass for xbox became less valuable to me.
On PC its less relevant as games on steam are dirt cheap. That way I can buy games that I actually want to play rather than paying for gamepass that includes looooots of titles. Most of which I have already played or have no interest in.
On PC its less relevant as games on steam are dirt cheap. That way I can buy games that I actually want to play rather than paying for gamepass that includes looooots of titles. Most of which I have already played or have no interest in.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
Interesting take on the Xbox price hike, and what it means for day 1 releases
In short, MS having to pay activation for call of duty in the range of 300 million for lost sales, i.e., Activision would have had 300 million dollars in sales if it wasn't in the subscription.
So now that COD is not part of the day one launch, MS can reduce the price of the subscriptions. One problem may be that other highly popular titles may fall victim to this, in that it costs MS too much money to host the game as a day 1 release
In short, MS having to pay activation for call of duty in the range of 300 million for lost sales, i.e., Activision would have had 300 million dollars in sales if it wasn't in the subscription.
So now that COD is not part of the day one launch, MS can reduce the price of the subscriptions. One problem may be that other highly popular titles may fall victim to this, in that it costs MS too much money to host the game as a day 1 release
Ameer_1
macrumors 6502a
The price dropped to $22 in the USA already, but most people are not playing COD this year. For me, it's too sweaty. Most casuals left
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
The video mentioned that, how it was a one two punch, first people started leaving the sub, but because of current version of COD, it lacked the popularity of its predecessors
aespana
macrumors 6502
BO 6 was a really good reason to buy and keep gamepass. Played a lot with friends and was my return to COD MP (not warzone) after MW2 (the original).
Then, it came BO7 and no thank you. After that, the price hike so, even more no thank you.
COD is a good reason but I think that the omission of next COD is not thar bad. At least for the player an it looks like to MS as well
Then, it came BO7 and no thank you. After that, the price hike so, even more no thank you.
COD is a good reason but I think that the omission of next COD is not thar bad. At least for the player an it looks like to MS as well
thadoggfather
macrumors P6
Reducing gamepass monthly price by a third if the main concession was no yearly day1 COD is substantial. I think a smart business move by far.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
Definitely, Activision gets the cash from COD sales, and MS (who owns Activision) can keep/grow their subscription.