Microsoft Launches Redesigned Xbox Series X Models with Efficient Cooling and Chip

Introduction to Microsoft’s Redesigned Xbox Series X

Microsoft has just launched its discless Xbox Series X, an update that features a fresh exterior with a sleek white paint job, and no disc drive. However, the major changes happen to be on the inside, where the console's motherboard has undergone significant redesigns to enhance performance and efficiency.

Key Changes: Motherboard and Chip Improvements

YouTuber Austin Evans revealed fascinating insights from his teardown of the new Xbox Series X models. The new design incorporates a shrunken 6nm chip, which is a notable upgrade from the original model, allowing for a noticeable reduction in power consumption. Specifically, idle power usage has dropped by approximately 10 watts compared to the older version.

Motherboard Overhaul

The motherboard of the new Xbox Series X has been largely revamped. Key changes include:

• A simplified layout with many components shrunk and repositioned.
• The absence of a shield over the SSD.
• A blank space filling where the disc drive is typically found, making retrofitting a disc drive difficult.

Cooler Operation: New Cooling Solutions

Another significant upgrade is in the cooling system. The updated 6nm chip now utilizes a more traditional copper heat pipe design instead of the vapor chamber used in the older model. According to Austin Evans, although the cooling method has changed, the exhaust temperature and noise levels remain consistent with the original model.

Power Consumption Metrics

The power consumption levels for the original and new Xbox Series X models highlight the efficiency of the newer consoles:

• The original Xbox Series X runs at approximately 61 watts at idle, while the new 2TB special edition drops to around 51 watts.
• The all-digital version takes this even lower to about 38 watts when idle.
• During gaming sessions, the original model peaks at 167 watts, while the discless version is at 156 watts, and the 2TB edition sits at 151 watts.

Even though these drops may seem minimal, they contribute significantly to energy efficiency, particularly for users engaging in Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Impact on Xbox Cloud Gaming

With Microsoft looking to enhance its Xbox Cloud Gaming services, the redesigned hardware may enable a more efficient operation. The power savings from using the updated hardware is expected to lower operational costs significantly, especially in data centers where Xbox Series X-like hardware is employed.

Pricing and Availability

The white discless Xbox Series X officially goes on sale today with a retail price of $449.99. Additionally, gamers can also purchase the 2TB special edition model for $599.99.

Conclusion

Microsoft's discless Xbox Series X represents a thoughtful evolution of its console design. With numerous improvements in energy efficiency, a redesigned motherboard, and upgraded cooling mechanisms, the new models are set to provide consumers with an excellent gaming experience while also contributing to reduced energy consumption and operational costs for Microsoft’s gaming services.