Gaming PC Equivalent to Xbox Series X & PS5 Specs

Apex Gaming PCs looked at two major consoles and thought we would compare ourselves to the reigning champion of the Microsoft Xbox Series X and Play Station 5. 

The Xbox Series X has smooth gameplay, fast loading times, and the ability to handle demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates.

The console supports native 4K resolution gaming for many titles, delivering sharp visuals on compatible TVs. It also targets high frame rates (often 60 FPS or even 120 FPS) for a more responsive and immersive gaming experience.

This guide explains how to get a gaming PC with similar or even better performance than the Xbox Series X or the Play Station 5.

Gaming PC Equivalent to Xbox Series X

At Apex Gaming PCs, we pride ourselves on helping gamers play above their level, whether they are total beginners or pro athletes. So, we took the challenge and created a beast of a PC on par with the Xbox Series X that will feed your gaming fantasies. It doesn’t mean it will break your wallet, though.

This gaming PC build consists of an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 8-Core 3.8 GHz, a Manik 120MM Tower Cooler, an AsRock B550M Motherboard, 16GB DDR4-3600 (2 Sticks), an AMD RX 7600, a 1TB NVMe SSD (up to 3,500 MB/S), a 750W 80+ Bronze Power Supply (EVGA, Corsair, Apex), and Windows 11 Home as the operating system. As an extra point, this gaming PC build would also be on par with the Playstation 5's performance.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Powering Performance: The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

This build boasts the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X processor, an 8-core powerhouse with 16 logical cores. These leading-edge components allow for multitasking capabilities. You don't have to worry about keeping the power consistent when you're juggling demanding games, creative applications, or a combination of both. The Ryzen 7 5700X delivers smooth and responsive performance. Because of its impressive clock speeds (3.8 GHz base, with potential for boosting even higher), the Ryzen 7 5700X minimizes the risk of lag, ensuring a seamless experience during intense gaming sessions or while running other resource-intensive tasks.

Powering the Graphics (GPU): AMD RX 6700XT

The AMD RX RX 6700XT is the graphics card selected for this build. Its 12GB of VRAM and impressive clock speed allow it to hit 30-60 FPS on moderate settings. While it falls behind its other counterparts like the RTX 4060ti, the price point of a series X is hard to beat at $499.

Utilizing RAM: 16GB of DDR4 @ 3600MHz 

While the Series X uses a specific type of proprietary 10GB SDRAM soldiered to the board, desktops come with standard RAM that can match or surpass the Xbox Series X. This can easily be accommodated with high-capacity sticks. 16GB is the standard amount of RAM  for basic multitasking while gaming; however, adding more capacity will only support your system.

Increasing Multitasking Performance: 32GB DDR4-3600 RAM

Suppose you're a multitasker working with demanding applications. In that case, your browsers are overflowing with open tabs, and like high-resolution PC gaming capabilities, so this Apex Gaming PC build is what you need. It has 32GB of DDR4-3600 RAM, achieved by installing two 16GB sticks. This memory capacity significantly enhances your system's ability to handle multitasking. With 32GB, you can run multiple programs simultaneously without experiencing sluggishness. This is ideal for gamers who stream, video editors working with large files, or professionals running memory-intensive applications.

The DDR4-3600 refers to the type of RAM and its speed. DDR4-3600 operates at 3600 MHz, allowing your processor to access data stored in RAM much faster. This translates to quicker application loading times, improved responsiveness, and smoother performance.

As software and games become more demanding, having ample RAM ensures your system has enough breathing room to handle them effectively. Upgrading to 32GB now can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Benefits of 32GB RAM:

With 32GB of RAM, your computer can efficiently run multiple demanding programs simultaneously, minimizing the risk of lag or slowdown when switching between tasks.

The ideal RAM configuration depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider your primary uses for this computer (gaming, creative applications, multitasking) and research how different RAM capacities might impact performance for those tasks.

Finishing Out With Storage: 1 TB NVMe

One of the most standard options in building a gaming PC is having enough storage for your operating system and games. At least 1TB is a good starting point. Apex Gaming PCs prioritize customizability. Suppose you require more storage space for a larger game library or media files. In that case, you can easily upgrade to a higher capacity SSD (e.g., 1TB or 2TB) before purchasing the PC or even add storage drive later.

Gaming PC Equivalent to PS5

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Powering Performance: The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

This build boasts the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X processor, an 8-core powerhouse with 16 logical cores. These leading-edge components allow for multitasking capabilities. You don't have to worry about keeping the power consistent when you're juggling playing games, creative applications, or a combination of both. The Ryzen 7 5700X delivers smooth and responsive performance. Because of its impressive clock speeds (3.8 GHz base, with potential for boosting even higher), the Ryzen 7 5700X minimizes the risk of lag, ensuring a seamless experience during intense gaming sessions or while running other resource-intensive tasks.

Powering the Graphics (GPU): AMD RX 6700

The AMD RX RX 6700XT is the graphics card selected for this build. It has 12GB of VRAM and a slightly lower clock speed than the XT version and its X Box Series X counterpart.

Utilizing RAM: 16GB of DDR4 @ 3600MHz 

While the PS5 uses a specific type of proprietary 16GB SDRAM soldiered to the board, this can't be upgraded, but it is already leagues better than X Box’s series X 10GB cap. 16GB meets the required amount for basic gaming, so see our section on justifying a RAM upgrade.

Finishing Out With Storage: 1 TB NVMe

One of the most standard options in building a gaming PC is having enough storage for your operating system and games. At least 1TB is a good starting point. Apex Gaming PCs prioritize customizability. Suppose you require more storage space for a more extensive game library or media files. In that case, you can easily upgrade to a higher capacity SSD (e.g., 1TB or 2TB) before purchasing the PC or even add a storage drive later.

The Great Debate: PC vs. Console

This has been an ongoing debate since their creation. PCs versus Consoles continues to spark passionate opinions from gamers.  PCs offer the potential for superior raw power compared to even next-gen consoles. This can translate to higher frame rates and better visuals.  PCs also offer more excellent hardware and software customization options compared to consoles and a more comprehensive range of functionality beyond gaming, such as web browsing, office work, and creative work such as animation, modeling, and music composing. Consoles are primarily focused on gaming.

Gaming consoles typically have a lower upfront cost than high-end gaming PCs. When you purchase a gaming console, you know precisely what you're paying for, and the price includes the actual hardware and a controller. However, there are continual costs associated with the full functionality of a console like online play and money to buy games in the future.

Summary Gaming PCs Equal to Xbox Series X and PS5

It’s no secret that gamers prioritize their specific needs to promote their style of play. A PC offers unmatched power and customization for those who want a performance-focused experience. Gamers can select each component to fit a budget and performance goals, unlocking the potential for stunning visuals and lightning-fast responsiveness.  However, PCs require a higher initial investment and a deeper understanding of hardware to optimize performance.

Console gaming, on the other hand, prioritizes user-friendliness and affordability. It offers a consistent level of performance at a set price point, making it ideal for casual gamers or those who value convenience.

Customization and Flexibility:

Choosing your gaming platform is like picking your dream car: are you a high-performance racer or a reliable daily driver? Gaming PCs are more akin to specialty cars meant for action. You can select every component, from the engine (processor) for raw power to the sleek body look (graphics card) for stunning visuals. Essentially, you build a machine that perfectly matches your needs, whether a souped-up machine for racing the latest games or a more economical build for casual cruising. 

Consoles, on the other hand, are like well-maintained family cars. They come pre-configured with all the parts you need, offering a consistent level of performance at a set price. While customization is limited, new consoles are incredibly user-friendly. Just hop in, start the engine, and you're ready for an adventure. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. A significant advantage to the Apex Gaming PC's choice outlined above is its customization capabilities. This build can be considered a starting point. However, you can also modify the PC components to fit your budget and desired performance level.  

Written By Steve Miller
Edited By Will Wilson