Next-Gen Xbox ‘Magnus’ Details Emerge: Zen 6, RDNA 5, and a Powerful NPU
Microsoft is finalizing the specifications for its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed “Magnus,” slated for a 2027 launch. The new console will leverage AMD’s latest technologies, including Zen 6 CPU cores and RDNA 5 graphics, promising a substantial performance leap over the current Xbox Series X and S consoles.
Magnus: A Hybrid CPU Architecture
The “Magnus” chip will feature a hybrid CPU design, incorporating three high-performance Zen 6 cores and eight power-efficient Zen 6c cores [Overclock3D]. This combination aims to deliver strong single-threaded and multi-threaded performance although optimizing power consumption and silicon area. The Zen 6 cores will prioritize speed, while the Zen 6c cores will focus on density, and efficiency. The CPU will also include 12MB of L2 cache.
Significant GPU Upgrade with RDNA 5
The next-gen Xbox will boast a GPU with 68 Compute Units (CUs) based on the RDNA 5 architecture [Overclock3D]. This represents a more than 30% increase in CUs compared to the Xbox Series X. Despite the increase in processing power, the GPU is expected to be approximately 29% smaller than the Series X’s GPU, thanks to the use of TSMC’s N3 node [TechPowerUp]. The GPU design is believed to be closely related to AMD’s plans for its next-generation RX 9070 XT successor.
Enhanced AI Capabilities with a Dedicated NPU
Microsoft is integrating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) into the “Magnus” SoC, capable of delivering up to 110 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of AI performance [Overclock3D]. The NPU will offer two operating modes: 110 TOPS at 6W and 46 TOPS at 1.2W, providing developers with flexibility in balancing performance and power consumption. This NPU could potentially enhance features like the Copilot AI if rumors about Windows 11 powering the next-gen Xbox prove true.
Memory and Overall Chip Specifications
The “Magnus” SoC is expected to include up to 48GB of GDDR7 memory connected via a 192-bit bus [TechPowerUp]. The overall chip size is projected to be 408mm², divided into 144mm² for the SoC and 264mm² for the GPU [TechPowerUp].
Xbox Series X vs. Next-Gen Xbox ‘Magnus’
| Feature | Xbox Series X | Next-Gen Xbox ‘Magnus’ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 8 Zen 2 | 3 Zen 6 + 8 Zen 6c |
| GPU | 52 RDNA 2 CUs | 68 RDNA 5 CUs |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | Up to 48GB GDDR7 |
| NPU | N/A | Up to 110 TOPS |
With silicon specifications finalized, Microsoft is now focused on refining the console’s design before mass production. AMD CEO Lisa Su has confirmed that AMD is on track to support the launch of Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox in 2027 [Overclock3D]. The remaining steps involve determining the final CPU/GPU clock speeds and overall system power draw.