Leaker Moore’s Law is Dead released details about the AMD Magnus APU developed for Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console. The APU combines a 144 mm² SoC on TSMC’s N3P node and a 264 mm² GPU on N3C/P totaling 408 mm² making it the largest for a gaming console. It includes 68 RDNA 5 Compute Units up to 3 Zen 6 cores and 8 Zen 6c cores with 12MB L3 cache a 192-bit memory bus for up to 48GB GDDR7 RAM and an NPU supporting 110 TOPS at 6W or 46 TOPS at 1.2W. The configuration positions the console as more powerful than the PlayStation 6 but at higher cost estimated between $800 and $1 200. Microsoft confirmed its partnership with AMD for next-gen hardware in June 2025 without disclosing specifics.
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APU Architecture and Components
The Magnus APU employs a chiplet design with two dies connected via bridge technology enabling modular scaling for console and potential PC variants. The GPU section totals 68 Compute Units disabled from up to 70 across four Shader Engines with 24MB L2 cache supporting advanced ray tracing and AI upscaling. The CPU configuration features 11 cores with 3 full Zen 6 cores for high performance tasks and 8 efficiency Zen 6c cores for background operations.
Memory bandwidth reaches 192-bit with support for 48GB GDDR7 at speeds up to 32 Gbps providing higher capacity than the Xbox Series X’s 16GB GDDR6. The NPU handles AI workloads for features like frame generation and upscaling with dual power modes for balanced efficiency. The overall TDP estimates at 250 to 350 watts higher than the 233 watts of the Series X due to increased core counts and memory demands.
Performance Expectations and Comparisons
The Magnus APU is projected to deliver performance exceeding the PlayStation 6 which reportedly uses a monolithic AMD UDNA APU with 52 to 54 RDNA 5 Compute Units and 40GB GDDR7 on a 160-bit bus. Leaker estimates indicate the Xbox could achieve 4K at 120 to 144 FPS with ray tracing in PS6 optimized titles potentially 20 to 30 percent faster overall. The extra capacity supports PC game compatibility via a Windows based shell enabling Steam and Epic Games Store access alongside Xbox exclusives.
However the larger die and higher TDP contribute to elevated manufacturing costs impacting retail pricing. The APU’s RDNA 5 architecture aligns with AMD’s desktop GPUs like the Radeon RX 8000 series for shared development efficiencies. Cooling requirements may necessitate advanced solutions similar to the Series X’s 120mm vapor chamber.
The 68 Compute Units enable native 4K 60 FPS with ray tracing and upscaling potentially reaching 120 to 144 FPS in optimized titles using FidelityFX Super Resolution 4. The NPU’s 110 TOPS supports AI driven features like dynamic NPC behaviors and real time asset generation. Memory bandwidth of 768 GB/s exceeds the Series X’s 560 GB/s facilitating complex open worlds and multiplayer sessions. Power efficiency improvements from Zen 6c cores reduce thermal output during lighter loads. The APU’s PC compatibility allows cross platform development reducing porting efforts for studios. Backward compatibility with Series X/S libraries is assumed through emulation layers.
Pricing and Availability
The leaker projects a console price of $800 to $1 200 reflecting the Magnus APU’s scale and premium components such as 48GB RAM compared to the PS6’s 40GB. This positions the next Xbox as a high end device targeting enthusiasts seeking PC like performance in a console form factor. The hybrid design allows running full Windows applications challenging traditional PC handhelds like the Steam Deck. Microsoft’s June 2025 AMD partnership emphasized multi device silicon for consoles handhelds and cloud integrations supporting a unified ecosystem.
The pricing strategy may include tiered models with base versions at $600 to $700 for standard gamers. Production costs rise from the Series X’s $500 due to 3nm fabrication and GDDR7 memory. Availability targets 2027 aligning with the PS6 timeline for direct competition.
