The PlayStation 5 is coming out on Nov. 12. With a price tag of $499.99, you might be unsure of whether or not to upgrade to Sony’s next-gen console. It may help to check out the PS5 hardware specs to see what that money gets you.
The PS5’s hardware represents a considerable upgrade over the PS4. Here’s a closer look at the details.
Memory and Storage
Perhaps the most talked-about part of the PS5’s hardware specs is its SSD. Any SSD would be a welcome upgrade over the PS4’s HDD, but the PS5’s drive goes above and beyond. The PS5 can load a whopping 16 GB in one second, eight times faster than the PS4.
This lightning-fast SSD holds 825 GB, which isn’t small by any means, but may fill up fast. You can expand your storage with external drives, but these won’t be as fast as the built-in SSD. Since the PS5 also offers backward compatibility with PS4 titles, external drives could be a good idea for older games.
The PS5 also features 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM. For comparison, the PS4 offers just 8 GB of GDDR5.
CPU and GPU
The PS5 uses a custom eight-core CPU based on the AMD Zen 2, clocking in at 3.5G Hz. Its GPU is also a custom AMD-based design, offering a stunning 10.28 teraflops, compared to the PS4’s 1.84 TFLOPs. One of the most intriguing parts of the PS5’s system-on-a-chip (SoC), though, is its variable frequencies.
The SoCs in gaming consoles integrate multiple components and processes into a single chip. The PS5’s SoC takes advantage of this integration by varying CPU and GPU frequency as needed. For example, the SoC can shift unused GPU power to the CPU, maintaining high performance while managing system temperature.
Other Specs
These hardware specs will allow the PS5 to support 4K gaming at 120 Hz. It’s even possible to conduct 8K gaming with this hardware, but at a lower framerate. The PS5 will also support ray tracing, enabling hyper-realistic lighting effects.
Realistic graphics and fast response times aren’t the only improvements coming to PlayStation, either. The PS5 features 3D audio, which creates an immersive environment where users hear sounds from all directions. This feature will provide an experience similar to surround sound without needing a pricey setup.
The PS5 is also the largest modern console yet, standing 15.4 inches tall and 10.24 inches deep. This massive size will likely help improve airflow.
The Future of Gaming Is Near
The PS5’s hardware specs are a historic step forward for console gaming. With the addition of ray tracing, 3D audio and variable frequency processing, the PS5 is a worthy competitor for high-end PCs. Some features, like its SSD, even surpass what’s available for PCs right now.
Next-gen consoles are almost here, and they promise to bring gaming to new heights. Considering how advanced its hardware is, the PS5 is more than worth its price as an upgrade. Thanks to next-gen consoles like the PS5, cutting-edge gaming technology will be more accessible than ever.