The debate between the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X continues to captivate gamers, especially concerning which console holds the upper hand in terms of power and performance. Despite initial expectations favoring the Xbox Series X due to its superior raw computational power, the PS5 has demonstrated noteworthy advantages that level the playing field.

The Xbox Series X boasts a more powerful GPU, featuring 52 compute units that deliver 12.15 teraflops compared to the PS5's 36 compute units and 10.28 teraflops. Additionally, the Xbox's CPU runs at a slightly higher maximum clock speed of 3.8 GHz versus the PS5's 3.5 GHz. This hardware configuration allows the Xbox to theoretically outperform the PS5 in raw processing tasks and graphical fidelity​ Tom's hardware. 

However, the PS5 compensates with a superior SSD that offers significantly faster data read speeds. The PS5's SSD can achieve read speeds of up to 5.5 GB/s (raw) and 8-9 GB/s (compressed), whereas the Xbox Series X's SSD reads at 2.4 GB/s (raw) and 4.8 GB/s (compressed). This speed advantage translates to quicker load times and a more seamless gaming experience, particularly in games designed to exploit this capability​ VGChartz

Another crucial aspect is cooling efficiency. The PS5 utilizes liquid metal cooling for its APU, which allows it to maintain lower operating temperatures despite higher power consumption compared to the Xbox Series X. The Xbox, meanwhile, uses a traditional thermal paste and operates at a quieter noise level due to a more relaxed fan speed profile. Both consoles manage to keep their components cool effectively, but the PS5's innovative cooling solution provides a slight edge in maintaining performance under heavy loads Toms Hardware

Ultimately, while the Xbox Series X may have the edge in raw power, the PS5's faster SSD and efficient cooling system offer tangible benefits that enhance gaming performance. The real-world impact of these differences may be subtle, and for many gamers, the choice between the two consoles will likely come down to exclusive games and ecosystem preferences rather than raw technical specifications.