Does Xbox Series S Support Full Speed Expansion Card?

This article investigates the storage capabilities of the Xbox Series S compared to the Xbox Series X, specifically focusing on the proprietary Storage Expansion Card. We will analyze whether the lower-cost console maintains the same data throughput speeds when using external SSD solutions designed for the next generation. The discussion covers the Xbox Velocity Architecture, hardware specifications, and real-world performance implications for gamers considering storage upgrades.

Understanding the Xbox Velocity Architecture

Both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are built on the Xbox Velocity Architecture. This hardware and software combination is designed to streamline data flow between the storage drive and the CPU. A key component of this architecture is the custom NVME SSD, which allows for significantly faster load times and features like Quick Resume. To maintain this performance level when internal storage runs low, Microsoft partnered with Seagate and Western Digital to create proprietary Storage Expansion Cards that plug into a dedicated slot on the back of the consoles.

Comparing Internal SSD Speeds

A common misconception is that the Xbox Series S has slower storage than the Series X. In terms of raw bandwidth, both consoles feature internal SSDs with a raw throughput of 2.4 GB/s. While the Series X has a larger capacity and better performance in GPU-heavy tasks, the storage speed foundation is identical. This parity ensures that games load at the same speed on both machines when installed on the internal drive, provided the game is not optimized differently for the lower GPU power of the Series S.

Expansion Card Performance Parity

The proprietary Storage Expansion Card is designed to mirror the performance of the internal SSDs. When inserted into the Xbox Series S, the card operates at the same 2.4 GB/s raw throughput as it does on the Xbox Series X. There is no bottleneck introduced by the Series S hardware regarding the expansion slot. This means that games stored on the expansion card will load just as quickly as they would on the internal drive or on a Series X console using the same card. Players can play Xbox Series X|S optimized titles directly from the card without experiencing performance degradation.

Capacity Differences vs Speed

While the speed is identical, the available capacities for the expansion cards may vary in availability over time. However, regardless of whether a user purchases a 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB expansion card, the read and write speeds remain consistent across both console models. This is crucial for gamers who rely on Quick Resume for multiple titles, as the state data must be written and read rapidly from the storage device. The Series S handles this data exchange with the same efficiency as its more powerful counterpart.

Conclusion for Gamers

For owners of the Xbox Series S, investing in the proprietary Storage Expansion Card is a viable solution for adding space without sacrificing performance. The console fully utilizes the card’s speed, matching the capabilities found in the Xbox Series X. Gamers can expand their library with confidence, knowing that load times and system responsiveness will remain consistent with the internal storage experience.