Qualcomm preview Snapdragon X series AIPC processor on X
Qualcomm has unveiled its new Snapdragon X series AIPC processors, with the Snapdragon X Elite offering exceptional performance and power efficiency. It aims to compete with Intel's Core processors, AMD Ryzen chips, and Apple's M-series processors. The Snapdragon X Elite boasts a 12-core, 4nm chip and features a custom CPU architecture called Oryon. Qualcomm claims it can outperform Intel and Apple processors while using significantly less power. The processor is expected to arrive in PCs starting in mid-2024.
Qualcomm preview Snapdragon X series AIPC processor on X
Qualcomm, a leading innovator in technology, recently unveiled its next-generation intelligent PC platforms: the Snapdragon X Series [1]. This new lineup of processors promises to deliver exceptional performance, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessors.
One of the standout offerings in this series is the Snapdragon X Elite, an AI-supercharged platform designed to revolutionize the PC market [2]. With a 12-core, 4nm chip, the Snapdragon X Elite is set to compete directly with Intel's Core processors and AMD Ryzen chips, as well as Apple's M-series processors for Macs [3].
At the heart of the Snapdragon X Elite lies its custom CPU architecture, codenamed Oryon. This new architecture features a total of 12 Oryon cores, all of which can run at peak speeds of up to 3.8 GHz when all are active [3]. When only one or two cores are in use, they can boost up to 4.3 GHz for optimal performance.
Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon X Elite can outperform an Intel Core i7-1355U or Core i7-1360P at the same power level, or it can match their performance while using 68% less power [3]. Additionally, the processor can deliver the same multi-core performance as a beefier Core i7-13800H while using 65% less power. These impressive power efficiency improvements not only translate to longer battery life but also enable fanless MacBook Air-style designs.
While Qualcomm focused primarily on comparing the Snapdragon X Elite's performance and power usage to Intel's offerings, it is clear that Apple Silicon is also within the processor's sights [3]. According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon X Elite boasts "50% faster peak multi-threaded performance" than the Apple M2 [3].
The Snapdragon X Elite's power consumption is reported to range from 10 W to around 50 W [3]. With these specifications, the processor appears well-suited for both ultraportable PCs and thin-and-light workstations.
Qualcomm has yet to announce any plans to launch versions of the Snapdragon X Elite with fewer CPU or GPU cores enabled. However, with the processor set to begin arriving in PCs starting in mid-2024, more information is expected to be released in the coming months.
In conclusion, Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Series AIPC processors, led by the Snapdragon X Elite, promise to deliver exceptional performance and power efficiency, making them strong contenders in the PC market.
