Qualcomm Snapdragon X Chips Expand to Mid-Range Windows PCs

Qualcomm Targets Mid-Range PCs with New Chip

Qualcomm is expanding its presence in the personal computer market with the introduction of a new system-on-chip (SoC).

The unveiling of the Snapdragon X chip occurred at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This latest addition to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series PC processors is designed to offer both extended battery life and strong performance, all while remaining competitively priced.

Snapdragon X Series: Key Features

Built utilizing a 4nm fabrication process, the Snapdragon X is projected to deliver battery life measured in “multi-day” increments.

Despite ongoing software compatibility refinements needed for Windows on Qualcomm’s architecture, the company is actively pursuing advancements in processor technology to challenge established competitors like AMD and Intel.

Market Position and Growth

Currently, Qualcomm holds a relatively small share of the PC market. Recent reports indicate a 0.8% market capture in Q3 2024.

However, Qualcomm is aiming to increase its market share through strategic partnerships and innovative products.

Copilot+ PCs and AI Capabilities

The Snapdragon X chip will be featured in a variety of Copilot+ PCs. These are Microsoft’s Windows 11 machines equipped with integrated AI-powered tools and applications.

These new PCs are scheduled for release in Q1 and are expected to be priced around $600.

The chip incorporates Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU, featuring eight cores with a clock speed of up to 3GHz. It also includes a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate artificial intelligence tasks.

Connectivity and Additional Technologies

Snapdragon X supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

The chip is capable of driving up to three external UHD (4K) monitors simultaneously at a refresh rate of 60Hz.

Manufacturers utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Platform, a new hardware reference program, will gain access to additional technologies. These include Qualcomm’s A/V suite and proprietary image processing capabilities.

Availability and Partnerships

Laptops powered by the Snapdragon X chip are anticipated from major manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo in the coming weeks.

According to Peter Burns, senior director of product marketing at Qualcomm, over 60 Copilot+ PC designs are currently in development or available, utilizing the Snapdragon platform.

Furthermore, 2024 witnessed a threefold increase in the number of Windows applications natively compatible with Snapdragon processors.

Snapdragon Expansion into the Desktop Market

Qualcomm made a surprising announcement regarding its desktop strategy. Despite discontinuing its Windows mini PC project last year, the company revealed at CES its plans to facilitate the release of desktops utilizing its Snapdragon X Series processors in 2025.

This represents a key development in Qualcomm’s PC initiatives, as stated by Burns. Developers creating Windows applications for Snapdragon desktops will benefit from novel design possibilities and exceptional power efficiency.

Benefits for Developers

The new desktop PCs will empower developers to build applications that are both more efficient and potent. This is achieved through the integration of features accelerated by the NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

These advancements allow for the creation of software optimized for the unique capabilities of the Snapdragon platform. The focus is on leveraging the processor’s strengths for enhanced performance.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Qualcomm’s commitment to the desktop space is now firmly re-established. The 2025 launch of Snapdragon X Series-powered desktops signals a new phase in the company’s PC ambitions.

This move is expected to introduce a new level of competition within the desktop market, particularly concerning power consumption and specialized processing capabilities.