Qualcomm has introduced a new 8-core Snapdragon chip, aiming to enhance the performance and affordability of Arm-based Windows PCs. This move comes as Windows-on-Arm technology matures, thanks to improvements in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series processors, the latest Windows 11 24H2 update, and the gradual release of Arm-native applications.
Historically, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series chips have been reserved for high-end PCs, such as the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, which typically start around $1,000. However, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon is pushing to make powerful hardware available for midrange laptops priced around $700. The newly announced Snapdragon X series addresses this goal by introducing an 8-core variant of the Snapdragon X, which retains the advanced Oryon CPU architecture and the Snapdragon X Plus branding.
The 8-core Snapdragon X Plus is available in two versions: the X1P-46-100 and the X1P-42-100. The X1P-46-100 version features a CPU that can boost up to 4.0 GHz for single-core tasks and a GPU delivering 2.1 teraflops of performance. In contrast, the X1P-42-100 version has a single-core boost of up to 3.4 GHz and a GPU performance of 1.7 teraflops. Both versions include a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
Preliminary benchmarks indicate that the X1P-42-100 variant performs approximately 5% slower in single-core tasks and 20% slower in multicore tests compared to the 10-core X Plus. Performance disparities are more pronounced in gaming and GPU benchmarks, where the X1P-42-100 may be up to 50% slower. While none of the Snapdragon X chips are designed for high-end gaming, these lower-tier models are expected to handle basic 3D rendering with ease.
The introduction of these chips also aligns with Microsoft’s Copilot+ initiative, which aims to enhance local AI and machine learning capabilities, reducing reliance on cloud services. Although Copilot+ features are still emerging, the requirement for at least 16GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage for these PCs promises improved web browsing and general computing performance.
Despite this new development, the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus appears to be a scaled-down version of Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon X Elite silicon. There is currently no sign of a specific lower-end Oryon-based chip targeting the budget PC market. Qualcomm’s strategy seems to prioritize maintaining high-end sales before fully exploring more affordable options. However, with Amon’s goal of equipping Qualcomm SoCs in 60% of all PC shipments, the company will need to expand its offerings for the budget segment, though this 8-core Snapdragon X Plus is unlikely to make it into $500-and-under laptops in the near future.
Related topics:
Neko Health Expands to London: Spotify’s Daniel Ek-Backed Startup Revolutionizes Preventative Health
Apple’s “Glowtime” Event: What to Expect from the iPhone 16 and Beyond
Canva Boosts Teams Pricing Amidst AI Expansion and IPO Preparations