Qualcomm (QCOM) has launched its new Arm-based (ARM) Snapdragon X Plus CPU for Windows-based laptops, stepping up its ambitions to win the AI PC race and putting it on a collision course with Intel, Nvidia, and AMD. In October, the company first revealed its Snapdragon X Elite for Windows computers. The chips are intended to compete with Apple’s M3 processor portfolio and Intel’s most recent Core Ultra line of chips.
Qualcomm’s Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU), an integrated Adreno graphics processing unit (GPU), and a 12-core Oryon CPU are all included in the X Elite. Like the X Elite, the X Plus has an integrated GPU, a 10-core CPU, and a Hexagon NPU. Additionally, the CPUs can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM.
Both sets of chips are being marketed by Qualcomm as AI powerhouses, claiming to have the fastest NPUs available for laptops, which improves overall performance when using local generative AI applications. Generative AI applications typically operate on limited data center servers that are accessible online.
The company is positioning the X Elite and X Plus to compete with Apple’s Arm-based M3 chips, stating that their processors are 10% and 28% quicker than those of the iPhone manufacturer, respectively. It’s crucial to remember that these kinds of figures are based on benchmarks, and actual performance may vary.
Qualcomm has recently entered the Windows PC market with a strategic move. It currently provides Arm-based chips for Windows computers. Apps designed for x86 systems, which operate on AMD and Intel CPUs, had to be translated in order for them to function on Arm-based platforms.
In the upcoming years, more programmers will modify their apps to run on Arm-based processors, increasing the appeal of laptops with Qualcomm hardware for business and relevant users.
Read More: Click Here