Qualcomm has unveiled its plans to revolutionize the world of PCs by integrating advanced AI capabilities into even the most affordable computers. At a recent press event, the tech giant introduced the Snapdragon X Plus chip, a slightly more modest but still very capable alternative to the high-end X Elite processor.
The Snapdragon X Plus boasts a 10-core processor, slightly lower than the 12-core Elite model but still powerful with a frequency of 3.4 GHz for multithreaded workloads. While the Elite model offers faster processing speeds, the X Plus chip maintains impressive performance levels, making it a formidable contender in the laptop chip market.
One of the key highlights of both the Elite and Plus chips is their AI acceleration hardware, featuring an NPU capacity of 45 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). This cutting-edge technology enables PCs to qualify as AI PCs, paving the way for innovative AI-powered software features in various applications.
Qualcomm aims to release computers equipped with the Snapdragon X Plus chip in the second quarter of 2024, with the first models expected to include Microsoft Surface and Lenovo Thinkpad. Leaked benchmark tests indicate that the X Plus chip performs exceptionally well, rivaling Intel’s latest mobile offerings and Apple’s M-series processors in terms of power and efficiency.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon X Plus chip offers up to 37% more performance compared to competing processors while consuming 54% less power. This translates to excellent battery life for Windows ARM laptops powered by the X Plus chip, providing users with a seamless and efficient computing experience.
With the ability to connect to three different 4K HDR screens and compatibility with Wi-Fi 7, the Snapdragon X Plus chip is set to redefine the capabilities of affordable PCs, bringing advanced AI technology to the heart of every computer.
