Qualcomm Launches Affordable Snapdragon X Platform for PCs
Qualcomm has made a significant announcement at CES 2025, unveiling its latest Snapdragon X platform aimed at budget PCs. This new platform features octa-core CPUs designed to compete with affordable offerings from Intel and AMD. With a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and enhanced battery efficiency, the Snapdragon X platform is set to revolutionize the market for Arm-based Windows laptops. Priced under $600 (approximately Rs. 51,400), these devices promise to make advanced computing more accessible to a wider audience.
Snapdragon X Platform Specifications
The Snapdragon X platform, designated as X1-26-100, is tailored for budget-friendly computers. It boasts eight Oryon CPU cores, achieving a peak clock speed of up to 3GHz. While this speed is lower than that of the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite, which reach up to 3.4GHz and 3.8GHz respectively, it still offers robust performance for everyday computing tasks.
This 4nm chipset supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM, providing a memory bandwidth of 135GB/s. Additionally, it features a Qualcomm Adreno GPU capable of supporting three external displays at 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon X platform is fully compatible with Windows 11 and includes Copilot+ features, which are typically found in more expensive PCs.
Moreover, Qualcomm has integrated a Hexagon NPU into the Snapdragon X CPUs. This dedicated neural processing unit can deliver an impressive 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI performance. This advancement means that consumers can expect to see more affordable Copilot+ PCs in the market soon, which will compete effectively with similarly priced processors from Intel and AMD that do not have a dedicated NPU.
Enhanced Features and Performance
The Snapdragon X platform is not just about affordability; it also brings several advanced features to the table. Qualcomm claims that the platform supports instant wake and standby efficiency, which enhances user experience significantly. Users can expect up to two times longer battery life compared to competing processors. Additionally, the Snapdragon X platform promises up to 163 percent faster performance, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Connectivity is another strong point of the Snapdragon X platform. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring that users can enjoy fast and reliable internet access. The inclusion of USB 4 Type-C connectivity further enhances the versatility of devices powered by this platform. These features make the Snapdragon X platform an attractive option for users who require both performance and connectivity in their computing devices.
Availability and Market Impact
Consumers can look forward to PCs equipped with the Snapdragon X platform from major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. These devices are expected to hit the market in early 2025, with a price point around $600 (approximately Rs. 51,400). This pricing strategy aims to make advanced computing technology more accessible to a broader audience.
The introduction of the Snapdragon X platform is likely to disrupt the current market landscape dominated by Intel and AMD. By offering a powerful yet affordable alternative, Qualcomm is positioning itself as a serious contender in the budget PC segment. As more consumers seek cost-effective solutions without compromising on performance, the Snapdragon X platform could pave the way for a new generation of Arm-based Windows laptops that cater to the needs of everyday users.
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