Qualcomm is preparing to expand its Snapdragon X series, designed specifically for the PC market, with a new model. The company has announced that it will introduce the latest addition, likely called the Snapdragon X Plus, at its IFA 2024 conference on September 9. The development signals that Qualcomm is continuing to push into the PC processor space, aiming to offer more affordable yet powerful options for consumers and manufacturers.
Qualcomm's Budget-Friendly Snapdragon X Is Coming! Release Date Announced
Snapdragon X Plus: What to Expect?
Dubbed Snapdragon X1P-42-100, the upcoming chip is expected to feature eight ARM-based CPU cores. According to leaks, this processor is aimed at entry-level gaming laptops, offering a mix of performance and affordability. Reports suggest that the first laptops powered by this new processor could retail for around $700, making it accessible to a wider audience, including budget-conscious gamers.
Snapdragon X1P-42-100 Take a Close Look
While the Snapdragon X1P-42-100 doesn’t have the most powerful integrated GPU compared to Qualcomm’s current Snapdragon X1 chips, it’s still expected to deliver capable gaming performance. The integrated Adreno GPU promises up to 1.7 TFLOPS of graphics performance. That may not match high-end gaming laptops with discrete GPUs, but it does offer a respectable level of power for an integrated solution, especially considering its target price range.
In addition to its gaming capabilities, the Snapdragon X1P-42-100 will also offer robust support for artificial intelligence (AI) tasks. Qualcomm has equipped the chip with 45 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of AI processing power, matching the AI capabilities of other Snapdragon X processors. This level of performance allows the chip to handle a variety of AI-focused tasks such as real-time image processing, voice recognition, and other machine learning applications.
Another notable feature of the Snapdragon X1P-42-100 is its ability to support multiple external displays. The chip can connect up to three external 4K displays, each running at 60Hz. This capability is particularly appealing to users who need a multi-monitor setup, whether for work, gaming, or media consumption.
Comparing Snapdragon X Series
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X family includes several models, each designed for different performance needs. The following table provides a comparison of key features across the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus series:
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| Platform | Part Number | The seeds | Total Cache | Maximum Processor Frequency | CPU Acceleration | TFLOPS | NPU TOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon X Elite | XIE-00-1DE | 12 | 42MB | 4.3GHz | 4.3 GHz (Dual Core) | 4.6 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Elite | XIE-84-100 | 12 | 42MB | 4.2GHz | 4.2 GHz (Dual Core) | 4.6 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Elite | XIE-80-100 | 12 | 42MB | 4.0GHz | 4.0 GHz (Dual Core) | 3.8 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Elite | XIE-78-100 | 12 | 42MB | 3.4GHz | None | 3.8 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Plus | XIP-64-100 | 10 | 42MB | 3.4GHz | None | 3.8 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Plus | XIP-42-100 | 8 | 30MB | 3.4GHz | None | 1.7 | 45 |
As shown, the Snapdragon X Elite series has higher core counts and clock speeds, making it suitable for more demanding tasks. The Snapdragon X Plus series, while slightly less powerful, offers competitive performance, especially in terms of AI processing, where it matches the Elite series' 45 TOPS. The Snapdragon X Plus also offers a more budget-friendly option. The octa-core XIP-42-100 model offers a balance between cost and performance.
Market Potential and Manufacturer Interest
The Snapdragon X Plus series is expected to attract interest from a variety of manufacturers, especially those looking to offer affordable yet capable gaming laptops. While it remains to be seen which specific brands will adopt the new processor, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series has made a significant impact on the market. The success of the Snapdragon X Elite has set a precedent, and major manufacturers like Asus, MSI, and others are likely to consider integrating the Snapdragon X Plus into their product lineups.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has previously hinted at the company’s strategy of launching Snapdragon-powered laptops at price points around $700. That aligns with the expected pricing of the first laptops featuring the Snapdragon X1P-42-100, suggesting that Qualcomm is aiming to make high-performance computing more accessible to a wider audience.
Solution
Snapdragon X Plus, specifically the X1P-42-100 model, represents Qualcomm’s latest effort to expand its presence in the PC market. With its combination of gaming capabilities, AI performance, and multi-display support, Snapdragon X1P-42-100 is poised to appeal to both consumers and manufacturers. Its expected affordability further enhances its appeal, positioning it as a strong contender in the entry-level gaming laptop segment.
As we approach the official launch at IFA 2024, expectations continue to rise. The Snapdragon X Plus series could set a new standard for affordable gaming laptops. It delivers a blend of performance and value that will resonate with a broad range of users. Qualcomm’s commitment to PC innovation is clear, and the Snapdragon X Plus is another step in the company’s journey to redefine what’s possible in mobile and desktop computing.