While Intel and AMD focus on high-end CPUs, Qualcomm is targeting the budget laptop market with its new Snapdragon X series, aiming to provide efficient ARM-based performance to systems under $600.
Targeting the Low-End Market
Qualcomm is introducing the Snapdragon X to bring down the cost of ARM-based Windows laptops. This new series follows the Snapdragon X Elite (for premium laptops) and the Snapdragon X Plus (for mid-range machines). The goal is to deliver current CPU technology to the affordable laptop segment, a space often dominated by older, less efficient processors.
Snapdragon X Features
Despite the lower price point, the Snapdragon X series CPU maintains key features, including:
- Same Oryon CPU cores as premium Snapdragon X versions
- Eight CPU cores (same as Snapdragon X Plus)
- Clock speed of up to 3.0 GHz
- Up to 45 TOPS of NPU performance
The main difference between the Snapdragon X and its more premium counterparts is its slightly lower clock speed. Higher-end Snapdragon X Plus chips range from 3.2 to 3.4 GHz, while X Elite models can achieve 3.4 to 3.8 GHz on all cores.
NPU Performance
Qualcomm highlights that the Snapdragon X series still offers up to 45 TOPS of NPU performance, a feature often absent in Intel and AMD CPUs in this price range.
Availability
The first PCs featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series CPU are expected to launch in January 2025. If the Snapdragon X can deliver similar performance and efficiency as its more premium counterparts, it could be a significant improvement for the budget laptop market.
