Qualcomm has announced its new Snapdragon X Elite computing platform, which it claims is its highest performing processor to date. The 4nm chips will power PCs shipping in 2024.
New Snapdragon X Elite Built on 4nm Process
The Snapdragon X Elite utilizes an advanced 4nm manufacturing process for improved power efficiency alongside blistering performance.
It also boasts massive 136GB/s memory bandwidth to feed its up to 22 CPU cores with data for fast processing.
Promises Multi-Threaded Performance Rivaling Intel, AMD
Qualcomm boldly asserts the X Elite will outpace Intel’s Core i7 on multi-threaded workloads based on Geekbench results, though details are vague.
It also claims over 50% better multi-thread performance versus Apple’s M2 chip. The X Elite does pack significantly more cores.
Focuses on Multi-Threaded Workloads
The benchmarks emphasize multi-threaded performance where the X Elite’s abundant cores help. Single-thread results were not provided.
With many more cores, the chip can excel at parallelized tasks but may still lag rivals on single-threaded applications.
GPU Also Said to Surpass AMD and Apple
For graphics, Qualcomm states the integrated GPU beats AMD’s Ryzen 9 mobile chip and Apple’s M2 using unspecified GPU benchmarks.
Real-world gaming and creative app performance will better demonstrate its graphics muscle versus rivals.
Snapdragon Seamless Enables Cross-Device Integration
Qualcomm also announced Snapdragon Seamless technology to enable seamless integration between Windows, Android and Snapdragon devices.
For example, users could easily share screens, drag and drop content between devices, and have headphones intelligently switch sources.
Adoption Depends on Snapdragon PC Popularity
Seamless offers intriguing use cases but requires wide Snapdragon PC adoption. It remains unclear if Qualcomm can achieve sufficient scale.
Top PC makers like Microsoft, Google, Dell and Lenovo are partners, which lends credibility to the ambitious platform.
Aims to Compete With Apple Silicon on Windows
The substantial performance leap could make Snapdragon laptops more competitive against Apple Silicon Macs in the Windows environment.
But real-world experience will determine if the X Elite lives up to its bold benchmark claims when devices launch.
In summary, the Snapdragon X Elite represents Qualcomm’s push into premium PC processors on par with Intel, AMD and Apple. But it must prove itself against entrenched rivals when devices ship in 2024.