Snapdragon X Processors Unveiled for Budget PCs, Offering Up to 45 TOPS of NPU Performance at CES 2025
At CES 2025, Qualcomm unveiled its newest platform designed specifically for affordable PCs: the Snapdragon X. The new platform aims to challenge budget processors from Intel and AMD, offering a compelling option for cost-effective laptops. The Snapdragon X processors are equipped with an octa-core design and a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) to enhance AI capabilities. With a focus on energy efficiency, these processors are designed to provide better battery life, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. The Snapdragon X platform is expected to power computers priced under $600 (approximately Rs. 51,400), offering a more affordable solution for Arm-based Windows laptops.
The Snapdragon X platform, branded as the X1-26-100, features eight Oryon CPU cores, with a peak clock speed of up to 3GHz. While this is lower than the higher-end Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite variants, which can reach up to 3.4GHz and 3.8GHz, respectively, the X platform is still highly competitive for budget devices. Qualcomm’s decision to target the affordable PC segment with this chipset is part of a broader strategy to offer capable alternatives to traditional x86 processors in lower-priced laptops, particularly those running Windows 11.
In terms of memory and graphics, the Snapdragon X platform supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM and offers a substantial memory bandwidth of 135GB/s. This is paired with a Qualcomm Adreno GPU capable of driving up to three 4K displays at 60Hz, a feature typically found in higher-end laptops. With these specifications, the Snapdragon X ensures that affordable PCs can still offer excellent performance for everyday tasks, including media consumption and multitasking.
The Snapdragon X platform also supports Windows 11, bringing access to advanced features like Copilot+, which are typically reserved for more expensive PCs. This inclusion shows Qualcomm’s commitment to providing a premium user experience, even in the budget segment. By combining high performance, AI support, and improved power efficiency, the Snapdragon X platform is set to make a significant impact on the affordable PC market, making Arm-based laptops more accessible without compromising on essential features.
