Qualcomm launches the Snapdragon X2 Elite. With the successor to the X1, ARM on Windows is entering its second full-fledged generation.
Following the success of the Snapdragon X1 series, Qualcomm launches Snapdragon X2 Elite. Initially, three chips will appear: two variants of a regular Elite and an X2 Elite Extreme. Qualcomm especially wants to show off with that last chip.
Workstations
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is intended for what Qualcomm calls ‘ultra-premium’ PCs. The chip builder is targeting workloads such as data analytics, media editing and scientific research. In other words, the Elite Extreme must have enough horsepower to power workstations. However, Qualcomm points out that chips with this CPU can also remain thin and light.
The regular X2 Elite processors are a direct follow-up to the X1 range. Like their predecessors, the CPUs must bring a lot of computing power and endurance to ARM-based Windows computers.
Specifications
Qualcomm is launching the following new components:
| CPU | Type | Cores (P+E) | Max Freq. (GHz) | Cache (MB) |
| X2 Elite Extreme | X2E-96-100 | 18 (12+6) | 4,4 | 53 |
| X2 Elite | X2E-88-100 | 18 (12+6) | 4,0 | 53 |
| X2 Elite | X2E-80-100 12 | 12 (6+6) | 4,0 | 34 |
The chips have the third generation of Qualcomm’s own Oryon cores on board. Qualcomm opts for a combination of what it calls performance-oriented ‘prime’ cores and more efficient ‘performance’ cores – not the most convenient name.
The chips also have a GPU on board in the form of an Adreno chiplet, and an NPU cannot be missing these days either. It has a computing power of 80 Tops: your background during a Teams call has never been so efficiently blurred.
Step Forward
Qualcomm points to higher efficiency with better performance per watt than the first generation of Qualcomm Elite. The chips bring high expectations, given the quality of the first generation of ARM-based Windows laptops. With the X1 CPU series, Qualcomm has shaken up x86 manufacturers Intel and AMD. For office laptops, Qualcomm tolerated no competition in terms of autonomy and performance.
Laptops with these new chips on board will come onto the market in the first half of next year. They will then immediately set the bar high for Intel and AMD.