Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite: The Next Step in ARM-based PC Processors

How the Snapdragon X2 Elite could help Qualcomm take down Apple's M4

Rumors suggest Qualcomm is cooking up a next-gen chip that could rival Apple Qualcomm set the bar for AI PC performance and battery life this generation. Though Apple's M3 processors are still a constant point of reference for other chipmakers the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (XIE-80-100) is the current benchmark to beat while we wait for the full M4 launch. Qualcomm likely isn't resting on those laurels though -- evidence of the company's next-gen processor is already coming to light. According to WinFuture, Qualcomm's next generation of laptop processors is in testing internally. The rumored Snapdragon X2 Elite, model number "SC8480XP" codename "Glymur," is an update to the Snapdragon X Elite chipsets which hold the model number "SC8380XP" and were codenamed "Hamoa." WinFuture's sources confirm the Snapdragon X2 Elite chips were in testing in July and August, just after the Snapdragon X Elite launch in June of this year. This bodes well for the future of Qualcomm's laptop processor division, but the Snapdragon X2 Elite will likely be announced next year. But with the M4 MacBooks rumored to hit this month, where does that leave Qualcomm? Since we're still well away from an official announcement of the new Snapdragon processors, we don't have many expectations for the chips' performance. We don't know how many cores the processors will use or if they'll keep to the Snapdragon X Elite's 12-core model or opt for a more efficient 10 or 8-core design. We don't have clock speed information, so we can't guess boost performance either. We merely have information that the chips are being tested. We also know the model number and codename for Qualcomm's next generation of Snapdragon X chipsets. The codename is rather interesting, too. Historically, Qualcomm has always used codenames related to places in Hawaii, which is the location of Qualcomm's annual Snapdragon Summit. For the Snapdragon X2 Elite chip, "Glymur" is the name of the second-highest waterfall in Iceland. We do have high expectations for Qualcomm's follow-up to the Snapdragon X Elite processors, considering the Dell XPS 13 9345 (Snapdragon X Elite) ousted the MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max for the battery life record, and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x outperformed the Apple M3 in both the MacBook Air 13 M3 and the MacBook Pro 14 M3. While Apple hasn't yet unleashed the M4 processor on its laptop lineup, we have seen the M4 chip in the iPad Pro (2024) earlier this year. There should be a bit of a performance difference, given the change in form factor between a laptop and a tablet, but the iPad Pro M4 rivaled high-end Qualcomm and Intel processors. The M4 will have several processor variants, similar to the Apple M1, M2, and M3 chips with upgrades to processor core counts and various GPU configurations. Apple's processors for the last three generations have set records for battery life, and have either met or exceeded the performance of their Windows counterparts. So Qualcomm's lead in the performance and battery benchmarks may come to an end once the M4 MacBooks hit the stands this fall. The latest reports indicate a late October or early November launch window, similar to last year's M3 launch. If Apple continues to push the boundaries of power and efficiency in laptop chips, it could make the Snapdragon X2 Elite critical for Qualcomm. After all, Qualcomm doesn't have the long history of mobile processor manufacturing that Intel and AMD have to keep them relevant, even if their chips fall short on battery or multicore performance. Qualcomm has already started padding out the Snapdragon X platform with more efficient 8-core designs in the Snapdragon X Plus lineup. WinFuture's report on the Snapdragon X2 Elite also includes information on yet another budget Snapdragon X Plus chip, the XIP-24-100 variant. So clearly Qualcomm is heavily invested in growing the Snapdragon X laptop ecosystem. But for the last year, rumors about Nvidia ARM processors have been circulating in the computing space. While Nvidia did not buy ARM entirely, the company did license several ARM architectures. AMD is also working on the ARM-based Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2, expected in late 2025. So the ARM computing space is becoming crowded, and increased competition for ARM processors means Qualcomm has more pressure to excel than ever. But with Nvidia and AMD both owning ARM licenses, does Qualcomm need to shift away from ARM and enter the x86 space? Rumors that Qualcomm plans to buy Intel have been circulating for a while now. While those reports are far from convincing, there are plenty of reasons why Qualcomm would be interested in purchasing Intel, or at least Intel's manufacturing division. Not only is x86 architecture the computing standard, but Qualcomm had some legal trouble with ARM casting doubt on the company's future of ARM CPU licensing. So could the change in processor codenames for Snapdragon X2 Elite, from Hawaii to Iceland indicate a larger shift in Qualcomm's processor manufacturing? Are the next Qualcomm chips going to be x86 chips instead of ARM? Only time will tell, but for now, it's some rather interesting food for thought. Especially as Intel, AMD, and Apple are still in the early days of this processor generation.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 "Project Glymur": The Next Frontier of ARM PCs

Qualcomm is on the verge of a new processor to market with its latest innovation: the Snapdragon X2, codenamed "Project Glymur." Building on the foundation laid by the Snapdragon X Elite series, Qualcomm is taking another leap forward in its quest to push ARM architecture beyond mobile devices and into the realm of mainstream computing. With Project Glymur, the company aims to tackle the growing demand for efficient, AI-optimized, and high-performance processors tailored for laptops and Windows-based PCs. After the mixed reception of its Snapdragon X Elite processors, which showed promise in single-core performance and efficiency but lagged in multi-core and graphics capabilities, Qualcomm is doubling down with Snapdragon X2. The company hopes to deliver an SoC that not only excels in power efficiency but also matches up with the graphical and computational power of x86-based competitors like Intel and AMD. Project Glymur represents Qualcomm's ambition to address the shortcomings of the ARM-based PC processor space, providing a next-generation solution that could change the landscape of personal computing. Quick Links: Project Glymur, officially known as the Snapdragon X2 (SC8480XP), is Qualcomm's next-generation ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) for PCs. This SoC is an evolution of Qualcomm's existing Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors, both of which made strides in bringing ARM architecture to Windows laptops but fell short in critical areas like multi-core performance and graphical capabilities. The Snapdragon X2 is being developed under the codename "Project Glymur," which marks a significant shift in Qualcomm's naming conventions. Historically, Qualcomm has used codenames inspired by Hawaiian landmarks. However, the transition to "Glymur" -- named after the second-highest waterfall in Iceland -- might symbolize a new chapter for Qualcomm's ambitions, with higher aspirations for dominating the ARM PC processor market. Built on Qualcomm's Oryon architecture, developed by the team acquired through the purchase of Nuvia, the Snapdragon X2 is designed to deliver improved performance across multiple fronts. The focus of this new SoC is not only on enhanced computational power but also on improved energy efficiency, making it ideal for thin and light laptops that need to balance performance with long battery life. For decades, the personal computing market has been dominated by x86 processors, primarily from Intel and AMD. These processors are known for their power, versatility, and scalability, and have been the default choice for desktops and laptops. However, the growing demand for power efficiency and AI integration has created new opportunities for ARM-based processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon series to gain a foothold in the market. ARM processors have long been known for their energy efficiency, which is why they dominate the mobile computing space, powering most smartphones and tablets. But when it comes to desktop and laptop PCs, x86 processors have had the upper hand due to their superior raw power, multi-core performance, and robust software ecosystem. The Snapdragon X2 aims to bridge that gap by delivering an ARM-based SoC that doesn't just compete on efficiency but also matches the multi-core processing capabilities and graphical performance of x86 chips. Early tests have shown that Qualcomm is already working on different configurations of RAM and storage for the Snapdragon X2, ensuring that it meets the diverse demands of PC workloads. However, Qualcomm is not without competition. Both Intel and AMD have stepped up their game with new generations of x86 processors featuring AI optimization and neural processing units (NPUs). For Qualcomm to succeed, Snapdragon X2 must not only deliver better power efficiency but also meet or exceed the performance benchmarks set by its rivals. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 represents the company's vision for the future of ARM computing, particularly in the realm of Windows-based laptops. The Snapdragon X2, built on the Nuvia-designed Oryon architecture, is expected to feature significant improvements in AI performance, multi-core scalability, and energy efficiency. The integration of advanced AI features, such as Qualcomm's Copilot+ AI assistant, is likely to be a key selling point for the Snapdragon X2. These AI capabilities could help the processor manage workloads more intelligently, optimizing performance for tasks like machine learning, predictive analysis, and real-time decision-making. This focus on AI makes Snapdragon X2 a strong contender in the growing market for AI-powered laptops and PCs. Additionally, the Snapdragon X2 is designed with power efficiency in mind, a hallmark of ARM architecture. This makes it an ideal choice for ultra-portable laptops, where long battery life is critical. Qualcomm's goal is to create a processor that can handle high-performance workloads without sacrificing efficiency, offering a competitive advantage over x86 processors that tend to consume more power under heavy loads. While Qualcomm is still in the testing phase, the Snapdragon X2 has already shown promise in early trials conducted in mid-2024. These tests focused on optimizing the SoC with various RAM and NAND configurations to ensure smooth performance across a range of tasks, from light web browsing to heavy AI-based computing. As Project Glymur moves closer to completion, Qualcomm is working closely with partners like Microsoft and major PC manufacturers, such as Dell, to ensure that Snapdragon X2-powered devices offer a seamless user experience. These partnerships are key to Qualcomm's strategy, as they help the company position Snapdragon X2 as a viable alternative to Intel and AMD chips in the Windows ecosystem. In conclusion, Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 "Project Glymur" represents a bold step forward in the evolution of ARM-based computing. With its focus on AI integration, energy efficiency, and enhanced multi-core performance, the Snapdragon X2 could be the processor that finally brings ARM into the mainstream of the PC market. However, much will depend on how well Qualcomm can execute this vision, particularly in the face of strong competition from Intel and AMD. Here are a selection of other articles from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on the subject of Snapdragon X Elite :

New Snapdragon X-series chip in testing - code name: Project Glymur

The CPU market of late has been dominated by Intel and AMD; Qualcomm, with its AI-powered, energy-efficient Snapdragon X-series ARM processors, aim to challenge that. Qualcomm's current X-series processors have been making waves since their June 2024 launch. Winfuture have exclusively revealed that Qualcomm has been working on its next-gen high-end Snapdragon X2 CPU "SC8480XP", under the codename "Project Glymur". These next-gen processors place Qualcomm in competition with Apple's M-series processors: unlike the x86 chips Intel and AMD use, the Snapdragon X-series uses an ARM architecture - like Apple's M-series - designed for mobility and efficiency, compared to the mainly performance-focused former. A standout feature of the X-series is its full compatibility with Microsoft Copilot+. It supports Microsoft's Auto SR (super resolution), which uses AI to enhance video quality and frame rate in existing games. By including these features from the start, Snapdragon X positions itself well for the future; other chip manufacturers will have to introduce these features through later updates. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series launched to mixed reviews. Customers hailed the new ARM processors for their power-efficiency and AI features; however, the CPUs fell short in performance when compared to AMD's Ryzen and Intel's Core X86 chips, especially where multi-core tasks were concerned. Another issue Qualcomm face is software compatibility: not all software has been ported to ARM. Qualcomm has been testing the SC8480XP since July 2024, and there is still little information about what features it has to offer; according to Winfuture we will likely know little more until 2025. In the meantime, there is still more to come for Qualcomm's current generation of processors. In the "international export databases" where Project Glymur was discovered, the X1P-24-100, a new eight-core ARM processor, was also found.

Next-Generation Snapdragon X2 CPUs Already Being Tested, SC8480XP Chip With "Project Glymur" Codename

Qualcomm is already working on its next-generation Arm-based Snapdragon X2 CPUs for PCs as the latest "SC8480XP" has reportedly been tested. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X lineup was launched a few months back and had a lot of momentum riding its back with the expectations of a solid AI PC experience with a strong CPU and GPU combo. While the hype was strong, initial reviews & performance results were a little bit short with the IPC improvements, single-core performance, & efficiency/battery life being regarded as the highlights while the multi-core, graphics performance was a bit lackluster. The company did offer a solid array of solutions available at different price points ranging from 12, 10, and the most recent 8-core SoCs within its X Elite and X Plus families. The first generation Snapdragon lineup featured the Oryon core architecture and we just saw a detailed die shot which you can check out here. Since then, x86 players such as AMD and Intel have come back hard with strong offerings in the form of Ryzen AI 300 "Strix" and Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" SoCs. These offer improved NPUs, strong CPU cores, and incredible integrated GPUs which offer some of the best performance out there in the market. Knowing this, it looks like Qualcomm is going to continue to build upon the momentum that kicked off with the first-generation Snapdragon X family and is already testing the next-gen Snapdragon X2 (placeholder name) SoCs. According to Winfuture, Qualcomm has been testing the next-gen Snapdragon X2 SoCs for quite some time. It is reported that internal databases show that the SC8480XP SOCs, which utilize the "Glymur" or "Project Glymur" codename, were tested in July and August so Q3 2024 to be exact. It should be remembered that the current generation of Snapdragon X SoCs have an internal model number "SC8380XP" and are codenamed "Hamoa". Furthermore, it is stated that Qualcomm is still in the very early stage of testing its next-gen SoCs as the development boards can be equipped with variations of NAND and memory components. This is similar to RVPs or EVPs which are early evaluation platforms designed to test samples before the official spec is finalized. Through an earlier Dell XPS leak, it was confirmed that Qualcomm is working on at least two next-gen variants of the Oryon CPU architecture which will be featured in Snapdragon X-based AI PCs. These include the Snapdragon X V2 which is planned for launch around mid 2025 and the follow-up, the Snapdragon V3, is expected to arrive by Q4 2027. These are preliminary timelines but since the leak comes from Dell, a major partner of Qualcomm, we can say for sure that Qualcomm has its new SoCs in the works. The tech outlet also reports that a new entry-level variant in the Snapdragon X Plus lineup is also being prepped which will be tagged as the "X1P-24-100". This should retain an 8-core design but we can expect lower clocks or GPU performance. With that said, we look forward to how Qualcomm can further refine its Snapdragon X lineups in the future for PCs.