Qualcomm is gearing up to expand its Snapdragon X series with a more affordable option, according to recent leaks. The upcoming Snapdragon X Plus chip, codenamed X1P-42-100, aims to bring AI-powered Windows experiences to a wider audience at a lower price point. However, early benchmarks suggest some significant trade-offs in graphics performance.
Key Specifications
- 8-core Oryon CPU (4nm process)
- Two CPU clusters: 3.24 GHz and 3.42 GHz
- 30 MB total cache
- Adreno X1-45 integrated GPU (280 MHz, 1.7 TFLOPs)
- 45 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration
- LPDDR5X-8448 memory support
- 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
Performance Preview
Early benchmarks paint a mixed picture of the new chip's capabilities:
- CPU Performance: Cinebench 2024 scores show only a 5% drop in single-core performance compared to the 10-core Snapdragon X Plus, but a more substantial 20% decrease in multi-core tasks.
- GPU Performance: The Adreno X1-45 GPU appears significantly weaker than its higher-end siblings, with 3DMark Time Spy scores roughly 40-50% lower than the Snapdragon X Elite.
- Gaming: Shadow of the Tomb Raider managed only 18 FPS at 1080p on low settings, compared to 33 FPS on the X Elite.
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| Benchmark results showcasing the Snapdragon X Plus's performance in gaming and graphics tasks |
Prioritizing AI Over Graphics
Qualcomm seems to have made a strategic decision to maintain strong AI performance while reducing GPU capabilities. The chip still boasts a 45 TOPS NPU, likely to meet Microsoft's Copilot+ requirements for AI-enhanced Windows features.
Pricing and Availability
- Laptops featuring this new chip are expected to start around $800, slightly below current Snapdragon X devices.
- An official announcement is anticipated at the upcoming IFA trade show.
Market Outlook
While the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 brings Qualcomm's latest architecture to a more accessible price point, its limited graphics prowess may prove challenging. With Intel and AMD preparing new laptop chips in the coming months, Qualcomm will need to clearly articulate the value proposition of its AI-focused approach to stand out in the competitive Windows PC market.