Qualcomm launches Snapdragon X at CES 2025, its most affordable AI PC processor
This is the fourth and most affordable category of its Snapdragon X series compute platforms, joining the premium tier Elite, the flagship (Plus, 10-core), and the midrange (Plus, 8-core) processors. #qualcomm #ces2025 #snapdragonx #aipc #copilot
Qualcomm introduces its fourth and most affordable AI PC computing platform, the Snapdragon X (part of the Snapdragon X series). Image: Qualcomm.
The Snapdragon X series compute platform is finally reaching an affordable tier. Qualcomm has announced the fourth variation of its popular PC processors: the Snapdragon X.
Hang on. Is Snapdragon X both a processor and a series name?
The entire family is here. Snapdragon X Plus counts as two because it has 10-core and 8-core configurations. Image: Qualcomm.
This is for those confused by Qualcomm’s new generation of AI-capable PC processors.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series is the family name for its latest PC processors. They are defined by a crucial component: the Oryon CPU. Qualcomm thinks this CPU marks a new generation of work and home computing for consumers. Here’s why the Oryon CPU is important to Qualcomm.
The first product of the series, the premium-tier Snapdragon X Elite, was announced at the end of 2023. It features the first generation of Oryon CPU inside a premium PC processor.
In less than a year, Qualcomm followed it up with its flagship-to-midrange Snapdragon X Plus. This counts as two launches: the 10-core version was announced in the first half of 2024, while the 8-core version came in H2 2024.
That brings us to the CES 2025 announcement. Qualcomm said that the new mainstream Snapdragon X, its fourth category of PC processors, will also offer multi-day battery life, Copilot+ PC features, and all that jazz.
However, it has one huge claim: Snapdragon X is made for AI PCs that cost US$600 or less.
Snapdragon X for you, AI for the masses
Snapdragon X's performance, per Qualcomm. Image: Qualcomm.
Qualcomm claimed that the Snapdragon X (part number X1-26-100) uses an 8-core Oryon CPU. The product brief indicated a maximum multi-core clock rate of 3.0GHz and a total cache of 30 MB.
The built-in NPU has 45 TOPS of AI performance (the same TOPS as its 8-core Snapdragon X Plus).
Snapdragon X platform against other similarly-tiered competitors. Image: Qualcomm.
Qualcomm claimed the Snapdragon X had 163% faster performance at the same power draw as its rivals. If the rivals and Qualcomm have the same performance output, Qualcomm claimed that the rivals need 165% more power than the Snapdragon X.
(Note: the terms used by Qualcomm are iso-power and iso-performance, with the prefix “iso” having Greek roots: the word “isos”, which means “equal”.)
Summary of Snapdragon X features and perks. Image: Qualcomm.
It also comes with an integrated Adreno GPU offering up to 1.7 TFLOPS, capable of “creating presentations, web browsing, or streaming content.” Notably, words like “video editing” or “gaming” are conspicuously absent from the Snapdragon X’s announcement, implying that the device has scaled down performance to meet cost priorities.
Based on the briefing we got by Qualcomm, Snapdragon X is designed for students, freelance gig workers, and price-sensitive consumers, all of whom primarily use AI PCs for online shopping, Netflix, doing up presentations, and video calling. Image: Qualcomm.
The rest of the processor offers almost all the latest things users need to succeed on an affordable laptop or PC. It supports up to 64GB LPDDR5x memory type, support for DisplayPort 1.4 (three displays, or two displays at 4K120Hz), on top of its built-in ISP (for cameras), Snapdragon X65 modem (for 5G connection), and Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Mobile for Wi-Fi 7 compatibility and Bluetooth 5.4.
Up to three USB4 (40Gbps), two USB3.2 Gen2x1, and one eUSB2 are supported.
Really? All that for computing devices under US$600?
Qualcomm announced in a press release that Snapdragon X devices will appear in the lineups of its brand partners.
They include Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, and Lenovo. These Snapdragon X devices are scheduled for “early 2025, enabling Copilot+ PCs in the US$600 range.”
So yes, really.
Is Windows 11 better supported now on Snapdragon X series platforms?
Summary of natively supported apps on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series processors. Image: Qualcomm.
Qualcomm said that its Snapdragon X series platform now has more native app support on Windows 11.
The long list includes 20 VPN apps, 50 security and cloud storage apps, and audio editing tools like Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and Virtual Studio Technology Instruments.
As of writing, native app support on Snapdragon X series platforms is now three times more than in the past year.
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