From ExtremeTech: Qualcomm debuted its next-generation Snapdragon X2 System on Chip (SoC) design on Wednesday, with up to 18 CPU cores, higher clock speeds, more cache, a next-generation GPU with support for higher resolutions and refresh rates, and support for some of the latest memory and connectivity standards. It uses a new process node, is more efficient, and has what Qualcomm describes as the "World's fastest NPU for laptops."
The first-generation Qualcomm X Elite SoC was a real game-changer for Windows on ARM. After decades of trying, a chip was finally powerful enough for emulation and efficiency gains in equal measure, and it meant laptops that could offer comparable performance to AMD and Intel's best CPUs but with much better battery life. Those companies hit back with improved efficiency of their own, but the genie was out of the bottle: Laptops could have impressive battery life and outstanding performance, and they could do with ARM chips now, too.
The next-generation design looks set to push next-generation laptops to new heights. Although we'll need to see real-world performance and reviews from third parties to confirm any of Qualcomm's claims, they are bold and promise a lot from new laptop designs.
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