On October 12, 2023, Qualcomm revealed a fresh identity for its PC-centric processors and platforms, now dubbed the Snapdragon X Series.
The Snapdragon X Series marks a milestone in the evolution of Qualcomm's prior Snapdragon 8cx compute platform, initially envisaged as a rival to Intel-centric processors within PCs and laptops. The platform has transformed into a powerhouse, boasting AI processing capabilities, 5G connectivity, and a commendable performance-per-watt ratio.
The name “Snapdragon X Series” encapsulates Qualcomm's vision for the future of its PC and laptop processors. The company affirmed that while the benefits of the Snapdragon 8cx remain, the new series will harness the prowess of its novel, proprietary Qualcomm Oryon CPU, introduced in 2022, as opposed to the Qualcomm Kryo CPUs utilised in the 8cx.
Embracing the Qualcomm Oryon CPU in the new Snapdragon X Series
The Snapdragon X Series is set to integrate Qualcomm's proprietary Oryon CPU. This move is not merely a technical enhancement but a stride towards delivering enriched on-device user experiences, particularly in the burgeoning domain of generative AI, courtesy of the chipset's neural processing unit (NPU).
This development might ring a bell, and rightly so. Apple has been on a similar trajectory with a dedicated co-processor, the Neural Engine, for handling machine learning and artificial intelligence tasks on its M-series and A-series silicon. This technology has seamlessly been integrated into various Apple devices, including laptops, tablets, and phones.
What the rebranding signifies for the consumer
The shift to Snapdragon X Series is more than a cosmetic change. It's a move aimed at preserving a sense of familiarity via the Snapdragon branding while simultaneously simplifying the categorisation with the ‘X' denoting its specific design for PC platforms, contrasting with its non-X products. Qualcomm has also sketched out a “clear, simplified tiering structure” within the series, making it a breeze for users to discern whether a chip is entry-level or a premium flagship-grade Snapdragon X chip.
There's a whiff of anticipation in the air as more details are expected to unfurl later this year, especially with Qualcomm's annual Snapdragon Summit on the horizon. The narrative around Snapdragon X Series is bound to expand, with it, a glimpse into the future of Qualcomm's PC and laptop processors.
