Following their MWC announcements on new modems, commercial chips and IoT partnerships, the company may be raising the bar— once again. The Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2, the next iteration of Qualcomm’s high-performance PC processor, has leaked, and the details are enough to make tech enthusiasts drool. With a rumored 18-core setup (yes, you read that right), this chip is shaping up to be a game-changer for Windows on ARM devices. Let’s dive into the juicy details, courtesy of Windows Central.
More Cores, More Power
The Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 is rumored to pack a whopping 18 cores, a significant jump from its predecessor’s 12-core configuration. That’s a 50% increase in core count, which means Qualcomm is clearly not messing around. These cores are said to be the third-generation Oryon V3 cores, promising a massive leap in performance and efficiency. If Qualcomm delivers on this, it could finally give Intel, AMD, and even Apple’s M-series chips a run for their money.
System-in-Package Design: Everything in One Place
One of the standout features of the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 is its System-in-Package (SiP) design. This means the processor will integrate RAM and flash storage directly into the chip, reducing latency and boosting data transfer speeds. Leaked documents suggest configurations with up to 48GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. That’s not just powerful—it’s borderline overkill (in the best way possible).
Cooler Heads Will Prevail
With great power comes great heat, and Qualcomm seems to be prepared. The Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 is reportedly being tested with an all-in-one liquid cooler featuring a 120mm radiator. Yes, you heard that right—a liquid cooler for a processor. This suggests Qualcomm is aiming for desktop-level performance while keeping thermals in check.
Targeting the Desktop Market?
While the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 is primarily designed for high-end laptops, rumors suggest it could also make its way into desktop PCs. With support for external GPUs and its high-TDP variant, this chip could be Qualcomm’s ticket into the desktop market—a space traditionally dominated by x86 processors.
The Bigger Picture
Qualcomm’s ambitions with the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 go beyond just raw performance. This chip represents a significant step forward for the Windows on ARM ecosystem, which has struggled with software compatibility and market adoption in the past. If Qualcomm can deliver a processor that combines power, efficiency, and compatibility, it could change the game for ARM-based Windows devices.
While these leaks are exciting, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. Plans can change, and until Qualcomm officially unveils the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2, we won’t know the full story. That said, if even half of these rumors are true, this chip could be a game-changer for the PC market.
Stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to Qualcomm’s official announcement. And in the meantime, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the fact that we’re living in an era where 18-core processors are becoming a reality.
