Qualcomm

Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon X Elite, a new processor designed to boost the power of PC-based artificial intelligence (AI) applications. 

On Tuesday at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, the chip maker called the Snapdragon X Elite the "most powerful computing processor it has ever created for the PC." The processor represents a "leap forward" in AI processing by the personal computers that we rely upon for communication, work, entertainment, and education, the company said. 

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According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon X Elite features a 4nm system-on-a-chip architecture backed by a 12-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU (up to 3.8 GHz/single and dual-core boost up to 4.3 GHz). The new Oryon CPU "delivers up to two times faster CPU performance versus the competition," the firm said.

The Snapdragon X Elite is also equipped with a Qualcomm Adreno GPU, now capable of up to 4.6 TFLOPs. Qualcomm said that battery usage has also received an upgrade, with up to multi-day battery life on a single charge. 

Regarding AI, the new processor comes with Qualcomm's AI Engine and an integrated Hexagon neural processor (NPU), allowing AI and large language models (LLMs) to run on-device at over 13 billion parameters. 

"As AI transforms how we interact with our PCs, Snapdragon X Elite is designed to support the intelligent and power-intensive tasks of the future that will enable powerful productivity, rich creativity, and immersive entertainment experiences from anywhere," the company said.

Users can also expect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity backed by the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF system, capable of supporting peak download speeds of 10Gbps and upload speeds of 3.5Gbps. 

Security remains at the forefront with the inclusion of Qualcomm's Secure Processing Unit running the Microsoft Pluton Trusted Platform Module (TPM), memory encryption, and Microsoft Secured-core PC support. Furthermore, Qualcomm's Sensing Hub has been improved for more streamlined authentication and login processes. 

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"Snapdragon X Elite represents a dramatic leap in innovation for computing as we deliver our new, custom Qualcomm Oryon CPU for super-charged performance," said Kedar Kondap, SVP of compute and gaming. "Powerful on-device AI experiences will enable seamless multitasking and new intuitive user experiences, empowering consumers and businesses alike to create and accomplish more."

PCs powered by the Snapdragon X Elite are expected from vendors in mid-2024.

Alongside the Snapdragon X Elite, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a new mobile processor focused on on-device AI applications. 

The company also launched Snapdragon Seamless, Qualcomm's new cross-device system, allowing consumers to switch PCs, tablets, and mobile devices over different operating systems. Snapdragon Seamless is incorporated into the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon X Elite platforms. 

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