Partner content - Latest Qualcomm chips to power AI PCs at lower price point

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has announced the expansion of its Snapdragon® X Series portfolio with the introduction of Snapdragon® X Plus 8-core processors.

Announced ahead of IFA 2024 in Berlin, the new chips offer improved battery life, high performance, and AI-powered Copilot+ experiences, accessible to a greater number of users.

This follows the launch of Copilot+ PCs in May 2024, powered by Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon® X Plus processors.

The launch will pave the way for AI PCs at lower price points, with Qualcomm stating that the launch will enable OEMs to offer Copilot+ PCs in the $700 to $900 price range. Devices featuring the new Snapdragon® X Plus 8-core chips will be available from Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, with Lenovo unveiling a trio of new devices powered by the processor at IFA 2024.

AI models require a huge amount of processing power and Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are key to achieving this, offering enhanced user experience when combined with CPUs and GPUs. Snapdragon X Plus 8-core features an 8-core Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, which enables greater responsiveness and efficiency. An integrated GPU, as well as support for up to three external monitors, offers superior graphics and visual experiences. A 45 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) NPU provides the processing power necessary to support AI use cases, the same TOPS as the as the Snapdragon X Plus 10-core.

This enables users to access on-device AI, such as AI-powered productivity tools and AI camera and audio capabilities.

By putting AI PCs into the hands of a greater number of users, productivity benefits will become more widespread. Furthermore, the lower price point may encourage a greater number of organisations to invest in AI PCs in their next device refresh cycles.

“The first and best Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Series platforms, launching a new generation in personal computing, made possible by our groundbreaking NPU,” said Cristiano Amon, President and Chief Executive Officer at Qualcomm. “With Snapdragon X Plus 8-core, we are now bringing to more users these transformative AI experiences, and the best-in-class performance and unprecedented battery life of our power efficient custom Qualcomm Oryon CPU. We’re proud to be working with leading global OEMs and retail partners to expand our portfolio and enable enterprise customers and consumers.”

“Together, we will continue to collaborate across the Windows ecosystem with Qualcomm to push the boundaries of what is possible with Copilot+ PCs,” said Pavan Davuluri, Corporate Vice President, Windows + Devices at Microsoft.

Following the announcement, virtual private network (VPN) service ExpressVPN announced the launch of its Private Internet Access VPN, a new app for Copilot+ PCs powered by the Snapdragon X Elite platforms and designed to enhance users’ privacy and security.

Select PCs powered by the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core are now available at TD SYNNEX.

Click here to learn more from Qualcomm and TD SYNNEX on AI PCs and the future of personal computing.

Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

This Article is Sponsored by TD SYNNEX