Snapdragon just obsoleted Intel and AMD

Summary

In this video, the host explores Qualcomm's Snapdragon X, a new laptop chip boasting impressive battery life and AI capabilities. The chip, manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process, is available in Plus and Elite versions with varying CPU cores and system memory. The host discusses compatibility with native applications, the potential of Prism emulation for x86 apps, and the chip's efficiency, which could outperform Intel Core Ultra 7 and even Apple's M3. The integration of advanced features like the neural processing unit, improved webcam support, and direct X12 capable GPU are highlighted, showcasing the chip's readiness for high-performance computing and multimedia tasks.

Takeaways

• 📝 The script is a sponsored video about Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series, emphasizing hands-on experience and product features.
• 💻 Snapdragon X is available in two versions: Plus and Elite, with 10 or 12 CPU cores respectively, and supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5X system memory.
• 🛠️ Manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process, Snapdragon X competes with top laptop chips, offering high performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
• 🎮 Over 1,000 games are confirmed to work on Snapdragon X, showcasing its versatility in handling various software applications.
• 🔌 The script highlights improved compatibility with native applications and the use of Prism emulation for x86 applications, similar to Apple's Rosetta 2.
• 🔋 Snapdragon X boasts impressive battery life, with the Elite version rated at 26 hours, surpassing the already high endurance of the HP Dragonfly.
• 🚀 Qualcomm claims significant power efficiency, using 65% less power than Intel Core Ultra 7 in single-threaded and 60% less in multi-threaded workloads.
• 🖥️ The chip integrates a DirectX 12 capable Adreno GPU, capable of handling up to three concurrent 4K external displays.
• 📸 A direct integration of the ISP into the SoC die allows for better webcam performance, with high data rates and compatibility with advanced smartphone image sensors.
• 🧠 The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) in Snapdragon X is rated at 45 TOPS, meeting Microsoft's requirements for AI capabilities on devices.
• 💬 The script mentions Microsoft's 'Recall' feature, which uses the NPU for searchable records of user activities, with privacy concerns addressed by on-device storage and processing.

Q & A

What is the Snapdragon X and what does it offer in terms of performance and capabilities?

The Snapdragon X is a new laptop chip by Qualcomm, manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process. It comes in two versions: Plus and Elite, with 10 or 12 of Qualcomm's Orion CPU cores respectively. It can be equipped with up to 64GB of high-speed LPDDR5X system memory and competes with the best laptop silicon on the market, offering capabilities in video editing, audio production, and gaming.

What is special about the battery life claims made by Qualcomm for the Snapdragon X Elite machine?

Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon X Elite machine can offer up to 26 hours of battery life, which is significantly higher than the already impressive 15 hours offered by the HP Dragonfly Elite, a known endurance Windows laptop. This is attributed to the high efficiency of the Snapdragon X chips.

How does the Snapdragon X handle compatibility with existing software and applications?

The Snapdragon X leverages Microsoft's improvements and Prism emulation for x86 applications, which is built into Windows. This allows the vast majority of use time to be spent on native applications like Chrome, Teams, Zoom, and Blender. While some applications requiring special drivers might not function initially, most should run well with some processing overhead.

What is the significance of the Snapdragon X's integration of an ISP for webcams?

The integration of an ISP, or Image Signal Processor, directly into the Snapdragon X system on a chip (SoC) allows for higher data rates and better compatibility with high-quality phone image sensors. This results in improved webcam performance, overcoming a common pain point in laptop webcam quality.

What is the role of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Snapdragon X and how does it contribute to AI capabilities?

The NPU in the Snapdragon X is rated at 45 TOPS of performance, making it the first processor to meet Microsoft's co-pilot requirements. It allows for AI tasks to be performed directly on the device, enhancing speed, privacy, and cost efficiency. It also powers features like instant translation, captioning, and device control using gestures.

What is the potential impact of the Snapdragon X's efficiency on the performance of Intel Core Ultra 7 and Apple's M3 chips?

Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon X can match the performance of an Intel Core Ultra 7 while using 65% less power in single-threaded workloads and 60% less power in multi-threaded workloads. They also claim to outperform Apple's M3 in multi-threaded workloads, which will need to be verified when the review embargo lifts.

What are the advantages of having multiple ISPs in the Snapdragon X?

Having multiple ISPs allows for enhanced security features like automatic system unlocking and locking, as well as the potential for app developers to create functionalities such as automatically turning off the camera in a video call if another face is detected, enhancing privacy.

What is the significance of the PCIe lanes on the Snapdragon X Elite and what do they indicate for future possibilities?

The Snapdragon X Elite has 16 PCIe lanes, with four dedicated to Wi-Fi 7 and four to high-speed NVMe storage. The remaining eight lanes are available for potential uses such as a dedicated GPU, indicating flexibility for future enhancements.

How does the pricing and availability of Snapdragon X devices compare to equivalent x86 models?

The Snapdragon X devices are priced competitively, undercutting the pricing of equivalent x86 models at launch. They are available for pre-order with shipping expected in mid-June, starting at a premium price point of $999.

What is the potential for Snapdragon X in non-Windows applications and gaming handhelds?

While the focus is on Windows applications, Qualcomm has experience with Android gaming handhelds and there is speculation about the possibility of an efficient Windows gaming handheld in the future. However, this is purely speculative at this point.

What is the sponsor's perspective on the Snapdragon X and how did they engage with the content creator?

Qualcomm Technologies sponsored the video, providing unfettered access to partnered devices and a hands-on experience. The content creator was encouraged to make a video they would have made anyway, with the sales team benefiting from the exposure and meeting their quarterly targets.

Outlines

00:00

😎 Snapdragon X: A New Era in Mobile Computing

The script introduces the Snapdragon X, a new chipset by Qualcomm, designed for high-performance laptops. The author shares their initial apprehension but is won over by the impressive lineup of partnered devices and the promise of a sponsorship that aligns with their usual content. The Snapdragon X, manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process, is available in two variants with different CPU core counts. It boasts competitive specs, including up to 64GB of LPDDR5X memory, and is capable of running demanding applications like video editing and gaming. The script also highlights the chipset's compatibility with native applications and the use of Prism emulation for x86 apps, suggesting a smooth user experience. Battery life is emphasized, with the Snapdragon X Elite promising substantial endurance, surpassing that of the author's current laptop, the HP Dragonfly Elite. Qualcomm's claims of efficiency and performance are set to be verified post-review embargo, with the chipset potentially outperforming both Intel and Apple's offerings.

05:04

📷 Enhanced Integration and AI Capabilities of Snapdragon X

The second paragraph delves into the integration features of the Snapdragon X chipset, starting with the improved image signal processor (ISP) that offers higher bandwidth and compatibility with better phone image sensors, promising superior webcam quality. The script mentions a second ISP for security enhancements like automatic system unlocking and privacy features for apps. Qualcomm's neural processing unit (NPU) is highlighted for its AI capabilities, enabling on-device AI tasks without reliance on the cloud. Examples include AI-driven image creation, audio manipulation, and language translation. The NPU also supports Microsoft's 'Co-Pilot' feature, which allows for searchable records of user activity on the computer. The potential for a dedicated GPU is hinted at, with the Snapdragon X Elite having available PCIe lanes, and the script concludes with speculation about future applications in gaming handhelds and the promise of competitive pricing and availability for the new devices.

10:05

💰 Pricing and Availability of Snapdragon X Devices

The final paragraph discusses the pricing and availability of the Snapdragon X devices, which are set to launch with competitive starting prices of $999, undercutting equivalent x86 models. The devices are described as premium, with pre-orders available and shipping expected in mid-June. The author expresses excitement about the potential for less 'Plus' and 'Elite' versions in the future, suggesting a broader market reach. The script concludes with gratitude to Qualcomm for the sponsorship and hands-on experience with the new devices, and a playful reference to the evolution of technology by suggesting a look back at a Surface RT unboxing from 12 years ago.

Keywords

💡Snapdragon X

Snapdragon X refers to a series of high-performance processors developed by Qualcomm for laptops. In the video, it is highlighted as a significant innovation in laptop silicon, manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process. It is crucial to the video's theme as it represents a shift towards more efficient and powerful mobile computing.

💡Battery life

Battery life is a critical aspect of mobile computing devices, referring to the duration a device can operate on a single charge. The video emphasizes the impressive battery life of Snapdragon X devices, comparing it to traditional laptops and stating that the Snapdragon X Elite machine is rated at 26 hours, which is a substantial claim in the context of mobile performance.

💡AI capabilities

AI capabilities refer to the ability of a device or system to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. The video discusses the AI prowess of Snapdragon X, mentioning its integration with Microsoft co-pilot and the device's NPU, which is essential for on-device AI processing and a key theme in showcasing the advanced features of the technology.

💡Performance

Performance in the context of computing refers to the speed and efficiency with which a device operates. The script mentions that Snapdragon X can match or even outperform Intel Core Ultra 7 processors while using significantly less power, illustrating the high-performance aspect of the new chip and its relevance to the video's narrative on technological advancement.

💡System on a Chip (SoC)

A System on a Chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that integrates all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. The video describes Snapdragon X as an SoC, emphasizing its high level of integration, including a direct X12 capable Adreno GPU and a USB controller, which are integral to the device's performance and efficiency.

💡Neural Processing Unit (NPU)

A Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a specialized hardware component designed to accelerate machine learning tasks. The video mentions Qualcomm's cutting-edge NPU, which is capable of 45 TOPS performance, making it the first to meet Microsoft co-pilot's requirements for on-device AI capabilities, a central concept in the video's discussion of AI and machine learning advancements.

💡Prism

Prism is an emulation technology for x86 applications built into Windows, allowing them to run on non-x86 architectures like ARM. The script discusses Prism's role in ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications, which is vital for the adoption of Snapdragon X in the laptop market.

💡Co-pilot

Co-pilot, in the context of this video, refers to a feature or capability that enhances user experience through AI, such as Microsoft's co-pilot which allows for AI-driven functionalities on devices. The video mentions co-pilot in relation to the NPU's capabilities, indicating a key feature of the Snapdragon X technology.

💡Image Signal Processor (ISP)

An Image Signal Processor (ISP) is a digital signal processing module that processes data from an image sensor to produce an image. The video script talks about the integration of an ISP in Snapdragon X laptops, which allows for better webcam performance, directly connecting to the camera via a high-speed interface, a significant improvement over traditional laptop webcams.

💡Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 is the upcoming generation of Wi-Fi technology that promises higher speeds and improved efficiency over current standards. The video mentions that Snapdragon X supports Wi-Fi 7 with dedicated PCIe lanes, indicating Qualcomm's commitment to providing cutting-edge wireless connectivity in their devices.

💡PCIe lanes

PCIe lanes refer to the physical and logical connections that enable communication between a computer's CPU and other components. The video discusses the allocation of PCIe lanes in Snapdragon X for various purposes, including Wi-Fi 7 and NVMe storage, highlighting the chip's advanced architecture and capabilities.

Highlights

Snapdragon X offers unfettered access to partnered devices and a hands-on demo experience.

Snapdragon X is manufactured on TSMC's 4nm process and comes in two versions: Plus and Elite.

Snapdragon X can be equipped with up to 64GB of high-speed LPDDR5X system memory.

Over 1,000 games and various software are working on Snapdragon X before it ships to end users.

Microsoft expects the majority of use time to be on native applications with Snapdragon X.

Prism emulation for x86 applications is built into Windows, making compatibility a key feature.

Snapdragon X claims to be competitive with Rosetta 2 for x86 application emulation.

HP Dragonfly Elite's battery life is rated at 26 hours, showcasing the efficiency of Snapdragon X.

Snapdragon X claims to match Intel Core Ultra 7 performance with significantly less power usage.

Snapdragon X integrates a DirectX12 capable Adreno GPU for handling multiple 4K displays.

The webcam on Snapdragon X laptops benefits from an integrated ISP for improved image quality.

Second ISP on Snapdragon X can enhance security and privacy with automatic camera control.

Snapdragon X includes a cutting-edge NPU with 45 TOPS performance for AI capabilities.

Microsoft's co-pilot feature leverages the NPU for AI tasks without reliance on the cloud.

Snapdragon X devices are priced competitively, undercutting equivalent x86 models at launch.

Snapdragon X devices are available for pre-order and will ship in mid-June 2024.

Qualcomm hints at potential future Windows gaming handhelds utilizing Snapdragon X efficiency.

Transcripts

when I arrived for my Snapdragon X

briefing with Qualcomm I did what I

always do and I plugged in my

laptop I was

mortified eventually they coaxed me back

in with unfettered access to their army

of partnered devices and with my

favorite kind of sponsorship the kind

where I make a video that I would have

made anyway and my sales team gets to

hit their quarterly Target seriously all

I have to do is go over their claims

about battery life AI capabilities and

performance and show you guys some of

the sick Hands-On demos Who's laughing

now Colton

wo without getting too far into the

speeds and feeds that you can read off

of the spec sheet Snapdragon X is

manufactured on tsmc's 4 nmet process

and comes in two flavors Plus Plus or

Elite with 10 or 12 of qualcomm's Orion

CPU cores respectively it can be

equipped with up to 64 gigabyt of

high-speed lpddr 5x system memory and it

goes Toe to Toe with the best laptop

silicon on the

market all of which would be absolutely

worthless if all it could do was run

Bing Maps fortunately that is not the

case right now before the first

Snapdragon X even ships to an end user

they're showing off video editing audio

production there are over 1,00 games

working and okay guys look I hear you

these use cases and even gaming are not

the most important thing to everyone and

none of the designs that Qualcomm is

announcing would really fall under video

production workstation or gaming laptop

but when you compare to many other types

of software these ones are really really

hard and they're working but how though

all right let's talk compatibility if

you've got a lightning fast piece of

silicon that doesn't run anything you

might as well leave it on the beach but

with the improvements that they have

made Microsoft now expects the vast

majority of your use time to be on

Native applications like Chrome teams

Zoom blender and so much more you can

find a curated list at qualcomm.com

Windows apps which is super cool but as

one of you so poetically put it in a

recent comment I spend over 90% of my

time not on the toilet but that last

couple of percent is very important to

me well that's where prism comes in

emulation for x86 applications is built

right into windows and while some

applications that need special drivers

for example might not function at this

time they are claiming that prism is

competitive with Rosetta 2 meaning that

most applications should run well enough

albeit at the cost of some processing

overhead I'm actually really looking

forward to taking a much deeper look at

this maybe something kind of like our

Arc gaming live stream where you guys

can suggest stuff for us to try at least

once the editorial embargo lifts cuz I

can't help but think processing overhead

would be like you know kind of a bad

thing on a mobile first platform right

except if it isn't let's talk about

battery life let me put it this way I

chose this HP dragonfly Elite for my

work machine because it is among the

best endurance Windows laptops on the

market at around 15 hours and HP rates

the Snapdragon X Elite machine at

26 oh and did I mention that the raw

battery capacity of the dragonfly is 15%

higher to say that these chips are

efficient then would be an

understatement of Epic Proportions

Qualcomm claims that they can match the

performance of an Intel Core Ultra 7

while using 65% less power in

single-threaded workloads or 60% less

power in multi threaded workloads not

only do they claim they can outperform

Intel Core Ultra 7 though they even

claim to beat Apple's M3 in

multi-threaded workloads although of

course we're going to have to verify

those claims when the review embargo

lifts next week all of this efficiency

is in no small part thanks to their high

level of integration just like

qualcomm's mobile Snapdragon chips the

X+ and the X Elite are systems on a chip

or S so's and include a direct X12

capable adreno GPU that can handle up to

three concurrent current 4K external

displays unlike some other s so's

there's a USB controller that can hit

data rates of up to 20 gbit per second

and so much more some of which I think

they should be talking about a lot more

one of my biggest pain points on laptops

is their webcams even premium devices

get absolutely embarrassed by basic

smartphones fortunately Qualcomm has

been making the chips for those

smartphones for many years and they know

a thing or two about making their

cameras look really good on almost every

existing Windows laptop the webcam has

its own ISP or image signal processor

that's connected to the system over USB

2 giving it a pitiful 480 megabit per

second of bandwidth on a Snapdragon X

laptop the ISP is built directly into

the S so die and it connects to the

camera via a blistering 3.5 gabit per

second over an 18-bit mppy connection

not only is the data rate higher but it

also means near dropin compatibility for

much better phone image sensors and well

let's just put it this way I think the

results here kind of speak for

themselves and if that wasn't enough

what about second ISP okay this one runs

constantly and has some really cool

party tricks like the ability to

automatically unlock and lock your

system to enhance security and an API

that would allow app developers to build

functionality like automatically turning

off your camera in a video call if

another face was detected say for the

privacy of your children the other big

integration is qualcomm's Cutting Edge

npu or neural Processing Unit it's rated

at 45 tops of performance making it the

first processor to meet the 40 tops

minimum for Microsoft co-pilot plus

which in a nutshell means that you can

do AI stuff directly on your device

rather than relying entirely on the

cloud where speed privacy and cost

remain outstanding questions a lot of

the stuff is just kind of fun um

co-creator and paint allows you to draw

an image write a description select a

style dial up or down the creativity and

it'll spit out an AI image this is

really cool also have you ever been a DJ

and needed to isolate a particular

instrument in a song without access to

the stems wait that's really specific

are we trying that

okay

drums huh all right we'll add

base keyboards I don't want

drums okay how about vocals hit that

button

off it also includes the ability to

instantly translate and caption audio

from the 40 supported languages or

control your device using gestures to

help improve accessibility obvious

winners all around so far one of

Microsoft's biggest and most

controversial pushes with the npu is

recall which records everything that

you've done on your computer and makes

it searchable so let's say you looked at

a picture of a cute dog a couple days

ago but you don't remember if it was in

an email or if it was on Reddit well

recall can bring up every time you

looked at dogs recently this does come

with some concerns about privacy but

Microsoft says it'll be okay because

everything is stored and processed on

device with no need to send any of the

data to the cloud if that doesn't

completely satisfy you I 100% get you

and they do allow it to be disabled both

in specific apps or systemwide coming

back to other non Windows applications

they are using their npu to power this

pretty cool demo in dentu resolve where

they can use their npu to do things like

color correct for a single person in a

group or in other applications like for

example luminar they can CSI enhance and

magnify at both high speeds and without

thermal throttling now In fairness a lot

of the other operations in these

programs are still going to want a

dedicated GPU for the smoothest

experience so we had to ask it is is

that a

possibility let me put it this way

Qualcomm got a little KY when we asked

about it so instead we asked a different

question how many pcie lanes are on the

Snapdragon X Elite and the answer answer

is 16 four of them are pcie gen 3 and

are dedicated to Wi-Fi 7 at speeds of up

to 5.8 GB per second because of course

Qualcomm would have their bases covered

for wireless connectivity four of them

are Gen 4 for high-speed envme storage

leaving eight Gen 4 lanes that are just

chilling for something like a GPU

maybe who

knows I also asked them about potential

competition for the steam deck or the

Rog Ally and

again no they did actually say something

it wasn't just crickets they said we've

done Android gaming handhelds before

with our partners and then they just

stopped talking so it wouldn't surprise

me to see an extremely efficient Windows

gaming handheld down the line but that's

pure speculation what isn't speculation

is the pricing and availability of the

devices they've announced here at

computex 2024 not only are they boasting

incredible performance and battery life

they're actually undercutting the

pricing of equivalent x86 models at

launch we are still looking at pretty

premium devices here with starting

prices of $9.99 but guys these are

available for pre-order now they're

going to be shipping in mid June and hey

these are the top-end chips and I

wouldn't be surprised if you know with

Brands like plus and Elite if maybe down

the line something less Plus and less

elite were to come Guys these are very

very exciting times massive shout out

Qualcomm Technologies for sponsoring

this video getting us handson with all

these amazing devices and if you guys

are looking for something else to watch

what should I throw them to how about

the Surface RT unboxing from 12 years

ago to show you just how far we've come