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.