On September 25, Qualcomm went beyond smartphone chips and unveiled its second-generation PC processors: the Snapdragon X2 Elite and the more powerful X2 Elite Extreme. Alongside the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for mobile, these processors mark Qualcomm’s boldest move yet into the high-performance computing space.
A Historic Milestone: First ARM CPU Above 5GHz
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme packs 18 CPU cores (12 high-performance at 4.4GHz + 6 efficiency at 3.6GHz), with two cores capable of hitting 5GHz—a first in the ARM ecosystem. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process and powered by Qualcomm’s 3rd-gen Oryon architecture, this chip is designed to go head-to-head with Apple’s M-series and Intel’s Meteor Lake.
With 53MB cache and triple-channel 192-bit LPDDR5X memory running at 9523 MT/s (offering 228GB/s bandwidth), Qualcomm is clearly targeting ultrabook-class laptops and 2-in-1s.
Performance: Redefining the ARM Laptop Standard
According to Qualcomm benchmarks:
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+39% single-core performance
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+50% multi-core performance
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+44% better efficiency vs. competitors at the same power draw
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In Geekbench 6.5, performance can exceed rivals by up to 75% under identical power.
The GPU sees a 2.3x performance-per-watt boost, while the NPU (AI engine) now delivers 80 TOPS (up from 45 TOPS) — a 78% leap, putting Qualcomm firmly in the AI PC conversation. 
Ultra-Thin Reference Designs at Snapdragon Summit
At the Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm showed off reference devices:
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A 9.9mm thin ultrabook, slimmer than most keyboards.
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Powered by the X2 Elite (18-core, 80 TOPS AI, 15W sustained performance).
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Features AirJet solid-state cooling modules (at ~$35 each, though prices may drop in mass production).
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Equipped with dual USB-C ports, SIM card slot, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.
As a foreigner attending the event, what struck me most wasn’t just the raw performance numbers—it was how “cool” and futuristic these prototypes looked, embodying the sleek design language we usually associate with Apple’s MacBook Air, but backed by Qualcomm’s AI-first DNA.
Market Position: A True Challenger to Apple and Intel
The Snapdragon X2 Elite will ship in multiple configurations (18-core and 12-core), with integrated Snapdragon X75 5G modem and FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Qualcomm expects first commercial devices in H1 2026.
For years, ARM laptops have been niche, but with the AI PC trend exploding on Google Trends and consumer searches for “best laptops for AI tasks” surging, Qualcomm’s move could be perfectly timed. If the X2 Elite can deliver on real-world battery life and developer ecosystem, it might finally give global consumers a true alternative to Apple Silicon laptops.
