Qualcomm is making waves in the PC world with its new Snapdragon X line of chips. These chips result from the company’s efforts to move beyond the smartphone SoC space and compete with Apple Silicon in the world of Windows. The Snapdragon X line has the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus, which are Arm architecture-based new laptop chips designed for advanced performance and efficiency.
Although both chips may look the same on the surface, they have distinct differences that set them apart. Let’s examine what makes them unique.
| Processor | Cores | Total cache | Max frequency | Dual core boost | TFLOPS | NPU TOPS | Memory Type | Transfer Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon X Elite | ||||||||
| X1E-00-1DE | 12 | 42 MB | 3.8 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.6 | 45 | LPDDR5x | 8448 MT/s |
| X1E-84-100 | 12 | 42 MB | 3.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 4.6 | 45 | LPDDR5x | 8448 MT/s |
| X1E-80-100 | 12 | 42 MB | 3.4 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 3.8 | 45 | LPDDR5x | 8448 MT/s |
| X1E-78-100 | 12 | 42 MB | 3.4 GHz | None | 3.8 | 45 | LPDDR5x | 8448 MT/s |
| Snapdragon X Plus | ||||||||
| X1P-64-100 | 10 | 42 MB | 3.4 GHz | None | 3.8 | 45 | LPDDR5x | 8448 MT/s |
Core Config: Muscle Power
Starting with the basics, at the heart, both the chips share the same architecture and are based on the latest 4nm process. This lets them have superior power efficiency and performance gains over their rivals.
The most striking difference between the two chips lies in processing cores. The Snapdragon X Elite boasts a beefier 12-core setup, while the X Plus settles for a still-respectable 10-core system. This two-core gap translates to a significant advantage for the X Elite in multi-tasking scenarios. Juggling demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and running multiple browser tabs simultaneously will feel smoother on the X Elite.
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Clock Speed: The Need for Speed
In simpler terms, the clock speed determines how quickly a processor can execute instructions. Here, the X Elite maintains its edge with a core clock speed reaching up to 3.8 GHz, compared to the X Plus’s 3.4 GHz. This translates to faster performance, especially in single-threaded workloads like web browsing or basic productivity tasks.
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Graphics Performance: A Tale of Two Tiers
When it comes to graphics, both chips come with integrated Adreno X GPUs. The X Plus offers a capable 3.8 TFLOPs of performance. However, the X Elite comes in four SKUs. Two variants match the X Plus’s 3.8 TFLOPs, while the other two, the X1E-84 & X1E-00, boast a top-tier 4.6 TFLOPs performance. This results in smoother visuals in graphically demanding applications that include gaming. It’s important to remember though, that these are integrated graphics, not meant to compete with the more powerful discrete GPUs from players like Nvidia and AMD.
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AI: The Next Frontier
Interestingly, the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus share the same AI performance numbers. They are equipped with the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, which offers up to 45 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second) for AI tasks.
This means that both chips are equally capable of handling AI-driven applications, making them suitable for modern AI software. An example of this is the exclusive CoPilot deal between Qualcomm and Microsoft.
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The Takeaway: Choosing Your Champion
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus are outstanding innovations. The X Elite stands out with its higher core count, faster clock speeds, and superior GPU performance, making it the go-to choice for power users.
The X Plus, however, shouldn’t be discounted. It offers a respectable balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. The X Plus can deliver a smooth experience without breaking the bank for users prioritizing everyday tasks, browsing, and productivity.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your needs and budget. If raw power is your priority, the Snapdragon X Elite is your go-to choice. But the X Plus might be your perfect match if you value a balance between performance and affordability.
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