Challenging Intel's dominance in PC chips! Qualcomm launches AI PC chip Snapdragon X Plus 8

Author: Zhao Yuhe

Source: Hard AI

In order to seize the demand from electronic device manufacturers to integrate AI into their devices, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor at the IFA conference in Berlin, Germany on Wednesday. Analysts believe that this new AI PC processor will increase Qualcomm's challenge to Intel's dominant position in the PC processor market.

The Snapdragon X Plus 8 processor is designed for PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system, promising to handle AI tasks while maintaining long battery life.

Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X series PC chips last year. The American chip giant stated that the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor is designed for PCs priced as low as $700, aiming to expand its semiconductor products to more devices.

Implementing a Diversified Strategy by Leveraging Mobile Advantages

Traditionally, Qualcomm has designed chips for many top smartphone manufacturers, but this year the company has increased its efforts in the PC field. Earlier, Microsoft announced the launch of Surface Laptop and Surface Pro tablets with Qualcomm X series chips, allowing these devices to run some AI tasks without an internet connection. Microsoft refers to these devices as Copilot+ PCs.

In an interview with the media, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated that the company's entry into the PC chip market is part of its "diversification" strategy to move away from relying solely on mobile chipsets. The company is also heavily developing its growing automotive business, with AI being a key component of its strategy.

"We are moving towards diversification and ensuring that our technology is now expanding into other markets," he added.

He also noted that the PC market is undergoing "fundamental" changes for two reasons: the convergence of mobile devices and PCs, and the integration of AI with desktop computers. People expect to have the same performance experience on PCs as they do on smartphones, such as battery life.

Analysts point out that Qualcomm's timing in entering the PC market is crucial. Neil Shah, a partner at Counterpoint Research, highlighted the trend of "on-device AI," where artificial intelligence is applied on hardware rather than processed through the internet, which benefits Qualcomm. Qualcomm has designed processors for smartphones that can achieve this functionality.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series is based on the architecture of the UK chip design company Arm, allowing these processors to efficiently run complex applications. This is crucial for extending the battery life of devices Shah said:

"Since the AI ​​boom last year, everything has revolved around AI, which is very beneficial for Qualcomm because they are already leading in low-power AI mobile device experiences. It is not difficult to transfer this technology to the PC form."

Shah also stated that Microsoft's support is crucial for Qualcomm to break into the mainstream PC market, as Windows is one of the world's largest operating systems. "For Qualcomm, the timing is just right."

PC Chip Roadmap

Amon mentioned that looking ahead, Qualcomm's goal is to focus on its AI-centric Snapdragon X series chips and expand them to all personal computing devices, including smaller PCs.

"Now is the time to bring AI PCs into the mainstream, and we see a huge opportunity to expand the desktop market. Next, we will see Qualcomm launch mini desktop PCs and continue to add products, eventually having a full range of products."

Many major PC manufacturers have already adopted Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips. Companies like Lenovo have launched Copilot+ PCs based on Qualcomm chips and the Windows operating system.

Currently, PCs still account for only a small portion of Qualcomm's total revenue. However, Shah mentioned that the number of PCs equipped with Qualcomm processors this year may increase by 300% compared to last year.

Although Microsoft previously stated that Copilot+ PCs with Intel and AMD chips will be launched later, Qualcomm has taken the lead. In response to Qualcomm's AI PC chips, Intel launched the Core Ultra 200V series processors on Tuesday, aimed at providing AI processing capabilities for PCs, expected to be launched this month. Intel claimed in a press release that these chips are "power-efficient" because device manufacturers want to provide high-performance AI with longer battery life.

Amon stated that Qualcomm will share the latest information on Microsoft's sales of Surface PCs with the giant chip. He said, "Currently, their sales have actually exceeded our expectations. Both Microsoft and Qualcomm have stated that initial sales have exceeded expectations. But we are just getting started."

Qualcomm's stock price rose 2.93% to $168.02 during Wednesday's trading.

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