- Snapdragon processors for PCs span several generations, from 7c/8cx to the powerful Snapdragon X1 and X2 series with Oryon cores.
- Its main advantage is efficiency: very lightweight, quiet laptops with real battery life that far surpasses many x86 devices.
- NPUs with up to 80 TOPS make them a benchmark for local AI and for the new Windows-based Copilot+ PCs on ARM.
- The main current limitations are full compatibility with the x86 ecosystem and an integrated GPU that is still just enough for demanding games.
Since Apple made a splash with its ARM-based M chips, more and more users are looking at this architecture for laptops and desktops with renewed interest. Qualcomm, with its Snapdragon processors for PCs, has set out to be the main alternative to the traditional Intel and AMD processors, offering a unique blend of power, exceptional battery life, and on-premises AI capabilities.
If you're considering buying a laptop with these chips or simply want to understand the role of Snapdragon processors in the PC world, the available models, and their differences, I'll break it all down for you. We'll review the different generations, their advantages, their real limitations, and how they compete against x86 processors , both in terms of raw performance and software compatibility, gaming, NPU, and everyday user experience.
What does ARM bring to the table, and why does Snapdragon want to sneak into your next laptop?
The key to understanding Snapdragon in PCs lies in the ARM versus x86 architecture. ARM is based on a very efficient RISC design, originally intended for mobile devices , where the important thing is to consume very little energy while maintaining good speed, while x86 (Intel and AMD) is based on a CISC approach, with more complex instructions and a very long history in desktop and gaming computers.
In practice, Qualcomm's chips are more like what you have in your mobile phone than a classic desktop processor, but on steroids. Their strength lies in efficiency: long battery life, slim designs, low heat generation, and sustained performance even when not plugged in—something that fits perfectly with the new Copilot+ PCs that prioritize local AI.
Along with the CPU and GPU, these SoCs integrate a very powerful NPU (Neural Processing Unit) dedicated to AI tasks. This allows artificial intelligence models to run directly on the laptop without sending data to the cloud: from summarizing text or transcribing audio to improving webcam image quality in video calls or applying smart filters to photos and videos.
The market shift is clear: it's no longer just about increasing MHz or core count, but about maintaining smooth performance while working all day, with the screen on, a constant connection, and AI features always active. That's where Qualcomm boasts of delivering more performance per watt than many recent-generation Intel Core and Apple M processors, with a particular focus on thin, light, and quiet laptops.
Overview of Snapdragon processors for PC (Mobile Compute)
Qualcomm has been experimenting with ARM-based Windows PCs for years, not just with the new X Elite and X2 series. Under the "Mobile Compute" umbrella, they have launched several families of Snapdragon chips adapted to laptops and convertibles , ranging from very modest models for inexpensive devices to quite advanced solutions.
Not all of these processors are still used in new releases, but understanding them helps a lot in seeing Qualcomm's evolution in this area. Let's take a look at the main series, from the oldest to the most recent , and what kind of laptops each one targeted.
Snapdragon 835 and 850: ARM's first steps in Windows
The Snapdragon 835 and 850 were the pioneers in bringing ARM to "always-connected" Windows laptops. The Snapdragon 835 (MSM8998) was manufactured using a 10nm process by Samsung and featured eight Kryo 280 cores up to 2,45 GHz , with an Adreno 540 GPU, Hexagon 682 DSP, Spectra 180 ISP, and LPDDR4X-1866 memory support.
Its successor, the Snapdragon 850, also built on a 10nm process, took a step up in performance while maintaining the ultra-mobility concept. It offered eight Kryo 385 cores clocked at 2,96 GHz , along with an Adreno 630 GPU, Hexagon 685 DSP, and Spectra 280 ISP, using the same LPDDR4X-1866 memory. These chips were clearly geared towards extreme battery life and integrated 4G/5G connectivity, rather than raw processing power.
Snapdragon 7c and 7c+ Gen 3: Entry-level for affordable laptops
For budget-friendly devices, Chromebooks, and entry-level Windows laptops, Qualcomm created the 7c series. The Snapdragon 7c (SC7180) came with an 8nm process, eight Kryo 468 cores up to 2,4 GHz, and an Adreno 619 GPU , accompanied by the Hexagon 692 DSP, Spectra 350 ISP, and LPDDR4X-2133 memory support.
Shortly after, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 (SC7180A) appeared, which was essentially a minor revision. It retains the eight Kryo 468 cores but slightly increases the frequency to 2,55 GHz , keeping the same Adreno 619 GPU, DSP, and ISP, as well as LPDDR4X-2133 support, with the focus on providing a bit more performance without significantly increasing power consumption or cost.
The most significant leap forward came with the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 (SC7285), built on a 6nm process, featuring a hybrid 8-core design (4 high-performance and 4 high-efficiency cores). This chip incorporates a more capable Adreno 643 GPU, a Hexagon 696 DSP, and a Spectra 355 ISP , while maintaining support for LPDDR4X-2133 memory and significantly improving overall responsiveness in everyday tasks and some multimedia applications.
Snapdragon 8c: a step further in performance
For more serious laptops, without reaching the top end, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8c. The 7nm Snapdragon 8c (SC8180X) integrates eight Kryo 490 cores at 2,45 GHz , along with the Adreno 675 GPU, Hexagon 695 DSP, and Spectra 390 ISP, with LPDDR4X-2133 memory. This chip already aimed for performance closer to lower mid-range x86 processors, while maintaining the philosophy of long battery life.
Snapdragon 8cx (Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3): the first “PC-first”
When Qualcomm got serious about PCs, the Snapdragon 8cx was born, designed specifically for Windows laptops. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 1 (SC8180XP), built on a 7nm process, features eight Kryo 495 cores clocked at 2,85 GHz , along with an Adreno 680 GPU, Hexagon 686 DSP, and Spectra 390 ISP, supporting LPDDR4X-2133 memory.
The second iteration, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 (SC8180HP), remained on the 7nm process but offered some performance improvements. It retained the eight Kryo 495 cores but increased the clock speed to 3,15 GHz , using the same Adreno 680 GPU, Hexagon 686 DSP, and Spectra 390 ISP. It targeted ultra-thin, always-connected laptops running Windows on ARM, which was still somewhat inexperienced in terms of compatibility.
The big leap came with the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 (SC8280), already on a 5nm process and with a hybrid architecture. It integrates 8 Kryo 670 cores (4 performance and 4 efficiency) at 3,0 GHz , a much more powerful Adreno 690 GPU, a Hexagon 785 DSP and a Spectra 570 ISP, and for the first time, support for LPDDR4X and LPDDR5 memory (up to 6400 MT/s in LPDDR5), which marked a turning point in performance and AI capabilities.
Microsoft SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3: custom variants for Surface
Meanwhile, Microsoft collaborated with Qualcomm to launch its own "tuned" chips for the Surface line. The Microsoft SQ1, based on the 8cx Gen 1 and manufactured using a 7nm process, features eight Kryo 495 cores clocked at 3,0 GHz , a custom Adreno GPU with increased thermal headroom, a Hexagon 686 DSP, and a Spectra 390 ISP, along with LPDDR4X-2133 memory.
Next came the Microsoft SQ2, derived from the 8cx Gen 2. It also features 8 Kryo 495 cores at 3,15 GHz , a custom Adreno GPU, the same DSP and ISP, and LPDDR4X-2133 support. These chips are designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows and offer a premium experience on Surface devices.
The Microsoft SQ3 is the most advanced, based on the 8cx Gen 3 in 5nm. It uses 8 Kryo 670 cores with a hybrid design (4P + 4E), an Adreno 690 GPU, and an NPU integrated within the Hexagon 785 DSP , in addition to the Spectra 570 ISP and support for LPDDR4X/5 memory up to 6400 MT/s, designed for always-connected laptops with a strong focus on AI.
Snapdragon X Series (Oryon): the strong bet to compete with Intel, AMD and Apple
With all this prior experience, Qualcomm has gone on the offensive with a new, much more ambitious generation: the Snapdragon X family based on Oryon cores. Here, the goal is no longer just battery life, but to go head-to-head with Apple M, Intel Core Ultra, and the latest generation Ryzen processors , both in sustained performance and AI capabilities.
The Snapdragon X series comes in two main lines: the first generation, the X1, and the second, the X2, both with different variants depending on power consumption, number of cores, and clock speeds. In all cases, we're talking about SoCs designed for Windows Copilot+ laptops with a very powerful NPU and the latest connectivity (5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4).
Snapdragon X1 Series: First batch of Oryon
The Snapdragon X1 processors are manufactured using a 4nm process, and their main innovation is the high-performance and highly efficient Oryon CPU. At the top of the range is the X1E-84-100, a chip with 12 Oryon cores at 3,8 GHz with dual-core boost up to 4,2 GHz , an Adreno X1-85 GPU with approximately 4,6 TFLOPS of power, a Hexagon NPU with 45 TOPS, and a Spectra ISP supporting up to 64 MP, along with LPDDR5X-8448 memory.
Below that, we find the X1E-80-100, also a 12-core Oryon processor built on a 4nm process, but with slightly more modest clock speeds. This model operates at 3,4 GHz with a boost clock up to 4,0 GHz , integrates a 3,8 TFLOPS Adreno X1-80 GPU, and retains the 45 TOPS NPU and LPDDR5X-8448 support, targeting high-performance laptops that are also more efficient and run cooler.
Rounding out this first series is the X1P-82-100, which we could consider the "Plus" step up. It features 10 Oryon cores at 3,4 GHz , an Adreno X1-80 GPU with 3,8 TFLOPS, and the same NPU with 45 TOPS, supporting LPDDR5X-8448 memory. It's the chip designed for systems that prioritize battery life without sacrificing performance.
Snapdragon X2 Series: leap to 3nm and total focus on AI
The second generation arrives with the Snapdragon X2 series, where Qualcomm clearly raises the bar in terms of cores and NPU. These chips are manufactured using a 3nm process and combine up to 18 Oryon cores with very high frequencies , an 80 TOPS NPU, and a more efficient and powerful Adreno GPU than the X1 generation.
At the top of the range is the Snapdragon X2E-96-100, known as the Elite Extreme. It offers 18 Oryon cores at 4,0 GHz with a boost clock of up to 4,7 GHz (and some models are expected to reach 5,0 GHz) , an Adreno X2-90 GPU, and a Hexagon NPU with 80 TOPS, LPDDR5X-8448 memory support with a potential of up to 9523 MT/s, and next-generation connectivity. On paper, it's the direct rival to the most powerful Apple M processors and the top-of-the-line Core Ultra processors.
Slightly below is the X2E-88-100, also with 18 Oryon cores on a 3nm process. This model operates at 3,6 GHz with a boost up to 4,5 GHz , maintains the 80 TOPS NPU, and supports LPDDR5X-8448 memory, designed for very thin laptops but with plenty of power in both CPU and AI.
The lower-power variant is the X2P-86-100, aimed at more balanced systems. It integrates 14 Oryon cores at 3,2 GHz with Boost up to 4,0 GHz , an Adreno X2-85 GPU, and the same 80 TOPS NPU, while maintaining LPDDR5X-8448 memory. It's a chip designed for lightweight laptops that need hours of battery life with very good overall performance.
In addition to these models, Qualcomm often releases binning variants with fewer active cores or reduced frequencies, but these top-of-the-line models are always the benchmark. In all cases, the goal is to combine sustained power with battery life that outperforms many x86 laptops , without sacrificing the advanced AI features of Copilot+ PC.
Technical comparison: Snapdragon X Elite / X2 vs. Intel, AMD, and Apple
On paper, the Snapdragon X Elite and X2 look very promising, but it's important to put them in context against x86 rivals and Apple. Qualcomm boasts up to 75% more CPU performance at the same power output compared to the competition and a 2,3x improvement in GPU performance per watt over its own previous generation.
In synthetic benchmarks like Cinebench 2024, Qualcomm places the X Elite in the 1140-1200 range in multithreaded performance. These scores surpass CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5900X and put them ahead of the Intel Core i5-13500 and Core i7-12700KF in specific scenarios, although it's always advisable to take the manufacturer's numbers with a grain of salt until more independent benchmarks are available.
On the GPU, things are more nuanced. The Adreno integrated into the X1E-84-100 is around 4,6 TFLOPS, similar to the Intel Arc 100 integrated into a Core 9 Ultra 185H and slightly below a Radeon 780M (which has a trick up its sleeve due to its Dual-Issue RDNA design). In the X2 series, Qualcomm claims up to 2,3 times better performance per watt compared to the previous generation, although exact TFLOPS figures haven't been widely released yet.
Qualcomm claims that its Snapdragon X processors outperform some M2 Max processors in efficiency and performance, at least in the tests they've demonstrated, in contrast to Apple. In AI tasks, the X1's 45 TOPS NPU and the X2's 80 TOPS clearly place them above many current Core Ultra processors , allowing them to run models with up to 13.000 billion parameters locally, without requiring a dedicated GPU or cloud computing.
In practice, initial reviews of commercial laptops with Snapdragon X Series processors show that CPU performance is very solid for multitasking, advanced productivity, and light to medium content creation. The integrated GPU performs well for the interface, multimedia, and some editing, but it still falls short of what a dedicated graphics card or the strongest Intel and AMD iGPUs offer for serious gaming —a point Qualcomm will need to address in future generations.
Real-world experience with Snapdragon X laptops: battery life, performance, and compatibility
Beyond the specifications, what truly matters is how these devices perform in everyday use. In real-world tests with laptops like the ASUS ZenBook A14 or the VivoBook S 15 equipped with Snapdragon X and X Plus processors, the experience has been quite positive. The first thing that stands out is the battery life: we're talking about long days without hardly having to worry about the charger , with real-world figures of around 18 hours in mixed use compared to the 30+ hours advertised by some manufacturers.
The initial Windows setup is identical to that of an x86 laptop, and as soon as you start installing programs, the pleasant surprises begin. More and more developers are offering native ARM versions of their applications , from text editors like Calmly Writer to image editing tools like Paint.NET or Photoshop, as well as Microsoft Office, browsers, and the entire basic toolkit for work and study.
When there's no ARM version, you enter the realm of emulation with Windows 11 on ARM. The good news is that many x86 apps install and run without issue, including resource-intensive software like Adobe Premiere , which doesn't yet have a native ARM version but runs in emulation with more than acceptable performance for modest projects.
For everyday tasks like office work, browsing, messaging, light photo and video editing, and multimedia consumption, the experience is very similar to that of a modern x86 laptop. The system responds quickly, power mode changes are smooth, and the computer generally operates very quietly , thanks in part to the efficient architecture and the reduced need for aggressive cooling.
It's also worth noting that, unlike many x86 laptops, you don't need to be plugged in to get the most out of it. Snapdragon X processors can run at full capacity even on battery power alone , and some models include a "Full Speed" mode or similar feature that doesn't require a charger to be plugged in to unleash all available thermal power.
Current limitations: compatibility, drivers, virtualization, and GPU
It's not all perfect, though. The biggest stumbling block for Snapdragon PCs remains compatibility with the entire x86 ecosystem, which has been maturing for decades. While most typical user applications work well thanks to improved emulation in Windows 11 , there are specific cases that continue to cause problems.
On the one hand, there's older software, highly specialized professional tools, or applications with very particular drivers that may fail to start or suffer significant performance losses when emulated. Virtualization is also a sensitive issue: currently, you can't run x86 virtual machines with Hyper-V directly on ARM , which limits those who rely on intensive virtualized environments.
In terms of drivers and peripherals, most common devices work as they would on any other PC: USB or Bluetooth mice, external storage drives, card readers, and even network printers are recognized without issue. However, there are specific cases, such as some electronic ID card readers or certain WiFi Mesh systems , that have shown incompatibilities or erratic behavior accompanied by occasional errors.
Isolated instances of severe performance drops under heavy load have also been detected, to the point of making cursor movement difficult or forcing restarts and shutdowns. These are occasional problems, but they serve as a reminder that this Windows platform on ARM is still in a less mature stage than its x86 counterpart , and that Microsoft and Qualcomm still have work to do refining drivers and firmware.
Where these laptops really fall short is in gaming. The integrated Adreno GPU is more than adequate for the interface, video, and some acceleration tasks, but it struggles when you want to play local games at a decent quality . Simple titles like Minecraft are playable, but you have to significantly reduce the render distance, graphics detail, and FPS to achieve a reasonably smooth experience.
Graphics performance and gaming: the current Achilles' heel
If gaming is your thing, let's be clear: right now, Snapdragon X processors aren't designed to replace a laptop with a powerful integrated GPU like an Intel Arc, Radeon 780M/890M, or a dedicated graphics card. The integrated Adreno GPU is powerful enough to handle light games or competitive titles at low settings , but it's still far from offering a true "console-like" experience on laptops.
The tests with Minecraft are quite illustrative. With a very low render distance (for example, 12 chunks), minimum detail settings, a 50 FPS limit, and prioritizing performance , it's playable, yes, but it's a far cry from what other modern integrated GPUs, both Intel and AMD, allow, which already let you play at a fairly decent quality without needing a dedicated graphics card.
In benchmarks like 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, Qualcomm has shown figures of around 41,9-44 FPS for certain Snapdragon X Elite configurations. This is acceptable performance that leaves the door open for less demanding games like Fortnite, Dota 2, or similar titles with reduced settings , but it doesn't make these laptops into full-fledged gaming machines.
The positive aspect is that the platform supports cloud gaming services, where the GPU takes a back seat. Options like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna work very well on these devices , provided you have a good internet connection, and allow you to play modern titles by delegating the graphics processing to remote servers.
Looking ahead, there's room for Qualcomm to significantly improve the integrated GPU in future generations, but for now the message is clear: if you want a laptop for serious gaming, the x86 platform with a good iGPU or dedicated GPU remains the logical choice , while Snapdragon X processors shine brighter in office applications, multimedia, AI, and extreme mobility.
Copilot+, NPU and the role of AI in Snapdragon for PCs
One of Qualcomm and Microsoft's key selling points is the role of AI in Copilot+ PCs. The Snapdragon X Elite and X2 are designed to take full advantage of the new AI features in Windows 11 and future versions of the operating system , thanks to their NPUs of 45 and 80 TOPS respectively.
These NPUs, in combination with Microsoft Mu , handle everything that would be too inefficient for the CPU or GPU. This includes real-time language translation, intelligent image and sound enhancement in video calls, assisted content generation and editing , and productivity tools that analyze, summarize, or reorganize information in the background without draining the battery.
The on-device approach has several clear advantages: lower latency, reduced data consumption, and a significant boost in privacy, since you don't need to constantly upload your information to the cloud to obtain intelligent results. Qualcomm has been working in this area for years thanks to its experience in mobile devices , and this is evident in the finely tuned power management for these tasks.
Furthermore, the Copilot+ ecosystem is designed so that these AI capabilities are not an isolated extra, but rather an integral part of your daily workflow. Features such as revisiting what you were doing earlier, filtering content by context, and automatically enhancing photos and videos rely on this combination of CPU, GPU, and NPU, with the NPU playing a key role in terms of efficiency.
Manufacturers like ASUS have already begun launching dedicated devices with Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and variants, such as the ZenBook A14, Vivobook S14/S15/S16, Vivobook 14/16, and the ProArt PZ13, geared towards creatives. All of these leverage the synergy between AI-focused hardware and the Copilot+ ecosystem , positioning themselves as "future-ready" laptops for personal computing.
Snapdragon processors for PCs have gone from being an experimental curiosity to a very serious alternative for those who value battery life, quiet operation, constant connectivity, and local AI execution over pure gaming. The Snapdragon X Elite and X2 offer highly competitive CPU performance, massive NPUs, and a user experience that, aside from some compatibility issues and a still-modest integrated GPU for gaming, feels as solid as on many x86 laptops . If you're looking for a machine for office work, multimedia, light creative tasks, and long days away from a power outlet, they're definitely worth considering over traditional Intel, AMD, and Apple processors.
