Snapdragon X chip Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Blender and other Windows apps are now available for Snapdragon X Windows PCs

Qualcomm showcased its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for smartphones and highlighted its Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips for Windows 11 PCs at its annual developer summit. The company announced that various content creation applications will natively support its chips for Windows 11 devices, known as Copilot+ PCs. Notable applications include Blender, which has a new version available for Snapdragon X-based Windows PCs, and Qualcomm has joined The Blender Foundation. Additionally, Qualcomm introduced a free NPU-based plug-in for Blender that simulates rendering on the NPU using a neural network. Other applications set to offer native versions for Snapdragon X-based Windows PCs include CaptureOne, a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo, and Moises. Qualcomm has not announced plans for a next-generation Snapdragon X chip.

Winsage

September 18, 2024

Microsoft may have revealed Windows 11 24H2 is coming this month

Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, on September 24, with a mandatory security update scheduled for October 8. The update will introduce features such as Voice Clarity, which enhances audio quality using AI, and "Sudo for Windows," allowing users to execute elevated commands. A new version of Microsoft Teams will support multiple accounts and improve functionality. The initial rollout will focus on flagship devices, and users can opt to receive updates sooner by enabling a specific setting in Windows Update. Windows 11 24H2 has been available on Copilot+ PCs since June and will soon extend to Intel and AMD hardware, although some advanced features will remain exclusive to Snapdragon X chip devices.

Winsage

July 12, 2024

Snapdragon X chips finally make Windows laptops competitive with MacBooks — here’s why

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X chips are setting new records for battery life in Windows laptops, outlasting MacBooks in battery tests. Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors are delivering on Qualcomm's promises, with every Snapdragon laptop tested lasting 12+ hours. Windows laptops powered by Snapdragon are now on par with MacBooks in terms of battery life. Intel's Meteor Lake chips have shown promise but Snapdragon CPUs outperform them in battery life. Qualcomm is proving to be a strong competitor in the laptop chip market.

Winsage

July 6, 2024

We tested over a dozen laptops to see how Snapdragon compares to Intel, AMD, and Apple’s chips

Microsoft has been working on making Windows on Arm a viable platform for 12 years. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are turning Windows on Arm into a competitive platform, with good performance in single-core and multicore benchmarks. The Snapdragon chips fall behind in GPU performance compared to Apple's M3 chip. The Snapdragon laptops offer longer battery life compared to Intel and AMD-based laptops. The Snapdragon Copilot Plus PCs are priced competitively and offer better performance and battery life for less money. Qualcomm's lead in Windows on Arm may be challenged by upcoming processors from Intel and AMD.

AppWizard

June 29, 2024

Tested: Don’t buy a Snapdragon X Elite laptop for PC gaming

- Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips come with integrated Adreno X1 GPUs, with varying performance levels. - Qualcomm's naming conventions for their chips can be confusing. - Intel provides integrated Arc graphics into some Intel Core Ultra chips, with varying performance levels. - Most PC games do not support Qualcomm's hardware, leading to issues with launching and playing games. - Qualcomm's Snapdragon X delivers a stable Windows software experience for everyday work applications, but struggles with PC games. - Intel Arc outperforms Qualcomm Adreno X1 in various game benchmarks, providing a more stable and playable experience. - Qualcomm's lack of support from PC game developers hinders its performance in gaming compared to Intel Arc. - Intel Arc is recommended for playing PC games on entry-level laptops over Qualcomm alternatives.

AppWizard

June 29, 2024

Tested: Don’t buy a Snapdragon X Elite laptop for PC gaming

Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips come with integrated Adreno X1 GPUs, with varying performance levels. The Qualcomm X1E-84-100 chip is the best but is exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge. Most games do not support Qualcomm's hardware, leading to issues such as games not launching or crashing. Intel provides integrated Arc graphics into some Intel Core Ultra chips, with varying performance levels. Intel Arc outperforms Qualcomm Adreno X1 in various game benchmarks, showing that Intel is a better choice for gaming on entry-level laptops.