Inside Snapdragon X2 Elite: Qualcomm’s Next-Gen PC Chip Promises Big Gains

After learning about the Snapdragon X2 Elite architecture, we were also given the opportunity to run some benchmarks on a trio of Qualcomm’s reference systems. We should note that we did not actually install any of the software on the systems. They were provided by Qualcomm – we couple simply kick off the tests and record the scores for a handful of popular tests.

The three system configurations included:

• Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, model X2E-96-100 – 18-core CPU, 4-slice GPU, 48GB of memory (on-package), 1TB of NVMe storage.
• Snapdragon X2 Elite, model X2E-88-100 – 18-core CPU, 4-slice GPU, 32GB of memory (external), 1TB of NVMe storage.
• Snapdragon X2 Elite, model X2E-80-100 – 12-core CPU, 3-slice GPU, 32GB of memory (external), 1TB of NVMe storage.

As you look at some of the benchmark scores, note that the 12-core Snapdragon X2 Elite operates at lower CPU and GPU frequencies than the higher-end parts, and it features a scaled-back, 3-slice Adreno X2 GPU versus the 4-slice design in the 18-core parts.

Snapdragon X2 Elite GPU Performance Expectations

While we on the subject of GPU performance, here’s how Qualcomm claims the Adreno X2 stacks up relatively to the previous-gen and competing platforms from Intel and AMD. As you can see, the Snapdragon X2 Elite offers significantly more graphics performance than the original and it competes very well with Intel’s and AMD’s current-gen iGPUs – winning in most of game tests shown here.

Snapdragon X2 Elite CPU And AI Performance Expectations

CPU performance also looks good on the Snapdragon X2 Elite. As you can see in this matrix of tests, the Snapdragon X2 Elite offers excellent single-thread performance and class-leading multi-thread performance, thanks in no small part to its 18-core design, though the 12-core part also performs very well. (We plan to graph some of these results relative to other laptop platforms we’ve tested shortly – check back soon).


Versus competing platforms, the Snapdragon X2 Elite offers significantly more performance in Cinebench 2024 than competing platforms, with better power efficiency as well.


Qualcomm has also been touting the Snapdragon X Elite’s AC vs. DC performance for a while now. It’s well known that most Intel and AMD powered notebooks nosedive when running on battery power, but that is not the case with the Snapdragon X2 Elite. Performance in most workloads is unchanged on DC power, and when it is reduced it’s only by a few percentage points.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Preliminary Conclusions

Until we’ve had the opportunity to test retail-ready Snapdragon X2 hardware, which hopefully won’t be long now, we will be cautiously optimistic about the platform’s performance and efficiency. At this early stage, it certainly looks strong.

Many of the initial indicators regarding the Snapdragon X2 series seem very positive. Second generation products like this typically improve upon the originals in numerous (and significant) ways and many of the growing pains associated with the original Snapdragon X Elite have been alleviated. Qualcomm is still facing an uphill battle in the PC notebook / laptop markets, but with a more powerful and feature rich hardware platform, and continual updates and enhancements from Microsoft and ISV partners, it’s safe to say the Snapdragon X2 Elite will be in a much better position when it launches than the original, which probably means good things for Qualcomm.