Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform is now setting its sights on surpassing Apple, with support from ARM Holdings. While Snapdragon’s performance in laptops has shown promise, its rollout has faced challenges, including a somewhat lackluster launch by Microsoft.
Initial tests and the absence of a broader recall suggest that the platform is not yet fully ready for mainstream users. Despite these setbacks, Qualcomm is optimistic about its progress and sales. The company’s next ambitious goal is to compete directly with Apple’s Mac mini and other desktop computers, aiming to expand its presence in the high-performance computing market.
Qualcomm prepares Project Glymur to compete on desktop computers
Qualcomm has unveiled Project Glymur, an initiative to elevate the performance of its Snapdragon X Elite chips, specifically tailored for Windows 11 desktops. This ambitious project seeks to redefine the Windows PCs-on-ARM market, delivering a smoother and more efficient user experience.
The upcoming Snapdragon X Elite 2 chips are expected to bring a significant leap in speed and performance compared to their predecessors. Unlike the first generation, these chips are designed not just for laptops but also to power desktop computers.
During the Snapdragon Summit in October 2024, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon highlighted the potential of the new chips, describing them as “truly incredible” and capable of reigniting excitement in computing performance.
One of the standout features of the Snapdragon X Elite 2 is its advanced AIO liquid cooling system paired with a 120mm fan, a technology typically reserved for high-performance gaming PCs. This cooling solution suggests the chips are engineered to run at higher speeds and power levels, making them particularly well-suited for desktop applications.
The Snapdragon X Elite 2 is positioned to compete directly with Apple’s M4 processors, aiming to deliver performance on par with or exceeding that of its rival. This head-to-head competition with Apple highlights Qualcomm’s dedication to establishing a dominant presence in the Windows PC ARM market.
This move to high-performance desktop processors represents a pivotal shift for Qualcomm, potentially reshaping the PC market dynamics. With support from Microsoft and its Windows 11 ecosystem, the Snapdragon X Elite 2 promises to deliver an optimal blend of power and efficiency for desktop computing.
As for adoption by manufacturers, there’s optimism despite past challenges like the Dev Kit debacle. Geekom has taken the lead as the first to integrate these processors into its desktop solutions, and more manufacturers will likely follow suit as the technology gains traction. This could mark a significant milestone in making ARM-based desktops a mainstream choice.
