Later this year, the first Windows 11 computers with new Snapdragon X processors will hit the market. Although we already know a lot about the platform that will power “Microsoft’s new AI computers”, it seems that Qualcomm is preparing even more. According to a new report from Android AuthorityThe company wants to release one more Snapdragon X Plus SKU and even server versions of its new processors.
As of now, Qualcomm has officially unveiled four Snapdragon X processors: three SKUs X1 Elite and one X1 Plus. However, there should be one more version of the X1 Plus with eight Oryon cores, fewer PCIe Gen 4 lanes and less powerful graphics. The SKU in question is X1P-42-100.
It is interesting to note that Qualcomm is targeting not only ordinary computers, such as the upcoming Surface Pro 10. According to reports, the company is working on server chips with Oryon cores. The “SD1” chip apparently includes the following specifications:
- 80 Orion cores at a speed of up to 3.8GHz
- 16 channels of DDR5 up to 5600MHz
- 70 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- CXL v1.1 support
- LGA socket with 9470 pins (98.0×95.0 mm)
- Support for two-socket configuration
- Built on TSMC’s 5nm process (N5P)
Qualcomm has reportedly updated its partners on its new server chip sometime in late 2021 or early 2022. The SD1 may be Qualcomm’s second attempt at server chips after the canceled Centriq in 2017.
Qualcomm has already provided the first benchmarks of its new Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors. They look similar to the modern competition, which supports a recent report that Microsoft is confident that its AI computers are capable of outperforming Apple’s MacBook Air-based M3.
Of course, real-world testing and benchmarking will have to wait until the first devices hit the market, which should happen sometime in mid-2024. Microsoft, for example, plans to unveil the ARM-powered Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 on May 20, 2024.