Qualcomm makes x2 elite extreme faster by copying apple by putting memory on a die
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H are both high-performance processors targeting laptops and workstations, but they differ notably in architecture, core configuration, performance claims, and power efficiency.
Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Architecture & Cores: ARM-based with 18 CPU cores (12 prime cores up to 5.0 GHz, 6 performance cores up to 3.6 GHz).
Performance: Qualcomm claims up to 75% more CPU performance at ISO power compared to Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, with the first Arm chip to reach a 5 GHz boost clock. It also features an upgraded Adreno GPU with up to 1.85 GHz clock and a Hexagon NPU capable of 80 TOPS AI processing.
Memory & Bandwidth: Supports LPDDR5x RAM with a 192-bit bus and bandwidth of 228 GB/s.
Power Efficiency: Qualcomm claims 44% more CPU performance per watt than Intel's 285H.
Other features: Supports multi-day battery life, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, advanced security, and can drive multiple 5K monitors.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285H Architecture & Cores: x86 architecture with 16 cores (6 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 2 low power efficiency cores), up to 5.4 GHz turbo frequency.
Performance: Strong single-core and multi-core performance with built-in Intel Arc 140T GPU (8 Xe2 graphics cores), AI boost with up to 13 TOPS.
Memory & Bandwidth: Supports up to 192GB LPDDR5/x or DDR5 RAM, dual-channel memory design.
Power Consumption: Base power 35-45W, up to 115W turbo.
Other features: PCIe Gen 5 support, Thunderbolt 4 ports, designed for creator-focused laptops, enterprise workstations, and gaming.
Summary Tables
| Feature | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | ARM64, 18 cores (12 prime + 6 perf) | x86, 16 cores (6P + 8E + 2LP) |
| Max CPU Clock | 5.0 GHz (prime cores) | 5.4 GHz (performance cores) |
| GPU | Adreno X2-90 up to 1.85 GHz | Intel Arc 140T, 8 Xe2 cores, 2.35 GHz |
| AI Performance (NPU) | 80 TOPS (Hexagon NPU) | 13 TOPS (Intel AI Boost NPU) |
| RAM Support | LPDDR5x, 192-bit, 228 GB/s bandwidth (integrated on SoC) | LPDDR5/x or DDR5, dual-channel |
| Power Efficiency | 44% better CPU perf per watt vs Intel | Base 35-45W, turbo 115W |
| Target Use | Multi-day battery, Windows ARM PCs | High-performance laptops, workstations |
| Connectivity & Features | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, advanced security | PCIe Gen 5, Thunderbolt 4, AI GPU |
| Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Snapdragon X2 Elite | Snapdragon X2 Elite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | X2E-96-100 | X2E-88-100 | X2E-80-100 |
| Cores (Prime / Performance) | 12 / 6 | 12 / 6 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost frequency (Single-core / dual-core) | 5.0 GHz / 5.0 GHz | 4.7 GHz / 4.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz / 4.4 GHz |
| Multi-core max frequency | 3.6 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Total cache | 53 MB | 53 MB | 34 MB |
| Qualcomm Adreno GPU part | X2-90 | X2-90 | X2-85 |
| Max frequency (GPU) | 1.85 GHz | 1.70 GHz | 1.70 GHz |
| NPU TOPS (INT8) | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X-9523 | LPDDR5X-9523 | LPDDR5X-9523 |
| Max memory capacity | 128+ GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Bus width | 192-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Bandwidth | 228 GB/s | 152 GB/s | 152 GB/s |
| Image Signal Processor | Qualcomm Spectra ISP | Qualcomm Spectra ISP | Qualcomm Spectra ISP |
| Cellular Modem-RF | Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System | Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System | Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System |
| Connectivity | Up to Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Up to Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Up to Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Integrated Memory on Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme integrates the main system memory directly on the CPU die (SoC). This design drastically reduces the physical distance between the processor cores and memory modules, minimizing data travel time and latency.
Advantages:
- Higher Speed: The proximity of memory to cores enables memory access at much higher speeds, improving overall system responsiveness.
- Lower Latency: Reducing distance cuts down latency, which is critical for applications needing rapid data access like AI inference and machine learning.
- Power Efficiency: Integrating memory on-chip reduces power consumption as less energy is wasted in data transmission between separate ICs.
- AI Performance: The on-die memory paired with the powerful Hexagon NPU (80 TOPS) enables faster and more efficient execution of large language models and local AI workloads, supporting multitasking and complex AI operations with reduced delay.
This approach positions the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme as a highly efficient and powerful platform, particularly well-suited for AI-intensive computing on Windows ARM laptops, making it a front-runner for future AI-optimized devices.