Qualcomm’s push into Windows PCs gains momentum with its new sequel chip, shaping expectations for machines through 2026. This year, the company unveils not one but two flagship CPUs: the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme a name that practically screams a power chord. Announced at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii (full disclosure: Gizmodo’s travel and lodging were covered by Qualcomm, with no coverage required), these chips spotlight graphics performance like never before.
How well they handle gaming or other graphics-heavy tasks, however, will hinge on Qualcomm’s ability to navigate app compatibility challenges. Building on last year’s Snapdragon X series, the X2 Elite duo represents the company’s top-tier ambition, with the Extreme model taking the lead in raw power and bold branding.
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More power for Windows on ARM
The X2 Elite Extreme packs 18 of Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU cores on a 3nm process with a 53MB cache. Twelve “prime cores” run at 4.4GHz, or up to 5GHz with dual-core boost, while six additional performance cores operate at 3.6GHz. Clock speeds alone don’t define a chip’s real-world power, but they hint at a highly responsive processor. ARM-based chips like Qualcomm’s are also far more power-efficient than many alternatives, and the X2 Elite series promises 31% better performance per watt compared to last year’s X Elite.
Equally notable is Qualcomm’s upgraded Adreno GPU, which the company claims delivers 2.3x better performance per watt. Beyond higher frame rates, the GPU also supports ray tracing for more realistic lighting though actual gaming performance will depend on app compatibility.
Compatibility is still a conundrum
The Snapdragon X series uses ARM-based CPUs, a completely different microarchitecture than the x86 chips from Intel and AMD. That difference has caused compatibility issues for many apps. Microsoft and Qualcomm have worked with developers to bridge the gap: Adobe’s Creative Suite runs on ARM Windows, Razer plans to optimize its Synapse app soon, and Maxon tools like ZBrush should be ARM-compatible by early 2026. Yet some software, such as AutoCAD, remains incompatible, and many games still require significant porting effort. Microsoft’s Prism emulator helps some titles run, while rumors suggest Valve may develop its own ARM compatibility layer for Steam.
At Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm highlighted games already running on ARM, including Fortnite via Epic Online Services’ anti-cheat—but anti-cheat remains a sticking point for other online titles.
Qualcomm also continues to push AI performance. The new neural processing unit (NPU) on the X2 Elite hits 80 TOPS, up from 45 TOPS on the original Snapdragon X, potentially enabling more on-device AI without overloading the GPU. Still, compelling features for these limited AI models remain to be seen.
Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme-powered PCs are expected early in 2026. CES 2026 will likely showcase ARM-based lightweight laptops as premium offerings, though tariffs could make pricing unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme?
It’s Qualcomm’s flagship ARM-based CPU for Windows PCs, featuring 18 Oryon cores on a 3nm process, with up to 5GHz dual-core boost and a 53MB cache. It emphasizes both CPU responsiveness and advanced GPU performance.
How does it differ from Intel or AMD chips?
Snapdragon X2 CPUs use ARM architecture, unlike Intel and AMD’s x86. This makes them more power-efficient but can cause software and game compatibility issues.
What’s new in graphics performance?
The upgraded Adreno GPU delivers 2.3x better performance per watt and supports ray tracing for realistic lighting. Frame rates and gaming performance will vary depending on app compatibility.
Which apps currently work on ARM-based Snapdragon PCs?
Adobe Creative Suite runs on ARM, Razer’s Synapse app is being optimized, and Maxon apps like ZBrush will be supported by early 2026. Some apps, like AutoCAD, remain incompatible.
What about gaming on ARM?
Certain games, including Fortnite, are compatible. Microsoft’s Prism emulator and potential ARM layers from companies like Valve may help other games run, though anti-cheat issues remain a challenge.
How is AI handled on Snapdragon X2?
The X2 features an upgraded NPU with 80 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), enabling more on-device AI processing without overloading the GPU. Current AI applications remain limited.
When will Snapdragon X2 PCs be available?
Qualcomm promises new X2 Elite Extreme-powered PCs early in 2026, with a focus on lightweight, premium laptops. Pricing may be influenced by tariffs
Conclusion
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 series marks a bold step in its PC ambitions, pairing high-performance ARM cores with an upgraded GPU and NPU. While the chips promise impressive responsiveness, power efficiency, and potential for on-device AI, software and gaming compatibility remain the biggest hurdles. Developers and Microsoft are making progress, but widespread app support will take time. Expected in early 2026, Snapdragon X2-powered PCs could reshape the premium ARM laptop market, especially for users seeking lightweight, energy-efficient machines with strong graphics capabilities.