- Two PC platforms: Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and X2 Elite with 3nm Oryon CPU and 80TOPS NPU.
- Three confirmed models (X2E-96-100, X2E-88-100 and X2E-80-100) with differences in cores, cache, GPU and memory.
- Performance and efficiency improvements: up to 31% more CPU at the same power consumption and up to 43% less energy, according to Qualcomm.
- Next-generation connectivity: 5G X75, WiFi 7, USB4 at 40 Gbps and support for 4K/144 Hz and 5K displays.
Qualcomm has updated its PC bet with the new Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme, a second generation that seeks to increase sustained performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities on Windows computers, both laptops and mini PCs.
The company places AI at the center of the experience with a 80 TOPS NPU across the family and promises long battery life without compromising speed. The first commercial models are planned for the first half of 2026 if the deadlines are met.
Range and main new features
The technical basis of this generation is the CPU Qualcomm Oryon (3rd) manufactured in 3 nm, accompanied by new Adreno X2 graphics and the aforementioned 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU to accelerate local artificial intelligence tasks.
In efficiency, Qualcomm reports notable improvement figures: up to 31% more performance compared to the previous generation with the same consumption or up to 43% less energy to achieve the same level of performance. The GPU is also advancing with up to 2,3x more performance per watt compared to the previous series.
The goal of these platforms is to sustain high workloads without performance drops and enable Copilot+ PC experiences, prioritizing the execution of AI models on the device itself to reduce latencies and maintain privacy.
All this comes with next-generation connectivity and a renewed security block, with functions for remote management and protection from the chip designed for professional environments.
Confirmed models and differences
Three variants are contemplated at launch: Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme X2E-96-100, Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100 y Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-80-100, with changes in the number of cores, frequencies, graphics and memory.
El X2E-96-100 (Extreme) adds up to 18 Oryon cores (12 Prime + 6 Performance), 53 MB cache, Adreno X2-90 GPU at 1,85 GHz and 80 TOPS NPU. It integrates LPDDR5X RAM into the packaging with up to 48 GB in triple channel and a bandwidth of 228 GB/s.
El X2E-88-100 It maintains the 18 cores but at more moderate frequencies, with the Adreno X2-90 at 1,7 GHz and external LPDDR5X memory that offers 152 GB/s of bandwidth; the NPU retains the 80 TOPS.
Below, the X2E-80-100 It adopts a 12-core configuration (6 Prime + 6 Performance), reduces the cache up to 34 MB and incorporates a GPU Adreno X2-85 at 1,7 GHzAI acceleration remains at 80 TOPS and external storage remains at 152 GB/s.
3nm Oryon CPU architecture
Qualcomm combines 12 performance-oriented Prime cores With six high-efficiency (Performance) cores to balance power and consumption. The design aims to maintain fluidity during intense multitasking and sustained loads.
The announced frequencies place the Prime up to 4,4 GHz and the Performance at 3,6 GHz, with the possibility of applying a spot boost up to 5,0 GHz on two cores in the Extreme model, which Qualcomm presents as the first ARM PC to reach that figure.
In cache, the top of the range adds 53 MB total, a leap that reinforces overall performance and, according to the brand, can translate into up to 75% more CPU performance compared to competing alternatives with equal consumption.
All models benefit from the 3nm node and task scheduling optimizations between CPU, GPU and NPU to Maximize autonomy while maintaining performance in thin and light equipment.
Graphics and multimedia
The new Adreno X2 improves performance per watt by up to 2,3x compared to the previous generation and introduces advances in Ray Tracing and compatibility with DirectX 12.2 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.3 and OpenCL 3.0 for content creation and casual gaming on laptops.
By configurations, the Extreme equips the Adreno X2-90 at 1,85 GHz; the X2E-88-100 maintains the X2-90 at 1,7 GHz, while the X2E-80-100 integrates the Adreno X2-85 at 1,7 GHz. In video output, there is support for 4K internal panels at 144 Hz (eDP 1.5) and up to three external 4K/144 Hz or 5K/60 Hz displays, with a VPU capable of encoding and decoding 8K content at the same time.
On-Device AI: 80-TOPS Hexagon NPU
The big leap comes in AI acceleration: all X2s incorporate a 80 TOPS NPU to enable Copilot+ PC experiences, run generative models locally, and accelerate editing, transcription, or computer vision workflows without relying on the cloud.
Next to the main NPU, the Qualcomm Sensing Hub integrates a dual micro NPU system to manage tasks very low consumption linked to sensors and context. The increased memory bandwidth in the Extreme (up to 228 GB/s) makes loading easier more complex models with less penalty.
Connectivity and expansion
Connectivity is up to date with 5G Snapdragon X75 (up to 10 Gbps download and 3,5 Gbps upload), WiFi 7 with FastConnect 7800 y Bluetooth 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound, designed for low latency and advanced audio.
In ports, there are USB4 at 40 Gbps (up to three USB-C), while storage support is offered NVMe SSD with dual PCIe 5.0, memories UFS 4.0 and SDXC/SD Express cards. The Extreme and X2E-88-100 include 12 PCIe 5.0 lanes and 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes; the X2E-80-100 maintains 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes and reduces the PCIe 5.0 to 8.
For internal and external video, eDP 1.5 and DisplayPort 1.4 are supported, with display configurations reaching 4K at 144Hz and 5K at 60Hz, depending on the number of monitors connected and the model.
Autonomy, security and management
Qualcomm insists on a philosophy of autonomy of several days thanks to the coordination between CPU, GPU and NPU and efficiency improvements (up to 43% less consumption compared to the previous generation, in equivalent scenarios).
In terms of safety, the X2s incorporate Qualcomm SPU compatible with Microsoft Pluton to protect from the hardware, and the package Snapdragon Guardian with remote management and administration capabilities geared toward enterprise fleets.
The first Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme-powered devices aim to premium laptops, mini PCs and AIOs during the first half of 2026, in collaboration with various manufacturers who are finalizing their Copilot+ PC designs.
With a combination of 3nm Oryon CPU, 80TOPS NPU and Adreno X2 graphics, the Snapdragon X2 series aims to strengthen Windows on ARM with tangible improvements in sustained performance, efficiency and modern connectivity, and with scaled configurations for different types of laptops.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.