Qualcomm is concentrating its efforts on other platforms at the moment. Starting with Windows-on-ARM laptops and two new chipsets for them, one for high-end devices and the other for low-cost devices that nevertheless require 5G connectivity.
The high-end model is the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3. We don’t know what CPU cores are employed here because Qualcomm is keeping hardware details under wraps. We do know it’s a 5 nm chipset (a first for Windows devices), although the original 8cx and the Gen 2 were both 7 nm parts.
According to the company, the new chip will have an 85% increase in multi-core performance and a 60% rise in GPU performance over its predecessor. The NPU has also been improved, now offering over 29 TOPS, which is three times more than the prior chip.
Qualcomm claims that this can be used in fanless systems because of the low power consumption. The prior chips might be able to do so as well, but in terms of long-term performance, this one should be a clear winner. The manufacturer also claims that the laptop would last for several days on a single charge, but this will certainly vary depending on the model.
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Many of the innovations made in smartphone chips, such as improved modems, are tapped into by the 8cx Gen 3. When it comes to 5G, Qualcomm will offer laptop OEMs various options: the X65 modem, which can supply up to 10 Gbps downlink speeds, the older X55, which can deliver up to 7.5 Gbps, and the X62, which can deliver up to 4.4 Gbps downlink speeds. Local connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and the newest Wi-Fi 6E.
Qualcomm claims that this may be used in fanless designs because of the low power consumption. The prior chips might be able to do so as well, but in terms of long-term performance, this one should be a clear winner. The manufacturer also claims that the laptop would last for several days on a single charge, but this will certainly vary depending on the model.
Many of the innovations made in smartphone chips, such as improved modems, are tapped into by the 8cx Gen 3. When it comes to 5G, Qualcomm will offer laptop OEMs various options: the X65 modem, which can supply up to 10 Gbps downlink speeds, the older X55, which can deliver up to 7.5 Gbps, and the X62, which can deliver up to 4.4 Gbps downlink speeds. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are two options for local connectivity.
Other options include AI-assisted echo cancellation and noise reduction (this is where that beefy NPU comes into play). Furthermore, the chip enables numerous cameras; for example, it can simultaneously share front and back cameras for an online presentation at a workplace or at school. Working from home or studying while on the go is a big factor for this age.
The Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 is aimed at Windows laptops that aren’t too expensive. It’s made on a 6 nm process (the 7c Gen 2 was made on an 8 nm process) and has a 60% faster CPU and 70 % quicker GPU than its predecessor. Qualcomm didn’t directly compare the 8cx and 7c+, of course. The NPU has 6.5 TOPS of AI computation capacity, which is a little increase (up from 5 TOPS).
Wireless connectivity has also received a significant upgrade, with 5G now being supported. It can achieve downlink speeds of up to 3.7 Gbps thanks to its X53 modem. Wi-Fi 6E is also supported, with up to 2.9 Gbps rates.
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is the first 5nm chipset for Windows-on-ARM laptops, whereas the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 is the successor to the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2.
Even though the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 only supported 4G, Qualcomm felt it was necessary to provide fast, modern connectivity to even the most basic laptops, so it switched to a 5G modem. Of course, the two new CPUs benefit from Snapdragon audio and security advancements.
Availability
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is the first 5nm chipset for Windows-on-ARM laptops, whereas the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 is the successor to the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2. The first Windows 11 laptops featuring Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and 7c+ Gen 3 processors will be available in the first half of 2022, according to Qualcomm.
