Qualcomm snapdragon X Elite: Powering the Future of Computing?
The tech world buzzed this past July with the arrival of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite ARM processors. these powerful processors, featuring integrated graphics from Qualcomm, represent a notable leap in mobile computing. While initial releases faced some challenges, the technology has matured, leading to a more stable and remarkable user experience. This review examines the performance of the Snapdragon X Elite, based on a recent hands-on experience with an ASUS Vivobook S 15 laptop.
Qualcomm offers eight distinct System-on-a-Chip (SoC) variations. The X Elite series, the focus of this review, boasts twelve physical cores, foregoing simultaneous multithreading (SMT) support. The less powerful X plus series offers eight and ten-core models. A visual depiction of the full lineup is shown below:
Each X Elite SoC comprises four blocks of ARM CPU cores, known as Oryon cores. Each block contains four cores and 12MB of L2 cache. While lacking L3 cache, the processors compensate with substantial L2 cache, wide cores, and the use of high-speed LPDDR5X-8448 memory.
One initially puzzling aspect is Qualcomm’s claim of a total 42MB of cache. Simple math (3 blocks x 12MB) doesn’t add up. Further investigation reveals that an additional 6MB of L2 cache resides within the “Fabric,” the bus connecting core blocks to the rest of the SoC. This cache’s utilization may not be consistent, as the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and integrated graphics processor (iGPU) have their own separate caches, not included in the CPU cache total.
The Snapdragon X Elite processors are “Copilot+ AI PC” ready, indicating robust npus with 45 TOPS performance. While this is less than AMD’s Strix Point APUs, it surpasses Intel’s offerings. The integrated graphics are Adreno-based, another Qualcomm product.
The reviewed ASUS vivobook S 15 utilizes the entry-level twelve-core model,the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100. This variant lacks Turbo Boost, with a maximum clock speed of 3.4 GHz.
Surprisingly, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 allows the processor a power limit of at least 45 watts. this contrasts with the 28-watt limits often seen in AMD and Intel notebooks, giving the Snapdragon a performance edge in certain benchmarks.
The reviewed configuration, currently priced around $1,700 USD (converted from 41,000 CZK), includes:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 12C/12T – 3.4GHz, 42MB L2 cache, 45W TDP, 4nm
- 32GB LPDDR5X-8448 RAM
- Qualcomm Adreno 741 GPU
- 15.6″ 2880×1620 OLED, 120Hz display
- Micron 2400E 1TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4
- Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 WiFi 7
the Snapdragon X Elite shows promise, offering a compelling alternative in the mobile computing landscape. Further testing and wider adoption will be key to determining its long-term impact.
ASUS VivoBook 15 Arm Review: Power and Portability in a Sleek Package?
The ASUS VivoBook 15 Arm is making waves, promising a blend of power and portability. But does it deliver on its promises? We put this sleek laptop through its paces to find out.
Out of the box, the VivoBook 15 arm boasts an impressive spec sheet. Key features include a powerful ARM processor,a vibrant display,and a robust selection of ports. The included accessories, however, presented a minor hiccup. “ASUS sent me the laptop in its normal packaging,” the reviewer noted, “but unfortunately, there was a mistake somewhere on the ASUS side and someone accidentally packed a 65W adapter in the box.” This necessitated the use of a third-party adapter for testing.
- Powerful ARM Processor
- 15.6-inch Display
- Bluetooth 5.4
- 1080p Webcam
- 4-cell, 70Wh battery
- 90W USB-C Adapter (though a 65W adapter was mistakenly included in the review unit)
- Windows 11 Pro
The laptop itself is constructed from metal, sporting a “Cool Silver” finish. Weighing in at approximately 1.42 kilograms (3.13 pounds), it’s noticeably heavier than some comparable 15.6-inch laptops, a point to consider for those prioritizing extreme portability.
Connectivity is a strong point. The left side features a generous HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-C ports (each supporting USB 4 40 Gb/s, charging, and DisplayPort output), a microSD card reader, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. The right side houses power and battery indicator leds, and two USB-A 5 Gb/s ports. While more ports are always welcome, this selection should suffice for most users.
The keyboard, a standard ASUS design, includes a somewhat unusual three-column numeric keypad. While functional, the placement of the power button within the number pad section might take some getting used to. The keyboard also features a customizable RGB LED backlight, accessible through the MyASUS utility.
the ASUS VivoBook 15 Arm presents a compelling package. Its performance, robust port selection, and attractive design make it a strong contender in the mid-range laptop market. However, the slightly higher weight and the power adapter issue during the review process are points to consider.
ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED: A Detailed Look
The ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED is making waves, and for good reason. This sleek laptop boasts impressive specs and features that cater to both casual users and demanding professionals. Let’s delve into a thorough review, exploring its strengths and weaknesses.
One of the standout features is its stunning OLED display.Boasting a resolution of 2880 x 1620 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz (reducing to 60Hz on battery power), the 16:9 aspect ratio screen delivers a vibrant and crisp visual experience. “Even though it is indeed a panel with an aspect ratio of 16:9, it fairly compensates for the higher resolution,” notes one reviewer.
Above the display, you’ll find a Full HD webcam equipped with a mechanical privacy cover – a welcome addition for security-conscious users. Integrated microphones and an IR camera for Windows Hello biometric login add to the convenience.
A closer look inside reveals a standard ASUS component layout. removing the bottom panel (secured by ten T5 Torx screws) exposes a dual-fan cooling system with two heatpipes, a sizable 70Wh battery, and a single M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 slot for storage expansion. Interestingly, while there’s a cutout for a second M.2 SSD, it lacks a thermal pad.The bottom cover itself acts as a heatsink for MOSFETs near the USB-C ports.
The SSD and battery are easily replaceable, offering users the adaptability to upgrade their system as needed. the ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED presents a compelling package of performance,features,and design,making it a strong contender in the competitive laptop market.
Gaming Performance on ARM-Based Windows 11: A Case Study
The world of PC gaming is constantly evolving,and with the rise of ARM-based processors in laptops,a new frontier is being explored. This review delves into the gaming experience on a Windows 11 system powered by a Qualcomm snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, a 12-core processor boasting a clock speed of up to 3.4 GHz, 42MB of L2 cache, and a 45W power limit. The integrated Adreno 741 GPU and NPU present a unique challenge for gaming compatibility and performance.
While Microsoft and Qualcomm have made strides in enabling x86/AMD64 submission compatibility on ARM-based Windows 11, challenges remain. “Users who use mostly common things and get a binary compiled for ARM will be OK,” the reviewer notes. However, compatibility issues with certain applications are undeniable. This was particularly evident in gaming performance.
Several popular titles presented significant hurdles. “In particular, I couldn’t get Latencymon and SPECViewperf to work, because the programs check the architecture and ARM from Qualcomm doesn’t work for them,” the reviewer stated. Games fared similarly. “Cyberpunk 2077 and DOOM Eternal don’t actually start properly and crash,” highlighting a major compatibility issue. Even *The Witcher 3*, while running, suffered from significant stutters and limited resolution support, with playable frame rates only achievable at resolutions below 1366×768, even on low settings. “The FPS moves to the lowest details somewhere between 40 and 60,” the reviewer reported.
The performance of *Counter-Strike 2* further illustrates the limitations. “Counter-Strike 2 runs at low details, 30 to 45 FPS and with frequent crashes that last easily two seconds,” a significant performance bottleneck for a competitive title. Even the strategy game *Stellaris* refused to launch, underscoring the broader compatibility challenges.
This review underscores the ongoing evolution of ARM-based computing in the PC gaming space. While progress is evident, significant hurdles remain before seamless, high-performance gaming on ARM-powered Windows 11 laptops becomes a reality for the average user. Further growth and optimization are crucial to bridge the gap between expectation and current performance.
The images included show various aspects of the system’s hardware and performance metrics, further illustrating the points discussed in the review.
ASUS Vivobook 15S: A Snapdragon-Powered Windows Laptop Review
The ASUS Vivobook 15S, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor, represents a significant step forward in Windows on ARM technology. This review delves into its performance, software compatibility, and overall user experience, providing a comprehensive assessment for the US market.
While Microsoft’s previous attempts at ARM-based windows were largely unsuccessful, the Vivobook 15S demonstrates a marked improvement. Though, the journey isn’t without its bumps. Software compatibility remains a key area of concern.”one of the few functional games is shadow of the Tomb Raider,” notes our reviewer, highlighting a significant limitation for many users.
world of Tanks enCore, another tested application, showed some promise, but only at minimum settings and 1080p resolution. “I could not select higher details and resolution in the benchmark,” the reviewer explains, underscoring the performance limitations at higher graphical demands.
The Unigine Superposition benchmark offered a mixed result. While initially running smoothly,it crashed during the final scene,preventing a complete performance evaluation. Furthermore, AI image generation tools, such as Amuse, proved incompatible, a common issue with ARM-based systems.
Blender, a popular 3D modeling software, functioned through emulation in version 4.0.2, but performance suffered compared to the native Windows ARM version 4.3. 3DMark benchmarks, however, performed as expected, offering a positive data point for performance enthusiasts.
While developers can theoretically simplify the process with a simple “Build for ARM” checkbox in Visual Studio, the reality is more complex. The reviewer concludes, “The time of x86/AMD64 is not over yet,” acknowledging the limitations of current ARM technology. However, they also praise Microsoft’s progress, stating, ”as a first real attempt…microsoft is actually quite accomplished and functional.”
The MyASUS utility, offering driver installation, firmware updates, and keyboard backlight control, functions correctly. the ASUS Vivobook 15S showcases the potential of windows on ARM, but its current limitations suggest it’s best suited for tech enthusiasts rather than the average user. Further software development is crucial for broader adoption.
Czech Army Modernizes with ASUS-equipped Vehicles
the Czech Army is undergoing a significant modernization effort, and a key component involves the integration of advanced technology into its fleet of military vehicles. A recent initiative highlights the adoption of ASUS technology in a range of new army vehicles, marking a substantial leap forward in the country’s defense capabilities.
While specific details regarding the types of ASUS technology integrated into the vehicles remain limited, the images released suggest a comprehensive technological upgrade. This modernization is expected to enhance operational efficiency, communication capabilities, and overall situational awareness for Czech soldiers.
Implications for Defense and Technology
The Czech Republic’s investment in advanced technology for its military reflects a broader trend among NATO allies to enhance their technological edge.This modernization not only improves the Czech Army’s readiness but also strengthens its interoperability with other NATO partners. The use of commercially available technology, such as ASUS products, demonstrates a cost-effective approach to military modernization, a strategy that could influence other nations’ defense spending.
The successful integration of ASUS technology into the Czech Army’s vehicles underscores the growing importance of robust and reliable technology in modern warfare. this initiative serves as a case study for other nations considering similar modernization projects, highlighting the potential benefits of leveraging commercially available, high-quality technology for defense applications.
