It looks like Qualcomm is gearing up for a serious performance leap with its next PC chip, the Snapdragon X2 Elite.
Highlights
- Massive performance leap: Snapdragon X2 Elite is expected to feature up to 18 CPU cores, 64GB RAM, and support for external GPUs—positioning Qualcomm to directly compete with Intel, AMD, and Apple.
- Advanced memory architecture: The System-in-Package (SiP) design integrates memory directly with the CPU, improving efficiency, speed, and battery life.
- Desktop-class thermal power: With a rumored 80W TDP, this chip is pushing into territory typically reserved for high-end desktops, not ultraportables.
- eGPU support in the works: Native external GPU compatibility could unlock serious potential for content creators and gamers—something rare in ARM-based systems.
- Project Glymur codename: Ditching beachy themes, Qualcomm names this project after Iceland’s tallest waterfall—possibly symbolizing a new, globally competitive mindset.
- Likely branding as “X2 Ultra Premium”: Suggests a premium market push, targeting Windows-on-ARM laptops with high-end specs and AI-ready features.
- Release timeline: Official unveiling expected at Snapdragon Summit in October 2025, with commercial rollout projected for 2026.
- Strategic shift for Qualcomm: The X2 Elite may signal a major evolution in Qualcomm’s laptop ambitions—delivering AI-first performance, extreme multitasking power, and a premium user experience.
According to fresh leaks from trusted tipster Roland Quandt, this upcoming powerhouse is being tested with some eye-opening specs: up to 18 CPU cores, 64GB of RAM, and even support for external GPUs.
This isn’t just another spec bump—it could signal Qualcomm’s most aggressive attempt yet to go toe-to-toe with Apple, Intel, and AMD in the world of high-performance, AI-capable laptops.
Snapdragon X2 Elite in the Wild
Internally codenamed SC8480XP, the Snapdragon X2 Elite is currently in testing and appears to be packing some serious muscle. If the leaks are accurate, Qualcomm is pushing the core count from the original 10–12 Oryon cores on the X Elite (launched in 2023) to a whopping 18 cores.
That’s a 50% increase—and it could make a big difference for AI workflows, multitasking, and high-efficiency computing.
Also in testing: configurations with 48GB or 64GB of RAM, plus 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. Clearly, Qualcomm is experimenting with memory tiers to find the sweet spot for both high-end and mid-range Copilot+ laptops.
System-in-Package Architecture
One of the more exciting details? The System-in-Package (SiP) design. Much like Apple Silicon or Intel’s upcoming Lunar Lake platform, the SiP layout allows Qualcomm to integrate memory directly with the CPU.
This tight coupling results in faster data transfer, lower latency, and better power efficiency—critical for laptops where battery life matters just as much as speed.
80W TDP? That’s Desktop-Class Ambition
Here’s where things get interesting. Reports suggest that Qualcomm is testing the X2 Elite with a thermal design power (TDP) above 80 watts.
That’s higher than what we typically see in thin-and-light laptops and puts this chip in the same performance bracket as some desktop-class processors.
This could mark a major shift for Qualcomm—from focusing mainly on ultra-portable, low-power chips to tackling performance-heavy tasks typically reserved for x86 platforms.
External GPU Support Could Change the Game
One rumor that has many creators and gamers intrigued: the possibility of external GPU (eGPU) support. If true, this would make the Snapdragon X2 Elite the first major ARM-based chip with native eGPU compatibility.
That opens up potential use cases in video editing, 3D rendering, and even gaming—areas where ARM has historically lagged behind.
Project “Glymur”
This time around, Qualcomm is reportedly ditching its Hawaiian-themed codenames (remember “Hamoa”?) for something a bit different: “Project Glymur”, named after Iceland’s tallest waterfall.
It’s a small detail, but one that might signal a shift in branding or design philosophy, hinting at a more performance-focused and globally competitive approach.
Will It Be Called Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium?
Leaked documents suggest Qualcomm may market the chip as Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium—which sounds fancy, but also fits the chip’s high-end aspirations.
With 18 cores and potentially massive RAM and storage, this branding could help Qualcomm push into the premium laptop space, traditionally dominated by Intel Core i9, Apple M-series, and AMD Ryzen 9.
When Can You Expect It?
The Snapdragon X2 Elite wasn’t showcased at Computex 2025, but insiders say we’ll likely get a full reveal at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit this October. However, widespread availability might not happen until 2026, allowing time for optimization, partner validation, and device rollout.
A New Chapter for Qualcomm PCs?
With the first wave of Snapdragon X Elite-powered Copilot+ PCs gaining traction, Qualcomm appears ready to take things to the next level.
If the X2 Elite lives up to the hype—with AI-first performance, massive core counts, and premium design—it could mark a turning point for Windows-on-ARM laptops.
More importantly, it might finally give Apple Silicon, Intel Meteor Lake, and AMD Phoenix some real competition—especially in AI workloads, battery-conscious devices, and sleek, high-performance laptops.
