Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100: A Revolution in Mobile Performance?
With the release of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 (codenamed Oryon), the company is making a serious claim for leadership in the high-performance mobile solutions segment. This chip, built on a 4nm process, boasts the power of 12 cores, advanced energy efficiency, and impressive benchmark results. But how versatile is it? Let’s break it down in detail.
Architecture and Process: 12 Oryon Cores and the Absence of iGPU
Cores and Threads
The Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 is built on a completely new architecture called Oryon, developed by Qualcomm from scratch. Unlike Intel's hybrid solutions (P- and E-cores), all 12 cores here are high-performance (Performance-cores), operating at a base frequency of 3.4 GHz with the potential to turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz. Each core handles a single thread—Hyper-Threading or similar technologies are not used. This may pose limitations in tasks optimized for multithreading, but it simplifies resource management.
Cache Memory
The L3 cache is 42 MB, which is significantly higher than that of most competitors (for example, Apple M3 Max has 36 MB). This reduces latency in data processing and speeds up the use of "heavy" applications like video editors or CAD programs.
Integrated Graphics
Interestingly, integrated graphics (iGPU) are not specified in the details. This means that laptops based on the Snapdragon X Elite will come equipped with discrete GPUs (such as NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon). On one hand, this offers manufacturers the freedom to choose graphics tailored for specific tasks; on the other hand, it increases the cost and energy consumption of devices.
Energy Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Autonomy
The processor's TDP ranges from 23 W to 65 W, allowing it to be utilized across various device categories:
- 23–35 W — ultrabooks and thin laptops with passive or compact cooling;
- 45–65 W — gaming laptops and workstations with powerful cooling systems.
For comparison:
- Apple M3 Max has a fixed TDP of about 40 W;
- Intel Core i9-13980HX — up to 157 W;
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX — 55 W.
Thus, the Snapdragon X Elite occupies a niche between "economical" ARM chips and traditional x86 processors, offering flexibility in configuration.
Performance: Geekbench, Real-World Tasks, and Turbo Mode
Benchmarks
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2676 — this result is close to the Apple M3 Max (≈3100) and surpasses Intel Core i7-13700H (≈2600);
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 13847 — outperforms AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (≈12500), but falls short of Intel Core i9-13980HX (≈19500).
Real-World Scenarios
- Office Work: rendering complex presentations, working with large Excel spreadsheets — the processor handles tasks instantly;
- Multimedia: encoding 4K video in HandBrake — 20% faster than Ryzen 9 7940HS;
- Gaming: when paired with a discrete graphics card (e.g., RTX 4070), shows stable FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, 1440p) — around 60 frames/sec.
Turbo Mode
Under load, 4.0 GHz activates for 10–15 seconds, after which the frequency drops to 3.8–3.9 GHz. This helps avoid overheating but requires effective cooling. In ultrabooks with a TDP of 23 W, turbo mode may be limited.
Use Cases: Who is Snapdragon X Elite For?
1. Professionals:
- Video editors, 3D designers, programmers (especially in Docker or virtual machine environments).
- Example: rendering a 10-minute video in DaVinci Resolve takes 8–9 minutes compared to 12–13 minutes on Ryzen 9 7940HS.
2. Gamers:
- Laptops with discrete graphics like RTX 4080/4090 — the processor will not become a "bottleneck" in gaming.
3. On-the-Go Users:
- Thanks to the 23 W mode — long-lasting operation in browsers, Office, and Zoom.
Autonomy: Power-Saving Technologies
- Dynamic Core Management: disables unused cores during simple tasks (e.g., 2–4 cores active while typing).
- Adaptive Frequency: reduces the frequency to 1.5 GHz in standby mode.
- Windows 11 Optimization: integrates closely with the OS for background process optimization.
Example of Autonomy:
- A laptop with an 80 Wh battery and a TDP of 23 W can last up to 14 hours of web surfing;
- Under maximum load (TDP 65 W) — 1.5–2 hours.
Comparison with Competitors
- Apple M3 Max:
- Pros: better energy efficiency, integrated graphics.
- Cons: limited compatibility with Windows software.
- Intel Core i9-13900H:
- Pros: higher single-threaded performance, Thunderbolt 4 support.
- Cons: TDP up to 115 W, significant heat production.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX:
- Pros: 16 cores, support for PCIe 5.0.
- Cons: less L3 cache (32 MB).
Conclusion: Snapdragon X Elite excels in multithreaded tasks and flexible TDP, but requires discrete graphics.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- 12 high-performance cores;
- Large L3 cache;
- Flexible TDP for various devices.
Weaknesses:
- No integrated graphics;
- Limited software support for ARM (not all Windows applications are optimized yet).
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
1. Workstations:
- Must include discrete graphics (NVIDIA RTX A5000 or equivalents);
- Cooling system with heat pipes and multiple fans.
2. Gaming Laptops:
- Minimum RTX 4070, screen with 144 Hz refresh rate;
- Power supply of at least 200 W.
3. Ultrabooks:
- Passive cooling or low-speed fans;
- Battery of at least 70 Wh.
Things to Pay Attention To:
- Wi-Fi version (Snapdragon X Elite supports Wi-Fi 7);
- Number of USB4 ports;
- Chassis material (aluminum dissipates heat better).
Final Conclusion
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 is a processor for those who need maximum performance without compromises. It will be suitable for:
- Engineers and designers working with resource-intensive software;
- Gamers willing to carry a hefty laptop for high frame rates;
- Corporate users valuing a balance between autonomy and power.
Main Advantages:
- Adaptability to different devices;
- Leadership in multithreaded tasks;
- Support for modern communication standards.
If you are looking for a laptop "for years to come" and are not afraid to invest in discrete graphics — the Snapdragon X Elite will be an excellent choice.