Qualcomm has finally presented the Snapdragon X Elite, a processor with ARM architecture that promises to revolutionize the Windows computer sector. Obviously, one of the most anticipated points was to know how it fares against its main rivals in the market. First, the Intel Core i9, the maximum reference of the x86 architecture. The second could not be other than his direct competitor, the M2Max from Apple, also built on ARM technology.
To the surprise of the attendees, including us, the first performance data is amazing. In the single core comparison, always according to the information provided by Qualcomm, the Snapdragon Elite slightly surpasses the Intel Core i9-13980HX —3,227 points vs. 3,192—. But, more importantly, energy consumption is 70% lower. It is something that is already more than proven when we pit ARM chips against x86s.
The Snapdragon Qualcomm’s proposal, in the single-core test, obtains 3,227 points, while the M2 Ultra remains at 2,841. However, where it stands out the most is in consumption, since spends 30% less energy. If proven, Qualcomm would have done an outstanding job.
The situation does not change much when we involve testing multicore. They claim that the Snapdragon 50% higher performance compared to the M2 —not the Max—.
This time, of course, to measure themselves against the multi-core x86 they only presented comparative graphics with the Intel Core i7 – i7-1360P and i7-1355U -, which is still a product that targets a demanding market. Qualcomm assures that The Snapdragon X Elite is 60% more powerful than the Intel Core i7, spending up to 65% less energy.
In the graphic field they also boast leadership. Compared to the Intel Core i7-13800H, the Snapdragon X Elite’s GPU offers twice the performance, consuming 74% less. It also left the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS in second place, a processor found in laptops and compact computers. Qualcomm’s is 80% more powerful and consumes 80% less energy, not bad…
The Snapdragon X Elite also stands out in the graphic part
Although it is true that these are very promising data, we must not forget that We must test all this in environments outside of Qualcomm’s control. Manufacturers usually share their best numbers and, when push comes to shove, there are always variations—positive and negative—.
Another issue to consider is that Apple’s M2 chips will be replaced by a new generation in a matter of days. It is almost a fact that the Macs that will be presented on October 30 will integrate the M3. In addition, the first computers with the SnapdragonElite will not be released until next year, so they will probably end up facing not only the M3, but also the M4. The statistics presented today, therefore, may not make much sense in the battle between ARM chips.