In September 2025, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme PC processors. These processors were crafted using TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm manufacturing process and incorporated the third-generation Oryon CPU architecture. They offer an impressive maximum clock speed of 5.0GHz, a generous 53MB of cache, and compatibility with LPDDR5X-9523 memory and PCIe 5.0 storage solutions. Notably, the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme stands out with its 18-core design, integrating a Hexagon NPU boasting 80TOPS of AI computing power. Compared to its predecessor, it delivers twice the graphics performance and 2.3 times greater energy efficiency. Additionally, it supports DirectX 12.2 Ultimate and hardware-based ray tracing technology, enhancing the gaming and graphical experience.

Fast forward to April 2026, and end-user devices powered by these processors made their grand entrance at Best Buy in the United States. Models like the ASUS ZenBook A16 and ZenBook 14 Air Snapdragon Edition were among the first to feature these advanced processors. These laptops come pre-installed with the Windows 11 26H1 system, specifically optimized for the Snapdragon platform, and are priced starting at $1,199.

In terms of performance, the platform shines. It achieved a CineBench 2024 multi-core score of 1982, demonstrating its prowess in handling complex tasks. Meanwhile, its GeekBench 6 single-core and multi-core scores of 4085 and 23410, respectively, further underscore its exceptional capabilities. Moreover, the platform is compatible with over 90% of Windows games, ensuring a broad gaming experience for users. It also supports a remarkable 47% performance improvement in professional software such as Adobe Photoshop, making it a valuable tool for creative professionals.