Qualcomm PC Processors: Can They Really Beat Apple Silicon?
For years since its inception, Apple Silicon has dominated the PC processor market with its impressive performance and efficiency. If we go by the trusted tech benchmark website PassMark , Apple’s M1 has chip consistently outperformed rival processors in single-core tasks and delivered competitive and much better multi-core performance scores.
But now It seems that things are gonna change for good and very soon it may happen that Windows users might enjoy the same efficiency and battery life that apple users enjoy as, Qualcomm, the leading mobile chipset designer has thrown down the gauntlet with its new generation of Snapdragon PC-ready processors, Snapdragon X series.
So, is the hype around these Snapdragon chips real? Can they truly dethrone Apple’s reign?
What is Qualcomm PC ready X series Processors?
According to Qualcomm’s own website, they are following a name convention to differentiate PC ready processors from their mobile processors. By their X series processors, they are trying to re-enter into the pc market . The ultimate aim they want is to capture the PC market large share currently where Intel and AMD are winning.
Qualcomm PC processors vs Apple Silicon
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Edge:
- Benchmark Battles: Qualcomm boasts impressive benchmark results, particularly in multi-core performance. According to AnandTech, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 outperforms Apple’s M1 in multi-core tasks, likely due to its higher core count. Qualcomm even claims its Snapdragon X Elite outperforms Apple’s unreleased M3 chip in benchmarks, especially multi-core . Here’s a table summarizing the benchmark scores we found:
But Here’s the Catch:
- Single-Core Shortcoming: While Qualcomm shines in multi-core, Apple’s M-series chips continue to excel in single-core performance. Benchmarks from PassMark show Apple’s M1 surpassing the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 in single-core CPU tasks. This is crucial for many everyday tasks like web browsing, basic applications, and opening files quickly.
- Independent Verification Needed: Most benchmarks currently come from Qualcomm. Independent testing from reliable sources like PassMark is essential for a more objective comparison.
- Software Optimization Advantage: Apple’s control over hardware and software on Macs allows for superior optimization, giving them an edge in overall performance. According to XDA Developers, a respected tech publication , Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software results in smoother performance and better battery life for Macs.
Also Read: US chips act explained.
The Future of PC Processors:
Qualcomm’s advancements are exciting news for the PC market. While they may not completely dethrone Apple Silicon yet, they are pushing the boundaries and fostering healthy competition. This ultimately benefits consumers with a wider range of powerful and efficient processor options.
Conclusion:
The hype surrounding Qualcomm’s PC processors is significant, backed by promising benchmarks. However, Apple Silicon remains a strong contender with its single-core prowess and software optimization. As independent testing emerges and both companies refine their technologies, we’re likely to see an even closer race in PC processor performance. This is a great time to be a PC user, with more choices and potentially better performance on the horizon.
