Qualcomm Unveils Technical Details for Snapdragon C Processor in $300 Laptops

CPU Architecture and Clock Speeds

In contrast to the more expensive Snapdragon X series, which utilizes proprietary Oryon cores, the new chip is built on Kryo architecture (direct licenses from Arm). The processor is manufactured using a 6 nm process and is likely produced by TSMC.

The CPU consists of just 8 cores, distributed as follows:

• 1 core with a maximum frequency up to 3.0 GHz;
• 3 cores operating at up to 2.6 GHz;
• 4 power-efficient cores functioning at up to 2.0 GHz.

This configuration is targeted at productivity tasks and web browsing rather than heavy computation.

Graphics and Video Support

The integrated graphics subsystem features the Adreno A643 accelerator, which operates at up to 900 MHz. It supports DirectX 12. For display output, the chip includes a Display Processing Unit capable of driving internal FHD+ (1600×900) screens at up to 120 Hz via an eDP 1.4 interface.

For external monitors, one DisplayPort 1.4 port is available, allowing output in 4K resolution at 60 Hz. The video decoder supports H.264, H.265, and VP9 (up to 4K/60), while the encoder handles H.264 and H.265 (up to 4K/30).

Memory and Storage

The chip's memory interface has a width of 32 bits and supports LPDDR5/X standards at up to 6400 MT/s (throughput up to 25.6 GB/s) as well as the older LPDDR4X (up to 4200 MT/s, 16.8 GB/s). The maximum RAM capacity is capped at 16 GB.

For data storage, the platform supports NVMe via PCIe 3.0 x2 lanes or UFS (versions 3.1 and 2.2). Additionally, three extra PCIe 3.0 lanes are allocated in the chip's interconnect for connecting Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules or cellular modems.

Networking and Compatibility

For wireless connectivity, Qualcomm recommends using the FastConnect C6700 module, which connects via an M.2 slot. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.0. The processor can output two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports compliant with the USB 3.1 standard.

It is worth noting that while the chip includes a dedicated Hexagon NPU, it does not necessarily meet the requirements for Copilot+ PC certification. According to Microsoft specifications, achieving this status requires an NPU with at least 40 TOPS (INT8) performance, along with a minimum of 16 GB DDR5/LPDDR5 RAM and a 256 GB SSD. Official confirmation on whether Snapdragon C meets these criteria is currently unavailable.

Manufacturers and Release Timeline

Laptops equipped with the Snapdragon C processor are expected to hit the market in the second half of this year. Qualcomm has already agreed to collaborate with three major vendors: Acer, HP, and Lenovo. Acer, in particular, showcased a prototype model, the Aspire Go 15, at an exhibition in Taiwan, though the exact price of the device remains unannounced.