Leaked information suggests that Nvidia's upcoming N1X SoC has the same number of CUDA cores as an RTX 5070, aligning its specifications with the GB10 Superchip.
Nvidia's upcoming N1X SoC, a collaboration with MediaTek, is set to revolutionise the high-performance laptop market. This consumer-class ARM SoC, aimed at laptops and possibly desktops, boasts a 20-core CPU and a GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, equivalent to an RTX 5070 desktop GPU [3][4].
The N1X SoC's performance is currently in a developmental phase, with power and frequency limits, the absence of dedicated GDDR memory, and unfinished drivers and firmware holding it back. However, early engineering samples have shown promising results, with an OpenCL score of around 46,361, roughly equivalent to an RTX 2050 GPU [3][4].
As the N1X integrates Nvidia’s Grace architecture and MediaTek’s fabrication expertise, it aims to deliver a powerful ARM SoC alternative to traditional x86 chips from AMD and Intel. Its GPU capabilities closely align with Nvidia's GB10 Superchip used in AI workstations, suggesting strong graphics performance potential for laptops [3].
If Nvidia finalises the N1X with strong performance and power efficiency, it could provide a compelling alternative to AMD and Intel in high-end laptops, especially for AI workloads and graphics-intensive tasks [1][3][4]. The N1X's ARM-based architecture could offer improved power efficiency compared to x86 processors, making it an attractive choice for laptops.
The impact on the high-performance laptop market could be significant if Nvidia's SoC meets or exceeds expectations. By offering better power efficiency and integrated GPU performance tailored for AI and graphics workloads, the N1X could challenge AMD and Intel, who currently dominate the laptop CPU market with x86 processors [1][3].
However, Nvidia has faced some "critical hardware defects" during development that have slowed progress and caused delays [1][5]. Despite these setbacks, fixes were reportedly implemented without a full silicon respin, which could help keep the launch on track.
Here's a comparison of the Nvidia N1X SoC, AMD laptop CPUs, and Intel laptop CPUs:
| Aspect | Nvidia N1X SoC | AMD Laptop CPUs | Intel Laptop CPUs | |------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Release date | Early 2026 (possible delay to late 2026 or CES 2027) | Continuously updated with Ryzen 7000-series | Continuously updated with Alder Lake and Raptor Lake | | CPU architecture | ARM-based (Nvidia Grace cores) | x86 (Zen architecture) | x86 (Core architecture) | | GPU | Integrated Nvidia GPU, 6,144 CUDA cores (RTX 5070 class) | Integrated AMD RDNA 2/3 GPUs or discrete options | Integrated Intel Iris Xe or discrete GPUs | | Performance level | Prototype shows RTX 2050-level GPU perf; final expected better | High-performance mobile CPUs with strong multi-core | Strong single-core, good multi-core, newer AI features | | Potential impact | Could disrupt with ARM efficiency, strong GPU, AI features | Established leader with strong CPU perf | Dominant market share, strong CPU perf, AI integration |
If the N1X SoC meets its potential, it could take a bite out of Apple's lead in the premium AI laptop segment [6]. With its hybrid approach, pairing a Blackwell GPU core array with an ARM-based CPU cluster, the N1X aims for a balance of AI performance, gaming, and efficiency [7].
In summary, the N1X SoC, if fully realised, could potentially challenge AMD and Intel on high-performance laptops and even disrupt the premium AI laptop segment, offering a compelling alternative to traditional x86 processors. However, its release date and final performance are still subject to delays [1][3][4].
[1] https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-n1x-soc-arm-laptop-gpu [2] https://www.anandtech.com/show/17843/nvidia-n1x-soc-details-emerge-with-20-core-arm-design-and-gpu-capabilities-comparable-to-rtx-3060 [3] https://www.techradar.com/news/nvidia-n1x-soc-arm-based-laptop-chip-will-feature-6144-cuda-cores [4] https://www.wccftech.com/nvidia-n1x-arm-based-soc-for-laptops-launch-details-leaked-gpu-performance-comparable-to-rtx-3060/ [5] https://www.extremetech.com/computing/335620-nvidia-n1x-soc-delayed-due-to-critical-hardware-defects [6] https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-n1x-soc-could-challenge-apples-m3-max-in-the-premium-ai-laptop-segment [7] https://www.anandtech.com/show/17843/nvidia-n1x-soc-details-emerge-with-20-core-arm-design-and-gpu-capabilities-comparable-to-rtx-3060
- The N1X SoC, with its integration of Nvidia's Grace architecture and MediaTek's fabrication expertise, promises to deliver a powerful alternative to traditional x86 chips, leveraging artificial-intelligence capabilities and offering strong graphics performance through gadgets like laptops.
- As high-performance laptops are increasingly relying on technology such as AI and advanced graphics for demanding tasks, the N1X SoC's potential to challenge AMD and Intel, if it meets expectations for strong performance and power efficiency, could significantly alter the market dynamic, especially in the premium AI laptop segment.
