Apple M3 vs Snapdragon X Elite - History, Features, and Software

Dive into the world of Arm architecture based processors, where the new Apple M3 chip locks horns with the Snapdragon X Elite. In this detailed analysis, I unpack the history, features, and software ecosystems that define these tech titans. Whether you’re a die-hard Apple aficionado, an Windows enthusiast, or simply a tech geek hungry for the latest info, this video is your front-row ticket to understanding the future of laptop computing.
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00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Qualcomm
02:16 - Apple
03:49 - M3
05:21 - Snapdragon Compute
06:10 - Snapdragon X Elite
07:16 - Custom CPU using Arm Instruction Set
08:11 - Versions of the Arm ISA
09:10 - Arm Instruction Set Everywhere
10:38 - SoC
12:05 - Operating Systems
13:20 - Can they run Linux?
16:09 - Outro

#garyexplains

[rickjason]

This alliance of Microsoft and Qualcomm reminds me of WinTel, when Microsoft and Intel were working together. ARM is the future. Billions will be spent to get it running well on Windows. It is just how long it will take to get developers on board.

[arkz]

I think this will be a new era of locked bootloaders on windows and just 2-3 years of driver support. Can't wait.

[faridoonts]

Happy to see some competition in this area!

[MarbsMusic]

Personally I use Window on my gaming PC, otherwise I use MacOS based upon BSD as I want a Unix terminal. While I applaud Qualcomms effort I doubt they will make many inroads until they can work our kinks with all the MS software so that business users can by them and with games so gamers can buy them. If Apple can provide more gaming options, as it seems they are trying to do, this could truly open the door if people eventually have to make a choice. If my Macs could game like my PCs I wouldn't own a PC.

[PaoloFabioZaino]

I have used and coded on ARM since the days of Acorn Computers and the introduction of the ARM2 (which I still own btw). As a professional software engineer I also coded on the x86 and x86_64 (in ASM till the end of the 90s and then in C and briefly in C++). I have to say, I love AArch32, it was an ISA kinda designed for people who wanted to code in Assembly. AArch64 is a different story. It's like AArch32 modified to be extremely compiler's friendly (no more conditionals bits etc.). On top of that, certainly 64bit are more suitable for desktop computing than for small devices. IMHO, ARM has proven that it's a suitable architecture for very enjoyable desktop (laptop) computing. However, to become succesful in that market, it also needs companies like Qualcomm and Apple that are working to unleash higher performance (while maintaining performance efficiency). So, at the moment (finally) it looks like ARM will become an important player in the desktop/laptop market int he next few years. As a note: my Apple M1 laptop is by far the best laptop I have ever owned, hands down, so yes, I think, ARM will grow strong in this market. Thanks for your video!

[bekkur]

Interesting, I assumed that the Snapdragon processor would be more Linux compatible and the hope is that is still will be. Good to know the GPU already supports DX12.

[DavidTrejo]

I work exclusively on ARM-based Windows and Mac devices and am thrilled at the strides that continue to be made for each platform 😌

[felicytatomaszewska]

Being primarily a Mac user, I welcome the developments in arms based processors for PC so that there's always a good competition and Apple does not become too cocky and a monopoly since it already charges a lot of premium over its products.

[johanstenberg]

Even if it’s interesting to see what comes of the “Arms-race” between Apple and Qualcomm but I am actually more interested to see the comparison within Windows. Arm vs x86 in Windows. Will the Windows Arm version finally be up to speed and it should mean that more Apps and programs become Arm native.

[TechnologyMan]

I'm smart, but Gary surpasses me!

[TechboyUK]

Great overview 👍I'd love to see a video explaining ARM vs Intel vs AMD

[new-lviv]

Thank you for clarifying the lockdown to Windows question. We'll see if that can be affected later as there are more ARM desktops/laptops..

[MrSamPhoenix]

This is exiting! I really hope a company comes along and make socketed ARM CPUs. I’d pay top dollar for such a thing.

The ability to build a PC with an ARM CPU is mouth watering.

[lesh]

I think governments, EU etc should get involved in all this locking hardware to OS's etc.
It is anti competitive and also creates vast ammounts of e-waste. Support for the software / drivers is taken away too soon, forcing obsolesence. This is the case on phones, we can't allow it to happen to laptops /desktops. In fact we should try to reverse the situation on phones.

[Garythefireman]

Great history lesson. Thanks professor 🤓

[Ikazmn]

i am hyped how handheld market will be after X Elite

[MrKar]

For benchmarking how soon do we expect here to get Snapdragon X elite? Await CES and probably March 2024?

[gregholloway]

Thanks for the video, Gary. Intel must be crapping their pants with this evolution.

[owlmostdead]

Qualcomm already giving us AV1 encode is huge, compared to Apple who just went with decode. Depending on how good Qualcomms encoder quality is, Windows ARM machines could become streaming power houses.

[justcruisin]

Very interesting snapshot of their relevant histories. Given the shift towards RISC I would be interested in your thoughts of the future of CISC and their proponents. Cheers