NVIDIA and MediaTek have made a significant step towards creating a new processor that promises to revolutionize the laptop market and possibly the portable console market as well. This new System on Chip (SoCAn SoC, short for Security Operations Center…), known as NVIDIA N1x, aims to be a strong alternative to giants like AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. With a blend of graphical power, artificial intelligence, and energy efficiency based on Arm architecture, the N1x has everything needed to become a disruptive competitor.
What is the NVIDIA N1x and why does it matter?
The NVIDIA N1x will result from a strategic collaboration: MediaTek will handle the design of the ARM CPU, while NVIDIA will leverage its expertise in graphics and artificial intelligence. This approach positions it as a direct competitor to Apple Silicon (M series) and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, rather than to AMD and Intel’s x86 chips.
The use of Arm architecture not only offers low power consumption and efficient thermal management but also allows for notably high performance in ultralight laptops and portable devices. This makes it an ideal option for new hardware formats, such as 2-in-1 laptops or even portable consoles, opening the possibility for NVIDIA to expand its dominance beyond its exclusive collaboration with Nintendo.
What do we know so far?
- First leak by Lenovo
Lenovo, one of NVIDIA’s main hardware partners, mentioned the name NVIDIA N1x on its website and in job postings. According to these leaks, the SoC is set to debut in the upcoming Lenovo Yoga 2-in-1 16 (2025). Additionally, Lenovo has already defined the letter “N” as the platform code for devices with NVIDIA hardware, in line with its existing nomenclature for AMD (“A”), Intel (“I”), and Qualcomm (“Q”). - Indirect confirmation from NVIDIA
During CES 2025, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, confirmed that the company continues to work on its own AI-enabled PC processor, although he did not reveal specific details or release dates. However, it is expected that more information about the N1x will be unveiled at the upcoming Computex in May 2025. - Production and expansion plans
According to reports, NVIDIA plans to produce 3 million units of the N1x SoC in 2025 and ramp up to 13 million in 2026, reflecting the company’s seriousness about entering this market.
Why is the NVIDIA N1x important?
The collaboration between MediaTek and NVIDIA could redefine the landscape of Windows-based laptops. As more devices adopt Arm architecture for its energy efficiency, NVIDIA finds itself in an ideal position to compete with its advanced capabilities in AI and graphics.
- Optimized performance for AI and graphics: Integrated AI capabilities will enable faster, smoother applications as well as superior graphical performance.
- Competition in the ultralight laptop market: Apple and Qualcomm have already shown that Arm-based chips can compete with traditional x86 designs, and NVIDIA aims to capitalize on this trend.
- Potential for portable consoles: While there is no official confirmation, rumors suggest that this SoC could also be adapted for portable consoles, expanding its reach in the gaming market.
The future of NVIDIA and MediaTek with the N1x
NVIDIA’s strategy with the N1x seems to aim not only to compete but to lead in a market that prioritizes energy efficiency and versatility. With aggressive growth projections and an alliance with MediaTek, the future of this processor will be key in assessing whether it can challenge the dominance of Apple and Qualcomm in the Arm segment.
If NVIDIA reveals more details at Computex 2025, we will not only learn the full specifications of the N1x but also be able to anticipate its impact on the next generation of laptops and consoles.
For now, the tech community is eagerly awaiting the first official glimpse of this exciting collaboration between two industry giants.
via: El Chapuzas informático and VideoCardz