Qualcomm has assured that their latest ARM-based platform will smoothly handle the majority of Windows games without difficulty. The translation process from X86 to ARM architecture proves effective for Windows applications, including games utilizing DirectX and Vulkan such as Baldur’s Gate 3, indicating no foreseeable issues in running them.
In a public demonstration, the game operated on one of Qualcomm’s test platforms at 1080p resolution, maintaining approximately 30 frames per second. While GPU enthusiasts may question whether this delivers a playable experience, specifics regarding game settings and the potential for performance optimization through upscaling technology or adjustments remain undisclosed. Nevertheless, the essential point remains: the ARM architecture can handle modern AAA titles, and the Snapdragon X series offers the requisite capable GPU.
The Snapdragon X Elite will support all Windows games via X64 emulation, eliminating the need for porting. However, developers have the option to optimize their titles for ARM64 to enhance performance. Qualcomm noted that GPU-related performance issues might affect game performance more frequently, implying that emulation should not substantially impact GPU performance.
Qualcomm has conducted tests on games such as Control, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Redout II, estimating their performance to be comparable to the Radeon 780M RDNA3 iGPU found in AMD Ryzen 7040 and 8040 APUs.
Certainly, the ability to run games doesn’t guarantee it will become a preferred option among gamers. In reality, considering the information we’ve received regarding the pricing of Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite laptops from major OEMs, native X86 platforms might be perceived as less concerning and more affordable.
Via Windows Central