Qualcomm Glymur: The Next Leap in Desktop Computing with Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2

The tech world is buzzing with anticipation over Qualcomm's latest venture, codenamed "Project Glymur," believed to be the second-generation Snapdragon X Elite chipset (model SC8480XP). Unlike its predecessor, which made waves in laptops, this new processor seems poised to take on the desktop market-a bold move for a company best known for powering smartphones and, more recently, Windows on ARM laptops. With rumors swirling about its specs, release timeline, and potential to rival giants like Intel and AMD, Project Glymur could redefine what we expect from desktop computing. Let's dive into everything we know so far about Qualcomm Glymur, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of PCs.

What Is Qualcomm Glymur?

Qualcomm Glymur, or Project Glymur, is the internal codename for what's shaping up to be the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 chipset. The model number SC8480XP has surfaced in leaks and export databases, pointing to a significant upgrade over the first-generation Snapdragon X Elite, which launched in 2024 for laptops. What's got everyone talking, though, is the evidence suggesting this isn't just another laptop chip-it's being designed for desktops. Testing with a 120mm All-in-One (AiO) liquid cooler, typically reserved for desktop setups, hints at Qualcomm's ambition to break into a market long dominated by x86 processors.

The name "Glymur" itself is a departure from Qualcomm's usual Hawaiian-inspired codenames (like "Hamoa" for the first-gen Snapdragon X Elite). Glymur is Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, and while it's unclear if this reflects a "cooler" design philosophy or just a branding shift, it adds a layer of intrigue. Leaks from reliable sources like Roland Quandt suggest this chipset could launch in the first half of 2026, with testing already underway since mid-2024. If the rumors hold true, Glymur might just be Qualcomm's ticket to challenging the status quo in desktop computing.

A New Era for ARM in Desktops

ARM architecture has long been the darling of mobile devices, thanks to its power efficiency and compact design. Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips have powered countless smartphones, and more recently, the Snapdragon X Elite brought ARM to Windows laptops with impressive battery life and AI capabilities. But desktops? That's a different beast. Desktops demand raw power, robust cooling, and compatibility with a vast ecosystem of software-areas where Intel and AMD's x86 chips have reigned supreme.

Project Glymur signals Qualcomm's intent to bridge that gap. The first-gen Snapdragon X Elite, with its 12 Oryon cores and up to 136 GB/s memory bandwidth, showed ARM could compete in laptops. Now, with Glymur reportedly testing a desktop configuration, Qualcomm seems ready to take on the big players. This isn't entirely new territory for the company-its Snapdragon X Elite mini PC concept hinted at desktop aspirations-but Glymur could be the real deal, aiming for full-sized PCs rather than just compact systems.

Why Desktops Matter

Desktops offer a unique opportunity for ARM. Unlike laptops, where battery life is king, desktops prioritize performance and versatility. They're the workhorses for gamers, content creators, and professionals running heavy workloads. If Qualcomm can deliver a chipset that matches or exceeds x86 performance while retaining ARM's efficiency, it could shake up the market. Plus, with Windows on ARM gaining traction (thanks to Microsoft's Copilot+ initiative), the timing feels right for Qualcomm to expand its footprint.

Specs and Features: What We Know So Far

While exact details are still under wraps, leaks and industry chatter provide a tantalizing glimpse into Project Glymur's potential. Here's what's on the table:

Memory Channels: A Big Upgrade

One of the most concrete rumors is that Glymur will feature 12 memory channels, a 50% increase over the first-gen Snapdragon X Elite's 8 channels. Memory bandwidth is crucial for performance, especially in desktops where multitasking and data-heavy applications are common. The current Snapdragon X Elite tops out at 136 GB/s with LPDDR5X memory. With 12 channels, Glymur could push that figure significantly higher-perhaps into the 200 GB/s range-making it a beast for tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Core Count: 18 Cores in Play?

The first-gen Snapdragon X Elite sports 12 Oryon cores, a custom ARM design that balances power and efficiency. For Glymur, there's talk of a variant with 18 cores, possibly arranged in a 6+6+6 cluster (performance, mid-tier, and efficiency cores). This would be a massive leap, positioning it closer to high-end desktop chips from Intel and AMD, which often pack 16 or more cores. More cores mean better multithreading-think faster rendering times for creators or smoother gameplay in CPU-intensive titles.

Oryon V3 Cores

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon dropped a hint at Snapdragon Summit 2024, teasing that the next-gen Snapdragon X series would use Oryon V3 cores. These are expected to be an evolution of the Oryon V2 cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite (for smartphones) and the original Oryon cores in the X Elite. Improved efficiency and AI performance are likely on the menu, which could make Glymur a standout for Copilot+ PCs and AI-driven workloads.

Cooling: A Desktop Focus

The 120mm AiO cooler spotted in testing is a dead giveaway that Glymur isn't meant for slim laptops. Desktop-grade cooling suggests Qualcomm is aiming for higher power envelopes-possibly 65W or more-compared to the 20-30W range of laptop chips. This could unlock greater clock speeds and sustained performance, key for desktop use cases like gaming or professional software.

AI and Graphics Potential

The Snapdragon X Elite already boasts a 45 TOPS NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI tasks, and Glymur is expected to up the ante, potentially hitting 60-80 TOPS. On the graphics front, the first-gen's Adreno GPU handled light gaming well, but desktops demand more. Rumors of full DirectX 12 support and hardware-accelerated ray tracing suggest Qualcomm might be eyeing gamers, though it's unlikely to match discrete GPUs from Nvidia or AMD just yet.

Manufacturing Process

While not confirmed, Glymur could leverage TSMC's 3nm process (like N3P), following industry trends. A smaller node means better efficiency and higher transistor density, which could support those rumored 18 cores and beefier graphics without excessive heat.

Release Timeline: When Will Glymur Hit Shelves?

The consensus among leakers is that Project Glymur will land in the first half of 2026-likely between January and June. Testing kicked off in July 2024, with prototypes spotted in export databases by late 2024. This aligns with a typical 18-24 month development cycle for major chipsets. Qualcomm might tease more details at CES 2025 or Computex 2025, with a full reveal closer to the launch window.

Why 2026? The first-gen Snapdragon X Elite is still rolling out across laptops in 2025, and Qualcomm likely wants to refine its ARM ecosystem before pushing into desktops. Plus, competitors like Intel's Nova Lake and AMD's next-gen Ryzen chips are also slated for 2026, setting the stage for a showdown.

The Competition: Intel, AMD, and Beyond

Glymur isn't entering an empty field. Intel and AMD dominate desktops with their x86 architectures, while Apple's M-series chips have redefined ARM performance in Macs. Here's how Qualcomm might stack up:

Intel Core Ultra Series 2

Intel's Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 200V) chips, launched in 2024, focus on efficiency and integrated graphics for laptops. By 2026, Intel's Nova Lake is expected to bring a major desktop refresh, potentially with 20+ cores and advanced AI. Glymur's rumored 18 cores and ARM efficiency could compete, but Intel's software compatibility edge remains a hurdle.

AMD Ryzen AI 300

AMD's Strix Point (Ryzen AI 300) chips are already challenging Qualcomm in laptops with strong NPUs and GPUs. By 2026, AMD's desktop Ryzen lineup will likely evolve, offering 16-24 cores and RDNA 4 graphics. Glymur's desktop play will need to match this raw power, especially for gamers and creators.

Apple M-Series

Apple's M4, expected in 2025, sets the ARM benchmark with insane efficiency and performance. Glymur's desktop focus gives it a different angle-higher power budgets could mean better sustained performance than Apple's laptop-centric chips-but it'll need to prove itself in real-world tasks.

Nvidia's ARM SoC

Nvidia's own ARM-based SoC, with the N1X slated for Q4 2025, could overlap with Glymur. Featuring Blackwell GPU tech and Cortex-X5 cores, it's another desktop contender. Qualcomm's advantage might lie in its Windows ecosystem maturity, but Nvidia's graphics expertise is a wild card.

Market Implications: A Game-Changer or Niche Player?

If Project Glymur delivers, it could disrupt the desktop market in several ways:

Efficiency Meets Power

ARM's hallmark is efficiency, and Glymur could bring that to desktops without sacrificing performance. Imagine a PC that sips power during idle tasks but ramps up for gaming or rendering-appealing to eco-conscious users and small-form-factor builders.

Windows on ARM Expansion

Microsoft's push for Windows on ARM, bolstered by Copilot+, relies on chips like Glymur. A desktop-grade Snapdragon X Elite could broaden the ecosystem, encouraging developers to optimize software for ARM and reducing reliance on x86 emulation.

Gaming Potential

While the first-gen Snapdragon X Elite managed casual gaming, Glymur's rumored ray tracing and higher power ceiling could attract budget gamers. It won't replace a GeForce RTX 4090, but it might carve out a niche for affordable, all-in-one gaming PCs.

Mini PCs and Workstations

The 120mm AiO cooler suggests Glymur could power compact desktops or workstations. Think sleek mini PCs for offices or home theater setups with enough grunt for 4K editing-areas where ARM's efficiency shines.

Challenges Ahead

It's not all smooth sailing. ARM's software compatibility still lags behind x86, and desktops demand robust driver support. Qualcomm will need to nail performance benchmarks and win over manufacturers like Dell or HP to make Glymur a household name.

The Bigger Picture: Qualcomm's Desktop Ambitions

Project Glymur isn't an isolated experiment-it's part of Qualcomm's broader ARM strategy. The company's work on server-grade chips (like the rumored SD1 with 80 Oryon V1 cores) and its mini PC efforts show a multi-pronged approach. Glymur could be the consumer-facing piece of this puzzle, bridging mobile, laptop, and desktop worlds.

A Nod to History

Qualcomm's desktop push echoes Apple's transition from PowerPC to Intel, then back to ARM with the M-series. If successful, Glymur could mark a similar pivot for Windows PCs, proving ARM isn't just for phones anymore.

Industry Ripple Effects

A strong desktop debut could pressure Intel and AMD to accelerate their own ARM projects or double down on efficiency. Nvidia's parallel efforts might heat up the race, while smaller players like MediaTek could follow suit, diversifying the market.

What's Next for Glymur?

As of February 26, 2025, Project Glymur remains in the rumor mill, but the pieces are falling into place. Here's what to watch for:

CES 2025 (January): Qualcomm might drop hints or showcase prototypes, though a full reveal is unlikely this early.
Computex 2025 (May): A prime spot for a detailed announcement, especially if Glymur targets Computex's desktop-heavy audience.
Benchmarks and Leaks: Expect more leaks on core counts, clock speeds, and AI performance as testing ramps up in 2025.
OEM Partnerships: Look for signs of Dell, Lenovo, or others jumping on board-key to Glymur's success.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward

Qualcomm Glymur, or the Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2, is shaping up to be more than just an upgrade-it's a statement. By targeting desktops with a rumored 18-core design, 12 memory channels, and Oryon V3 power, Qualcomm is betting big on ARM's desktop potential. Whether it's a game-changer or a niche experiment depends on execution, but one thing's clear: the PC market is about to get a lot more interesting.

Stay tuned as we track Glymur's journey from rumor to reality. Could this be the chip that finally brings ARM to your desktop? Only time will tell, but the signs are promising.