NVIDIA and MediaTek to Unveil N1 and N1X Arm-based SoCs for Windows PCs at Computex 2025

NVIDIA and MediaTek are poised to unveil their jointly developed N1 and N1X Arm-based System-on-Chips (SoCs) at Computex 2025, set for May 20-23 in Taipei, Taiwan. Targeting Windows PCs, these chips combine MediaTek's Arm CPU expertise with NVIDIA's advanced Blackwell GPU architecture, aiming to disrupt the Windows-on-Arm market. With NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and MediaTek CEO Rick Tsai delivering keynotes on May 19 and May 20, respectively, the announcement is highly anticipated, though technical hurdles may delay retail availability until 2026.

Technical Specifications and Design

The N1 (laptops) and N1X (desktops) SoCs are expected to feature up to 10 Cortex-X925 ("BlackHawk") high-performance cores and 10 Cortex-A725 efficiency cores, manufactured on TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process. NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU, known for its AI and graphics prowess, will power the chips, complemented by NVDLA engines for AI acceleration, potentially delivering over 100 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) to compete with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite. Scaled-down versions with fewer cores are planned for mid-range devices, broadening market reach.

MediaTek's significant reservation of flip-chip ball grid array (FCBGA) packaging capacity in late 2024, reported by DigiTimes, confirms the chips' PC focus, as FCBGA is typically used for high-performance processors. The SoCs build on the companies' GB10 platform, used in compact AI workstations, and share similarities with NVIDIA's DIGITS platform, fueling speculation about Linux support alongside Windows. However, specifics like cache sizes, GPU core counts, or neural processing unit (NPU) performance remain undisclosed.

Market Positioning and Competition

The N1 and N1X SoCs position NVIDIA and MediaTek as direct competitors to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X, AMD's Ryzen APUs, and Intel's Core Ultra processors in the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem. With Qualcomm's exclusivity deal with Microsoft ending in 2024, the market is ripe for new entrants. NVIDIA's GPU expertise could address Snapdragon X's graphical limitations, making the N1 and N1X ideal for gaming laptops, AI-driven workstations, and compact desktops. MediaTek's projected $2 billion revenue from this venture (8% of its 2025 revenue, per industry estimates) highlights its financial significance.

The collaboration is strategic: NVIDIA focuses on GPUs and AI accelerators, leveraging its high-margin strengths, while MediaTek handles Arm CPU design and likely Windows driver support, optimizing NVIDIA's TSMC wafer allocation. This division raises questions about NVIDIA's reliance on MediaTek, with analysts suggesting MediaTek's experience with Windows-on-Arm certification streamlines software integration. The chips also face competition from Apple's M-series SoCs, which dominate Arm-based performance and efficiency, setting a high bar for power efficiency.

Production and Ecosystem Challenges

Production details reveal both ambition and obstacles. MediaTek's partnership with TSMC for 3nm fabrication ensures cutting-edge performance but strains global chip supply, as TSMC's capacity is in high demand. Reports from SemiAccurate indicate unresolved integration issues between NVIDIA's Blackwell GPU and MediaTek's CPU, potentially delaying mass production until mid-2026. Software optimization remains a hurdle, as Windows-on-Arm requires robust driver support and application compatibility, areas where Qualcomm has struggled. NVIDIA's expertise in graphics drivers could give it an edge, but MediaTek's role in ensuring Windows certification is critical.

The Windows-on-Arm ecosystem is maturing, with Microsoft enhancing Arm-native app support via Prism emulation and partnerships with Adobe and Google for Arm-optimized software. However, legacy x86 app performance remains a challenge, and NVIDIA-MediaTek must deliver seamless emulation to compete. Potential Linux support, speculated due to NVIDIA's DIGITS platform, could appeal to developers and enterprises, especially for AI and machine learning workloads.

Broader Implications and Use Cases

Beyond consumer PCs, the N1 and N1X SoCs could power edge AI devices, autonomous systems, and compact servers, leveraging NVIDIA's AI leadership and MediaTek's cost-efficient designs. Their high TOPS performance aligns with the industry's AI PC push, enabling on-device generative AI tasks like real-time video editing or language processing. Rumors from ComputerBase suggest NVIDIA may bundle the chips with RTX branding, targeting gamers and creators, potentially integrating ray-tracing capabilities absent in competing Arm chips.

The partnership also reflects broader industry trends: Arm's growing dominance in PCs, driven by efficiency and performance, and NVIDIA's pivot from its failed Arm acquisition to strategic collaborations. Earlier rumors of a $300 chip price point (per Heise) suggest premium positioning, but affordability will be key to capturing market share from AMD and Intel's budget-friendly APUs.

Critical Considerations

The reports, sourced from ComputerBase, DigiTimes, Heise, and SemiAccurate, rely on unverified leaks, introducing uncertainty about specs, pricing, and timelines. Neither NVIDIA nor MediaTek has confirmed details, and the absence of a CES 2025 reveal, despite earlier speculation, suggests cautious pacing. Performance comparisons to Apple's M4 or Qualcomm's Oryon cores are speculative, as are claims of Linux support or RTX branding. Community discussions on X highlight enthusiasm for NVIDIA's GPU integration but skepticism about Arm's gaming readiness due to software gaps.

Conclusion

The NVIDIA-MediaTek N1 and N1X SoCs promise to redefine Windows-on-Arm with high-performance cores, Blackwell GPUs, and AI capabilities. Their Computex 2025 unveiling will signal intent, but a 2026 retail launch seems likely due to production and software challenges. By combining NVIDIA's graphics and AI strengths with MediaTek's Arm expertise, the chips could challenge Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel, diversifying options for gamers, creators, and AI professionals. Definitive details await Huang and Tsai's keynotes, which will shape the future of Arm-based PCs.