Nvidia and Mediatek could show PC processors at Computex
The Nvidia processors N1X and N1 could appear as early as May. However, notebooks and desktop PCs are likely to be a long time coming.
Render image of a fictitious Nvidia notebook.
(Image: Nvidia)
The heads of Nvidia and Mediatek are each giving a presentation at the Computex hardware trade fair in Taiwan. One possible topic: jointly designed processors for desktop PCs and notebooks. The two companies have already unveiled the GB10 for mini AI workstations – customized variants for Windows on ARM could follow.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will hold his keynote on May 19 at 11 a.m. local time – which corresponds to 5 a.m. here in Germany. Mediatek CEO Rick Tsai will hold his presentation exactly 24 hours later, on May 20 at 5 a.m. German time.
N1X and N1 from Nvidia
According to rumors, two models are initially planned, N1X and N1. Mediatek is to provide the CPU with ARM cores, Nvidia the graphics unit. Both are likely to be related to the GB10 – but a slimmed-down CPU part would be possible. The 20 cores (10 Cortex-X925 and 10 Cortex-A725) seem excessive for many applications.
Until now, Windows-on-ARM notebooks have only been available with Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm. However, the generation with Snapdragon X only covers a small group: premium devices, primarily for working on the move. Only a few such notebooks are available for less than 800 euros.
Nvidia could appeal to gamers, among others. Thanks to the Nvidia GPU, there is broad driver support – a problem area for Qualcomm's Adreno GPU. Should Mediatek launch a low-cost variant with a mini-Nvidia GPU, cheaper entry-level models would also be conceivable.
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Announcement, but no market launch
Meanwhile, Computerbase, among others, writes about a possible Computex unveiling. However, the market launch of notebooks and desktop PCs with Nvidia processors and Windows on ARM is likely to be a long time coming.
Technical problems could delay the completion of the processors. Semiaccurate reports on this. Heise online has also heard rumors to this effect. In the worst-case scenario, the devices could even be delayed until 2026.
Meanwhile, Mediatek is said to have booked plenty of packaging capacity. The intended use is not certain, but the FCBGA technology (Flip Chip Ball Grid Array) suggests solderable notebook processors from the Nvidia cooperation. During packaging, the CPU and GPU chips are married together. Only after this step can notebook manufacturers attach the processors to their mainboards. According to the well-connected Digitimes news service, the booking was made around the turn of the year and was uncharacteristically large. It is unclear when the capacity was planned for or whether the potential issues were already known at the time.
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