The AI PC landscape is poised for a potential shake-up, with Nvidia and MediaTek reportedly joining forces to develop a new Arm-based system-on-chip (SoC). Expected to be unveiled at Computex 2025, this collaboration could introduce a powerful new contender, offering an alternative to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series, Intel’s Core Ultra lineup, and AMD’s Ryzen AI chips.
Fueling the speculation are the back-to-back keynote speeches scheduled for Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and MediaTek’s Rick Tsai at Computex on May 19th and 20th, respectively. Rumors suggest the partnership will yield a new processor family combining MediaTek’s Arm CPUs with Nvidia’s powerful Blackwell GPUs, specifically designed for compact, AI-centric PCs.
German publication Heise Online reports that two Arm-based chips, the N1 and N1X, are in development. MediaTek will reportedly provide the CPU, while Nvidia contributes the GPU. These chips are expected to be tied to the GB10 platform. A potential configuration includes a 20-core CPU, featuring 10 Cortex-X925 and 10 Cortex-A725 cores.
Currently, Windows-on-Arm laptops primarily rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, which are often found in premium, mobility-focused devices. One key advantage of the Nvidia-MediaTek partnership lies in Nvidia’s robust GPU driver support. This could be a significant draw for gamers, an area where Qualcomm’s Adreno GPUs have faced challenges. Furthermore, MediaTek might introduce a more affordable variant with a smaller Nvidia GPU, potentially opening the door to budget-friendly Arm-based laptops.
While a Computex unveiling is anticipated, the actual launch of laptops and desktops featuring these new processors might be further down the line. SemiAccurate suggests technical hurdles could delay the chips’ completion, potentially pushing device releases into 2026.
Interestingly, MediaTek has reportedly secured substantial packaging capacity, likely for these new processors, using FCBGA (Flip Chip Ball Grid Array) technology. This technology allows the CPU and GPU to be combined before installation in notebooks. Digitimes reports this unusually large order was placed late last year, though it’s unclear whether the potential delays were already factored in.
The Nvidia and MediaTek partnership holds considerable promise for the future of AI-powered Windows PCs. Combining MediaTek’s CPU expertise with Nvidia’s GPU prowess could create a compelling platform for a range of devices, from budget-friendly laptops to high-performance AI workstations. The potential impact on the PC market remains to be seen, but the collaboration certainly adds an exciting new dimension to the evolving landscape of Arm-based computing.
