NVIDIA is planning to enter the Windows consumer laptop market by launching System-on-Chip (SoC) products based on the Arm architecture, a move widely seen as an attempt to break the long-standing monopoly of the x86 architecture in this segment and reshape the competitive landscape of PC processors. According to a January 26th report, NVIDIA plans to release two SoC models—codenamed N1 and N1X. These chips are expected to break from the traditional "x86 CPU + discrete GPU" configuration, instead adopting a design that integrates both the CPU and GPU into a single SoC. This strategic shift is viewed as NVIDIA's attempt to emulate the success Apple has achieved with its custom Arm chips in the Mac ecosystem, posing a potential challenge to the dominance of Intel and AMD in the Windows notebook market. Insiders have revealed to media that Lenovo and Dell will be among the first manufacturers to adopt this technology. Lenovo has already developed six laptop models based on NVIDIA's upcoming processors, covering mainstream thin-and-light laptops, 2-in-1 devices, and high-performance gaming notebooks, and has established a login-protected internal testing portal. Meanwhile, Dell is expected to launch Alienware gaming laptops and XPS premium notebooks equipped with the N1X chip as early as 2026. These developments indicate that NVIDIA's Arm platform has entered a substantive phase of testing and deployment preparation. Market analysis suggests that with Apple's leadership in Arm architecture and Qualcomm's advancements in the Windows on Arm space, NVIDIA's entry will further drive diversification in CPU choices for Windows notebooks. This could signal the end of an era dominated solely by Intel and AMD x86 processors, accelerating the PC industry's shift towards a future with multiple coexisting architectures. Lenovo is leading the charge in early adoption, covering multiple product lines. Industry sources indicate that Lenovo is at the forefront of adopting NVIDIA's Arm chips. Reports note that Lenovo has developed six laptop models based on the N1 and N1X processors, representing a broad product portfolio. This includes 14-inch and 16-inch IdeaPad Slim 5 models, two variants of the 15-inch Yoga Pro 7, and a convertible Yoga 9 2-in-1 device. Particularly notable is a 15-inch gaming laptop labeled "Legion 7 15N1X11." This indicates that NVIDIA's ambitions are not confined to the thin-and-light market but extend to pushing the N1X into the high-performance consumer segment. Furthermore, the establishment of an "Nvidia N1X Portal" by Lenovo provides additional confirmation that the platform has entered internal testing phases. Performance is being benchmarked against high-end desktop components, with Dell following closely. Although the full specifications for the N1 and N1X have not been officially disclosed, recent Geekbench leaks offer performance insights. The data suggests the N1X could feature up to 20 CPU cores, with its GPU's CUDA core count being comparable to a desktop-grade RTX 5070. While still unconfirmed officially, the industry widely believes the architecture is highly similar to the GB10 Superchip used by NVIDIA in its DGX Spark mini AI computers. Beyond Lenovo, Dell is also a key participant in this new ecosystem. Reports indicate that Dell is preparing to launch Alienware gaming notebooks powered by NVIDIA's N1X chip, potentially as early as 2026. Simultaneously, Dell's premium XPS line (formerly Dell Premium) is also slated to incorporate this chip. Combined with Lenovo's products, the number of NVIDIA-powered laptops currently in development totals at least eight models. This move signals a potential end to x86 monopoly, ushering in a multi-architecture future. NVIDIA is not a newcomer to consumer technology based on Arm architecture. Reports highlight that every Nintendo Switch runs on an NVIDIA Tegra chip, a series that also powered the original Microsoft Surface RT and was used in NVIDIA's collaboration with MediaTek on the Shield handheld and Shield TV box. Its entry into the PC chip arena has long been anticipated by the industry. With Apple leading the Mac ecosystem with custom Arm chips, Qualcomm gradually gaining market share in Windows on Arm, and rumors of AMD exploring Arm processor options, NVIDIA's move underscores the increasing diversification of CPU choices for Windows notebooks. This shift has the potential to break the long-standing dominance of Intel and AMD x86 processors, heralding a new era of multi-architecture competition.
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