Build Microsoft isn't waiting for Intel and AMD to get their neural processing units (NPUs) on top, and is pushing its AI PC agenda forward with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus system-on-chips (SoCs).

During a special event ahead of Tuesday's Build conference, Microsoft revealed that these latest Arm-compatible notebook processors from Qualcomm will power the Windows giant's next-generation Surface Laptop and Pro tablets. Microsoft's new Surfaces are, we're told, just two of 20 "Copilot+ PCs" Qualcomm says will launch with X Elite and Plus chips starting June 18.

First tested last fall, the 4nm TSMC-made X processor pair is among Qualcomm's first to use a Nuvia-derived Arm-compatible CPU core design. If you don't remember, Qualcomm acquired Nuvia back in 2021 for $1.4 billion, kicking off a still-ongoing lawsuit with Arm along the way.

We're told the X Plus has ten CPU cores and the X Elite will have 12. The Elite can clock up to 4 to 4.2 GHz for two cores, or up to 3.4 to 3.8 GHz for all cores; Plus can go up to 3.4 GHz for all cores. If Microsoft is to be believed, Qualy's chips are more than ready to give Apple's homegrown silicon a shot.