NVIDIA is set to release ARM chips for laptops, featuring N1/N1X SoCs for Windows on ARM. Learn about performance, AI capabilities, and market strategy.
© A. Krivonosov
NVIDIA is preparing to release ARM chips for laptops this year. The first models will feature the N1/N1X SoCs, which are expected to play a key role in the Windows on ARM ecosystem. Insider information suggests the N1X will debut in the first quarter, with chips hitting the market by the second quarter. This move marks NVIDIA's entry into the consumer laptop market with its own processors.
The push for a consumer ARM platform aligns with NVIDIA's strategy to capture the AI ecosystem. The N1/N1X chips promise high performance in AI-related tasks and are positioned as a high-level AI platform. Last year's delayed launch was attributed to the immaturity of Windows on ARM and development challenges, but the project now appears ready to go.
According to sources, the chips will be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process and will replicate the GB10 architecture. NVIDIA is already planning the next generation—N2/N2X—which could appear in consumer devices by the third quarter of 2027. This demonstrates the company's serious commitment to the laptop segment, currently dominated by Intel and AMD.
NVIDIA's retail strategy will involve OEM partners and reference designs. The company will create lists of approved and recommended manufacturers, with the latter likely enjoying more freedom in chip customization, such as adjusting frequencies. If the timeline holds, the new ARM chips could be unveiled at GTC 2026, with mass-market laptops showcased at Computex. For NVIDIA, this represents a significant step as it seeks to regain influence in the laptop segment after exiting the consumer GPU market.