Snapdragon X Elite on Linux: How Does it Work?

X Elite laptops don't work with Linux yet, but they're getting there

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by Claudiu Andone 

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How does Snapdragon X Elite work with Linux?

Curious about how the Snapdragon X Elite performs with Linux? You’re not alone. Many users are eager to see how this new CPU fares in the Linux ecosystem. Let’s dive into the current state of compatibility, performance, and community support for Snapdragon X Elite on Linux.

How does Snapdragon X Elite work with Linux?

1. Compatibility and initial support

  1. Qualcomm has started adapting its new Snapdragon X Elite laptop CPU for Linux use.
  2. The Linux kernel version 6.9 includes critical functions for Snapdragon X Elite, such as UEFI-based boot support, standard bootloaders, and dual-boot capabilities.
  3. Qualcomm continues to work on support for battery management, display connectivity, sleep/wake functions for the GPU, and other multimedia features, which are expected in Linux kernel 6.10 and 6.11.
  4. A six-month roadmap includes hardware video decoding, GPU/CPU performance optimizations, and easy installations of Ubuntu and Debian.

So, Qualcomm is preparing a gradual Linux support for Snapdragon X Elite machines, but it’s not really there yet. Additional to the kernel support, a big piece of the puzzle are the Linux hardware drivers that right now are a hit and miss. At the moment we are publishing this piece, you might get a laptop that is ready for Linux

2. Experimental Disk Image

  1. Qualcomm has provided an experimental raw disk image for a Debian installer specifically for Snapdragon X Elite processors.
  2. This disk image allows users to test Linux on Snapdragon X Elite devices at their own risk, providing early access to Linux functionality.

Using this experimental disk image can help users experience Linux on their Snapdragon X Elite devices ahead of full official support.

3. Issues with graphics and display

  1. The latest Linux patch for the Snapdragon X Elite disables the integrated GPU (iGPU) by default due to OEM key signing issues.
  2. Without the iGPU, there is no display output on Linux unless external GPU docks/enclosures are supported. And if you will read the highlighted article, you will learn that eGPU support is also a work in progress.
  3. Developers are working to enable the iGPU on production models that are not fused with OEM-specific keys.

You should be aware of current graphics limitations and follow updates for potential fixes enabling full display functionality.

4. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Snapdragon X Elite

  1. WSL offers seamless integration between Windows and Linux on Snapdragon X Elite platforms.
  2. You can install WSL using the wsl –install command in PowerShell, which pulls the ARM64 version of Ubuntu automatically.
  3. Docker Desktop for Windows has a beta ARM64 client that hooks into WSL2, allowing use of Docker on these devices.
  4. Visual Studio Code has an ARM64 version, ensuring compatibility with WSL setups.

This solution provides an alternative if you prefer using Linux tools and environments through WSL on your Snapdragon X Elite devices.

5. Community support and feedback

  1. The Linux community is actively discussing and monitoring the performance of Snapdragon X Elite chips on Linux.
  2. Users report that Linux often outperforms Windows on ARM and expect better support as Qualcomm focuses on Linux development.
  3. Community forums and platforms such as Reddit and Phoronix are valuable resources for updates, troubleshooting, and shared experiences.

6. TUXEDO Computers’ ARM laptop

  1. TUXEDO Computers is developing a Linux ARM laptop based on the Snapdragon X Elite SoC.
  2. The prototype, showcased at Computex, runs an ARM port of their Ubuntu-based TUXEDO OS with the KDE Plasma desktop.
  3. It aims to provide a powerful, energy-efficient Linux laptop experience comparable to Apple’s M-series chips.

If you’re looking for a dedicated Linux ARM laptop, you can consider TUXEDO Computers’ upcoming devices for optimized performance and support.

To keep your Snapdragon X Elite running smoothly with Linux, stay updated with the latest kernel releases and participate in community discussions. This will ensure you get the best performance and support for your device.

To summarize our findings, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite laptops don’t run Linux distributions yet, but they will soon be able to. As long as the Linux community will push the chip maker in that direction, things will happen. However, Qualcomm will primarily focus on the main market that consists of Windows users. Still, as of February 2024, Linux gained an important 1.10% market share growth in only 5 months, reaching 4.03%, thanks to Microsoft’s WSL, and Qualcomm will not ignore this trend.

What do you think about Snapdragon X Elite working on Linux? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

More about the topics: CPU, Linux, snapdragon

Claudiu Andone

Claudiu Andone Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft. His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school. With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!