NVIDIA’s highly anticipated N1X System-on-Chip (SoC) for Windows on Arm has been pushed back to Q1 2026, missing its original H2 2025 launch window. This delay affects the company’s entry into the competitive AI PC market.
Why NVIDIA Delayed the N1X SoC Launch
The postponement stems from three critical factors impacting the Windows on Arm ecosystem. Microsoft’s next-generation Windows platform development has faced significant slowdowns, preventing the synchronized launch originally planned.
Consumer adoption rates for current Windows on Arm platforms remain lukewarm despite industry push for “AI PCs.” Traditional x86 platforms from AMD and Intel continue dominating market share, making timing crucial for NVIDIA’s entry.
N1X SoC Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification | Performance Target |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 20-core Grace Arm | Up to 3.9 GHz boost |
| GPU | Blackwell architecture | 1 PetaFlop FP4 AI compute |
| Memory | Up to 128GB LPDDR5X | High bandwidth support |
| Process | TSMC N3B node | Enhanced efficiency |
Impressive Early Performance Numbers
Recent Geekbench 6 results show the N1X achieving 3,096 single-core and 18,837 multi-core scores at 2.81 GHz. These numbers rival AMD’s Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 with 16 cores running at 5+ GHz and 120W+ power consumption.
NVIDIA’s co-development with MediaTek aims to create competitive alternatives to Apple’s M4 chips and Intel’s upcoming AX series processors.
N1X Product Lineup Strategy
NVIDIA plans multiple N1 series variants: N1X targeting enterprise/commercial segments, N1C for consumers, and potentially entry-level models for niche markets like gaming handhelds.
Originally expected to deliver 180-200 AI TOPS, the final specifications may change due to ongoing design revisions and optimizations.
Market Impact and Competition
Major OEMs including ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Lenovo, and Dell are actively developing N1X-powered systems. These devices were showcased at Computex 2025, demonstrating industry confidence despite the delay.
The extra development time allows NVIDIA to refine performance and ensure software compatibility when the Windows on Arm ecosystem matures.
For more AI and processor news, check our hardware technology updates section.
FAQs
When will NVIDIA’s N1X SoC be available for consumers?
NVIDIA has delayed the N1X SoC launch to Q1 2026, with more details expected at CES 2026.
How does N1X performance compare to current AI PC chips?
Early benchmarks show competitive performance with AMD’s Ryzen AI MAX+ while potentially offering better power efficiency.
