Computex, the annual technology exhibition in Taipei, has always been an important barometer indicating the direction of the industry. However, Computex 2024 is not just an ordinary exhibition; it’s the official declaration that the AI PC era has arrived and will not be going back. From chip giants like Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD, to leading hardware manufacturers like Acer, Asus, and MSI, everyone is gathering to showcase their best innovations ready to redefine our computing experience.
This year, Computex 2024 carries six main themes: AI Computing, Advanced Connectivity, Future Mobility, Immersive Reality, Sustainability, and Innovations. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that AI-related innovations will dominate the main stage. However, for those of you who may not be entirely interested in the AI hype, this exhibition also promises significant advances in the handheld gaming console sector, peripherals, and other equally exciting hardware.
As a technology editorial from repiw.com, we will deeply analyze every announcement and trend that emerges. Until then, let’s explore together what we are most looking forward to being the highlights at Computex 2024.
When and Where Will Computex 2024 Take Place?
Computex 2024 will officially begin on Tuesday, June 4th, and end on Friday, June 7th. These four full days of innovation are open to the media, business professionals, and investors. However, for the general public, access is only granted on June 7th with an entrance ticket.
As is tradition, this prestigious computer exhibition is always held in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, with the main location at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
The AI Chip War: Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD Compete for the Future PC Throne
If 2024 is the year of AI PCs, then Computex is the real proving ground. The world’s three largest chip players—Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD—are ready to show off their latest and greatest products designed to drive this AI revolution.
Qualcomm’s Breakthrough: Snapdragon X Elite Leads the Early Wave
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address titled “The PC Reborn” on June 3rd at 1:30 PM (UCT+8). Qualcomm has taken an aggressive step with their Snapdragon X Elite chip, which is at the heart of the first wave of Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft.
Early benchmark leaks for the Snapdragon X Elite show outstanding performance in AI and productivity tasks, but are relatively less optimal for gaming and heavy graphics workloads. Nevertheless, laptop configurations vary greatly, and we may see other manufacturers optimizing this chip for different use cases. Computex will be a vital event for Qualcomm to demonstrate the full potential of the X Elite through various devices from different brands.
Intel’s Response: Awaiting Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake
Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel, will be the keynote speaker on June 4th at 11:00 AM (UCT+8). He will “showcase the next-generation data center and client computing products from Intel.” This is a crucial moment for Intel to demonstrate their strategy in facing Qualcomm’s early dominance in the AI PC segment.
We are very hopeful that Intel will do a live demo of their latest chips. The biggest anticipation is on the specific performance of the Lunar Lake chips and more concrete information regarding the Arrow Lake CPUs, which are expected to be the backbone of future Intel-based AI PCs.
AMD’s Strategy: Strix Point/Halo and Ryzen 8040 Ready to Attack
Dr. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, will open Computex 2024 with a keynote address on June 3rd at 9:30 AM (UCT+8). She will discuss “how AMD and our partners are pushing the boundaries with the next generation of high-performance PCs, data centers, and AI solutions.”
Although there is no confirmation of which products will debut, recent leaks indicate significant information about the upcoming AMD Strix Point and Strix Halo silicon. These chips are said to be based on the Zen 5 CPU architecture and the RDNA 3.5 GPU. Considering the spotlight currently enjoyed by the Snapdragon X Elite, Computex 2024 will be the perfect stage for AMD to launch their Strix Point/Halo chips. We also expect to get more information regarding the Ryzen 8040 chip series, AMD’s second-generation AI chipset.
OEM Breakthroughs: From AI Laptops to Handheld Gaming
In addition to the chip war, hardware manufacturers are also ready to flood Computex with their innovations. Each brand has a unique strategy to leverage the AI PC momentum and other market segments.
Asus: Product Line Leaked, Ready to Dominate the Market
Information regarding Asus’s product line for Computex 2024 has leaked, giving us an almost complete picture of what will be showcased. While there’s a possibility of strategy changes after the leak, here’s what we know:
- ROG Ally 2024: Most likely, an update to the Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming console will be present, possibly in the form of the ROG Ally X, coinciding with the annual refresh cycle.
- TUF Gaming A14 and A16: These new gaming laptops are predicted to be introduced. If AMD launches gaming-friendly Strix Point/Halo silicon and pairs it with Asus, this could be a powerful yet budget-friendly combination.
- AI Laptops: Asus has introduced the Snapdragon X Elite-powered Vivobook S15. We expect to see demonstrations of its full capabilities at Computex, along with the new Zenbook S16 and an AMD version of the popular ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop.
- ROG Gaming Peripherals: A new line of peripherals, including headsets, keyboards, and two different gaming mice, is also ready to complete the ROG gaming ecosystem.
MSI: Claw Seeks Redemption, Gaming Laptops Remain Strong
The MSI Claw handheld gaming console, launched on March 8th, unfortunately, received less than favorable reviews. Computex 2024 could be an opportunity for MSI to improve the Claw’s image. We hope MSI will discuss plans to improve this device, and perhaps even demonstrate an updated beta model.
On the other hand, MSI achieved great success with the refresh of three gaming laptop series announced at CES 2024. With the popularity of models like the Crosshair 16 HX Monster Hunter Edition, Pulse 17, and Vector 16, MSI will surely utilize Computex to demonstrate the superior capabilities of these laptops.
Acer: Comprehensive AI Ecosystem and Innovative 3D Displays
Acer will highlight their Swift 14 AI laptop—a Copilot+ PC powered by the Snapdragon X Elite chipset—as well as a number of other AI PCs, new Predator products, and the immersive SpatialLabs stereoscopic 3D display.
The Swift 14 AI offers impressive specifications, including a 14.5-inch (2560 x 1600) 120Hz IPS WQXGA display, up to a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite chip, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage. Acer will also showcase the Swift Go 14 (Intel Core Ultra), Swift Go 14 AMD (Ryzen 8040 series), Swift X 14, Swift Edge 16, and Aspire Vero 16. This demonstrates Acer’s commitment to providing diverse AI PC options.
In the gaming segment, Acer is ready with “AI-ready” Predator Helios 18 and Helios 16 laptops with Mini LED displays, as well as the Predator Helios Neo 18 with “AI-powered graphics.” SpatialLabs View innovation will also take center stage, promising stunning gaming and content experiences in stereo 3D, present on laptops like the Predator Helios 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition and Aspire 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition.
Gigabyte: Focus on Data Centers and AI PCs with AI Nexus
Gigabyte will present data center and AI server solutions, which may be less interesting to the general audience. However, what will attract attention is Gigabyte’s new AI PC line equipped with their “AI Nexus” software. We expect to see at least some of these AI PCs at Computex 2024.
Considering the less than favorable reviews for the G6X 9KG (2024), we are very hopeful that the Aorus 17X, 17, and 16X (2024) series, which will be demoed at the event, will show significant improvements and more competitive performance.
Outlook: The Inevitable AI PC Era
Computex 2023 did touch upon AI, but more as an introduction or a mere tease of what’s to come. In the last six months, we have witnessed the emergence of dedicated Copilot buttons on Windows laptops and the fierce battle between AI-powered chips from Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel that is heating up—with Qualcomm leading the way initially.
While it sounds cliché, it’s true that we are now in the AI PC era. The potential of AI to fundamentally change the way we use laptops is huge. If you buy a new laptop this year, it will likely come with built-in AI features, powered on the device or through cloud processing. Computex 2024 will be the perfect stage for laptop makers to showcase all these AI capabilities in all their glory.
During and after Computex 2024, repiw.com will highlight our favorite and most innovative products and features. It’s safe to bet that many of those products and features will be powered by the sophistication of AI. Get ready to welcome the future of computing!
