MediaTek has introduced a new processor designed for Chrome OS devices, positioning it for competitive performance on par with the Copilot+ PCs from the Windows community. The latest offering, dubbed the Kompanio Ultra, employs an all-big-core architecture aimed at delivering flagship level efficiency.
The main focus behind this powerhouse? AI capabilities. The Kompanio Ultra boasts an impressive 50 TOPS of AI processing power, notably exceeding Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite silicon, which reaches a maximum of 45 TOPS. This performance sets a new bar for processors from AMD and Intel that support Copilot+ systems.
The architecture features the latest Armv9 CPU framework arranged in a tri-cluster setup. At the helm is a premium Cortex-X925 core with a maximum frequency of 3.62GHz, complemented by three Cortex-X4 cores and four Arm Cortex-A720 cores.
Compared to previous Kompanio models, specifically from the 8xx and 5xx series, the Ultra (9xx series) allows on-device AI processing. This mirrors Google’s strategy for deploying local AI functionalities on Pixel smartphones using Gemini Nano.
This advances the performance of tasks like image generation, enhances speed, and enhances data security. MediaTek highlights functionalities such as local image and video processing, support for small and large language models (SLM and LLMs), and optimized resource allocation through an advanced AI accelerator chip.
Moreover, this is the pioneering MediaTek Kompanio silicon that supports dual 4K external displays and fast LPDDR5 memory with an impressive peak bandwidth of 8,533 Mbps in conjunction with the UFS 4.1 storage standard.
All the Firepower in the World
On the graphics side, the Arm's Immortalis-G925 MC11 takes charge, enabling capabilities such as 10-bit 4K at 60fps video encoding and decoding. Built on TSMC's advanced second-generation 3-nanometer process node, the GPU supports ray tracing technology for gaming purposes.
Additionally, a dedicated Hi-Fi Audio DSP enhances high-resolution audio output and facilitates features such as low-power, always-on standby mode for voice activation. In terms of connectivity, it embraces the cutting-edge WiFi-7 (offering speeds up to 7.3Gbps) and the Bluetooth 6.0 standard.
MediaTek anticipates the launch of the first Chrome OS devices powered by the Kompanio Ultra processor in the upcoming months. It remains to be seen whether these devices can underprice Copilot+ PCs in the entry-level market and successfully promote Gemini-equipped Chromebooks into the realm of mainstream AI computing.
Going All-In for Chrome OS
