During the second quarter of 2024, according to the latest figures published by Canalys based on information published by the main processor manufacturers, sales of AI-enabled equipment represented the 14% of total shipmentswhich represents 8.8 million devices distributed between April and July of this year.
By the end of this year, Canalys estimates suggest that AI-powered PC shipment figures could reach 44 million unitsa figure that will increase considerably over the years and the current supply of processors with NPU dedicated is increasing.
AI-powered PCs are the future
The recent market launch of new processors with ARM architecture Qualcomm’s integrated NPU will undoubtedly help increase sales figures, especially among users and businesses looking for greater autonomy, as this is one of its most attractive points.
The presentation of AMD’s new line of AI processors in early June, as well as the upcoming launch of Intel’s Core Ultra processor line, will provide a significant boost to upcoming sales. All of these devices meet Microsoft’s requirements to be considered PC Copilot+since it has an NPU of 45 TOPS.
While it is true that the Cupertino company has been integrating an NPU into its M-series ARM processors for 4 years, it was not until 2024 that it really wanted to take full advantage of what they can offer through Apple InformationApple’s new AI, which for now will only be available in the United States.
Desktop PC still without NPU
For now, Intel and AMD are leaving aside artificial intelligence in desktop processors, since this type of equipment can use the graphics cards from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel to perform AI tasks, because the power consumption is not as high as it is with a laptop.
Neural processing units (NPUs) are responsible for performing Artificial Intelligence Tasks locally and without depending on the computer’s graphics, so their energy consumption is much lower than when using graphics. In addition, this allows you to eliminate dependence on the Internet to perform this type of tasks.
If you are looking for a desktop PC with NPU, the only thing you can do for now is wait for Qualcomm to present in the coming months its first devices with ARM architecture, devices that, according to various rumors, will be available for around $ 700 in exchange. This type of equipment will mainly be mini PCs since the processor, memory and storage are integrated.
