NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is set to unveil next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) PC chips in Taiwan, which will incorporate SK Hynix's LPDDR5X memory. Following its success in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for servers, SK Hynix is accelerating its integration into NVIDIA's ecosystem within the AI PC market.
According to industry sources, Huang will focus on the AI chips 'N1' and 'N1X' during his keynote address at GTC 2026 in Taiwan. These products are expected to be system-on-chip (SoC) solutions that combine Arm-based central processing units (CPUs) with NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs). Reports indicate that SK Hynix's LPDDR5X will serve as the primary memory supply for these chips.
The chips are anticipated to support up to 128GB of LPDDR5X, a significant increase compared to typical smartphones or existing laptops. To run generative AI and on-device AI functions directly on laptops, not only CPU and GPU performance but also memory capacity and bandwidth for rapid data processing are crucial. This indicates that the expansion of AI PCs is directly linked to the growing demand for high-performance, low-power DRAM.
The N1 and N1X are viewed as NVIDIA's first serious foray into the AI PC market. The N1 targets the premium AI laptop segment, while the N1X is aimed at high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. Specific details regarding core counts, power design, and GPU configurations are expected to be revealed in the official announcement.
A key feature of these chips is the integration of CPU and GPU within a single package. Traditionally, the PC market has been dominated by Intel and AMD, with NVIDIA enhancing performance through external GPUs. In contrast, the N1 and N1X aim to redefine the fundamental computing architecture of PCs by combining Arm CPUs with NVIDIA GPUs, focusing on AI.
The competitive landscape for AI PCs may also shift. Previously, laptop comparisons focused on CPU performance, battery efficiency, and graphics capabilities. However, as generative AI becomes integrated into PCs, the ability to execute large language models, generate images and videos, assist in coding, and analyze documents will become key competitive factors. The N1 and N1X are designed to consolidate CPU, GPU, and memory into a unified AI computing platform.
Industry analysts suggest that these products could disrupt the Intel-centric PC ecosystem. Arm-based chips have already demonstrated energy efficiency in the smartphone and tablet markets. The combination of NVIDIA GPUs and AI software could create a new competitive axis in the Windows PC market. Analysts view NVIDIA's collaboration with Arm as a significant challenge to the x86-dominated PC landscape.
For SK Hynix, the opportunity to benefit from NVIDIA's influence extends beyond HBM to LPDDR. The company has improved its performance in the AI server market through HBM supply, and expanding LPDDR5X supply for AI PCs would position it within NVIDIA's value chain on both server and client sides.
The 128GB LPDDR5X integration is particularly significant for memory suppliers. This capacity far exceeds the LPDDR amounts typically found in smartphones. If AI PC shipments increase substantially, the rise in memory capacity per unit could lead to revenue growth. Unlike traditional PC DRAM demand, which has stagnated due to slower replacement cycles, AI PCs require high-capacity memory, presenting a new demand opportunity.
The most direct beneficiaries of the N1 and N1X project are likely to be memory suppliers like SK Hynix. Just as NVIDIA elevated HBM to an essential component in the AI server market, the importance of high-capacity, low-power memory is expected to grow in AI PCs. As AI processing shifts from the cloud to PC devices, technologies that reduce memory bottlenecks will become critical for product performance.
Recently, the presence of SK Hynix memory was confirmed on NVIDIA's N1 and N1X sample boards, increasing the likelihood of supply.
In response, a representative from SK Hynix stated, "We cannot confirm details regarding collaborations with clients due to security regulations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.