NVIDIA and MediaTek Collaborate on New APU for Gaming Laptops to Compete with Intel and AMD

NVIDIA, in collaboration with MediaTek, is reportedly venturing into the “AI PC”domain with a groundbreaking processor tailored specifically for gaming laptops. This development has the potential to significantly alter the competitive landscape in the hardware market.

NVIDIA and MediaTek: Pioneering Development in Mobile APU Technology

The evolution of mobile processors has witnessed remarkable progress over recent years, largely fueled by innovations from industry giants like Intel and AMD. Noteworthy examples include AMD’s Phoenix, Strix Point, and Strix Halo series, which have elevated performance levels in compact devices. Seizing upon this momentum, NVIDIA aims to make its mark by entering the competitive mobile APU arena. According to a report from Taiwan Economic Daily, the duo is poised to introduce a cutting-edge APU for gaming laptops, with initial integration anticipated within Dell’s prestigious Alienware lineup.

While speculation about the NVIDIA and MediaTek AI chip has circulated since last year, previous expectations centered around desktop applications. The strategic focus has now shifted towards developing a unique ARM-based APU engineered for mobile gaming laptops. This innovative chip is expected to launch as early as Q4 2025 or in the first quarter of 2026, featuring a CPU architecture that leans heavily on ARM technology, alongside the Blackwell architecture for its integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU).

Notably, NVIDIA is expected to forge an exclusive partnership with Dell for the initial launch of this APU, marking its debut solely on Dell’s gaming laptops, particularly within the Alienware range. Dell has consistently been a close ally of NVIDIA, particularly in the AI sector, by providing an expansive portfolio of “AI factory” solutions. This exclusive release strategy will enable NVIDIA to gauge customer feedback effectively before extending the chip’s availability to other brands, facilitating a smoother transition into the broader market.

While specifics regarding the APU’s performance are still under wraps, the decision to focus on mobile chip development aligns with MediaTek’s established expertise in compact chip technology, combined with NVIDIA’s prowess in graphics architecture. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the mobile APU market is currently led by competitors like AMD and Intel, which offer robust products characterized by impressive performance-to-power ratios. The upcoming NVIDIA APU will need to address these existing benchmarks to secure a foothold in this dynamic sector.

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