Qualcomm Showcases Ultra-Thin Snapdragon X2 Desktops with Silent AirJet Cooling

Qualcomm is looking to redefine what desktop computing can look like. At Snapdragon Summit 2025, the company introduced conceptual designs powered by its new Snapdragon X2 Elite and Elite Extreme processors, highlighting ultra-thin form factors and unconventional cooling systems that could challenge the norms of PC hardware.

Alongside traditional laptops and detachable tablets, Qualcomm unveiled two small-form-factor desktop prototypes. The first was a disc-shaped mini desktop, no thicker than half an inch and only slightly larger than a teacup saucer. The second was a modular all-in-one concept, designed so that the computer itself docks neatly into a monitor base. Both designs illustrate Qualcomm’s ambition to extend Snapdragon’s reach beyond mobile-first devices.

The compact disc-like desktop drew particular attention. Its rounded edges and minimalist profile resembled a small coffee warmer rather than a traditional PC tower. Despite the size, it housed a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor capable of driving a full-size display over USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Connectivity included multiple USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while a circular underside vent evoked comparisons to Apple’s Mac Mini.

Managing thermals in such a slim enclosure required a novel approach. Qualcomm employed Frore Systems’ AirJet technology a cooling module that replaces fans with vibrating thermoelectric membranes that generate air pulses. The system quietly transfers heat through heat sinks without moving parts, making it both silent and more durable than conventional cooling solutions. Qualcomm noted that manufacturers could also opt for low-profile fans or fanless designs, depending on system performance requirements.

The second prototype explored modularity in all-in-one desktops. The system integrated a docking slot within the monitor base, designed for a thin, detachable PC module roughly the size of a CD case. The design allows users to remove, upgrade, or replace the computing unit without discarding the display — a longstanding limitation in most all-in-one PCs. While companies such as Lenovo and Dell have experimented with attachable small-form PCs, Qualcomm’s design offered a more seamless integration that aligned closely with modern all-in-one aesthetics.

As with many reference designs, commercial availability remains uncertain. Qualcomm confirmed that three Taiwan-based OEMs are working with Snapdragon X2 Elite reference systems, hinting that elements of these concepts may appear in consumer products. For now, the prototypes stand as a bold statement of intent: that Snapdragon-powered desktops could one day be thinner, quieter, and more modular than anything currently on the market.