Currently, there are quite a lot of marketing terms that confuse users, we may already know what a regular PC is, but in the era of AI technology, there is a new term called AI PC and Copilot+ PC, so what is the difference?
Before we continue, it is important to note that the PC itself defines the category of computers, while PC or computer usually defines a device that runs Windows, then “AI PC” describes a computer that can provide AI capabilities, and “Copilot+ PC” is more of a marketing promotion to define a computer that can run all the AI features that Windows 11 offers.
AI PC
AI PC is any computer that focuses on AI, where if the device/computer already has an NPU then it can also be called an AI PC.
Additionally, any computer with a modern CPU and GPU capable of running AI can be considered an AI PC, provided it supports only a few of the AI features available in Windows 11.
Here are some processors that already offer AI capabilities, from Intel there are Intel Core i3-12100F, Intel Core i5-11400F, and Intel Core i7-12700F. and some processors that you can see on the list following.
Meanwhile, from AMD there are Ryzen 3 3200G, Ryzen 5 5600G, Ryzen 5 8600G, and Ryzen 7 8700G. Some devices such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen12) (Intel) or the HP Envy 16 (AMD) already offer AI capabilities, and both can be categorized as AI PCs.
Well, besides that, this AI PC has an NPU power of less than 40 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), where if it is more than that then it is already in the Copilot+ PC category.
Regular PC or Normal PC
This category is a general category for devices that do not have specific AI features embedded in them. Generally, devices made in 2024 may have AI capabilities and some can already be considered AI PCs, but computers from 2021 or earlier are likely to fall into the regular PC category.
For example, the Asus K401UQK that I use is a Regular PC because it does not have enough capabilities to run AI and of course does not have an NPU.
For example, if you have a device with an Intel processor, if it has Intel® Deep Learning Boost support and has AI Datatype and AI Software Frameworks support, it can be called an AI PC, if not, then it is just a regular PC.
Copilot+ PC
Well, Copilot+ PC itself is Microsoft's special marketing brand for next-generation computers that are equipped with AI.
To be considered a Copilot+ PC, a device must be running Windows 11, have an NPU with at least 40 TOPS, have 16 GB of RAM, use a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite or Plus processor (or a Copilot+-certified processor), and be able to run AI features locally.
Also Read: Here's the Newly Announced Copilot+ PC Device!
Then what is the difference between AI PC and Copilot+ PC, so Copilot+ PC can probably be said to be a better version of AI PC based on Microsoft's requirements, where Copilot+ PC can certainly be called AI PC, but not all AI PCs can be called Copilot+ PC.
One of the factors that determines this is the NPU 40 TOPS power where if it is below 40, then it is not enough to be called Copilot+, besides that to get Copilot+ certification, the processor manufacturer must comply with and follow the established standards. For example Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 It will likely be a Copilot+ certified processor in addition to the Snapdragon X Elite or Plus.
In conclusion
If you buy a computer with components made before 2021, it likely doesn't qualify as an AI PC.
If the device already has a CPU, GPU and NPU below 40 TOPS, it is an AI PC, if it has 40 TOPS or more, it is in the Copilot+ PC category, if it only has a CPU, GPU and does not have any AI support, it is just a regular PC.
However, not having an NPU and not being categorized as an AI PC does not mean that your computer cannot handle AI tasks, because if you are already using a GPU such as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, 4080, 4070, 4060ti or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, then you can definitely complete many AI tasks. This is because the GPU provides Tensor Cores (NVIDIA) or Stream Processors (AMD) which are core or cores specifically designed for AI workloads within the GPU.
For example, if you are still using an Intel Core i5-7500 which is clearly not a processor that supports AI, but you have done a sultan upgrade by adding an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, of course you can run AI tasks such as working with AI features in Photoshop or Premiere Pro more smoothly, although you may find… bottleneck due to a slower processor.
Well, those are some of the differences between AI PC, Copilot+ PC and AI PC based on various sources of information that have been summarized by WinPoin. Keep in mind that all have their own advantages and disadvantages, and even if your device is not an AI PC or Copilot+ PC, it is not a problem because not everyone needs AI for their work and daily life.
What do you think? are there any other categories or other things that I missed? comment below guys.
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