From Outdated to AI-ready: A Device Refresh Guide
Unlock AI opportunities with CDW.
Now Is the Time
In this era of innovation, your organization needs more than just speed — it needs performance, efficiency, security and versatility to stay ahead in an ever-changing digital landscape. Whether you’re powering complex corporate workloads or supporting a hybrid workforce, upgrading your devices to AI PCs running Windows 11 Pro with the latest AMD, Intel and Qualcomm processors unlocks a world of powerful features designed to help your employees perform at their best.
What makes this the right time to refresh? Windows 10 end of support is October 14, 2025. While some older traditional PCs can run Windows 11 Pro, new AI PCs are optimized for it. In addition, AI-powered features are becoming more common across core productivity apps, and end-user devices will need more computing power to fully leverage the productivity benefits. Deploying AI PCs now can help future-proof your device fleet as AI technologies continue to expand and grow in the years to come.
165%
Worldwide shipments of AI PCs in 2025 are expected to increase 165% compared to 2024
Source: Gartner, “Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Shipments of AI PCs to Account for 43% of All PCs in 2025,” September 2024
What Defines an AI PC?
In the broadest terms, AI PCs are PCs that have specialized processors and algorithms that allow the device to run AI workloads locally, as opposed to relying on cloud-based processing. The ability to run AI at the device level can shorten the time for results and help improve security by keeping sensitive data out of the cloud.
Traditional PC
Central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) handle all workloads.
AI PC
Workloads are accelerated by adding the neural processing unit (NPU) and increasing speed and efficiency while reducing power consumption and freeing up the CPU and GPU for other tasks.
Microsoft created a set of standards that AI PCs must meet to be considered a “Copilot+ PC” that can fully utilize the AI features of Copilot:
- 16GB or more of RAM
- 256GB or more of storage
- An onboard NPU capable of 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS) or more
As AI-powered features continue to proliferate, the performance difference between AI PCs with dedicated AI processing capabilities and traditional PCs will only increase, which makes now the right time to refresh.
Why Upgrade to an AI PC?
The ability to perform complex AI functions and automate repetitive tasks represents a significant competitive advantage for any organization today. AI PCs with processors from leading manufacturers like AMD, Intel and Qualcomm empower your workforce to be more creative, more productive and more secure in everything they do.
No matter which AI PC you choose, you can expect a host of benefits that deliver a better experience for your employees and IT teams alike.
Unprecedented Performance Across Workloads
AI PCs are designed specifically to handle intensive processing tasks with ease. From content creation to complex data analysis and inferencing, the ability to handle AI tasks locally is delivering new levels of performance and efficiency for the modern workforce.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
With sustainability at the forefront, these new processors from AMD, Intel and Qualcomm are designed to reduce energy consumption while delivering top-tier performance. Upgrade now to take advantage of energy savings, reduced heat output and longer battery life in laptops and mobile devices, reducing overall operational costs.
Advanced Security Features
AI PCs come with built-in hardware security layers, protecting your business from modern threats. Intel® Hardware Shield and AMD’s Shadow Stack ensure that your data and devices remain secure, even in the face of sophisticated cyberattacks. The Qualcomm® Secure Processing Unit brings enterprise-grade security to mobile devices — essential for remote work scenarios.
Optimized for AI and Edge Computing
From AI-powered productivity enhancements to edge computing capabilities, these processors support the next generation of workplace innovation. Whether it’s machine learning applications powered by Intel® AI Boost, AMD’s Infinity Architecture for large datasets or Qualcomm’s on-device AI processing, these technologies enable smarter decision-making, faster automation and improved customer experiences.
Seamless Connectivity and Hybrid Work Support
With integrated Wi-Fi 6E, 5G and Thunderbolt™ 4 capabilities, AI PCs powered by AMD, Intel and Qualcomm processors support seamless connections for a hybrid workforce. Qualcomm’s emphasis on always-on, always-connected devices makes it the perfect choice for mobile-first businesses. These technologies ensure reliable and fast connectivity whether you’re working remotely or in the office.
Optimized for Windows 11 Pro
Windows 10 end of support is October 14, 2025, and an OS deployment can take more than a year to complete. While older traditional PCs may be able to run Windows 11 Pro effectively, AI PCs are optimized to make the most out of Windows 11 Pro’s productivity, security and AI-ready features.
How to Pick a Processor by Use Case
With AI PCs, users can perform tasks that previously required far more complex and costly computing systems, and the potential use cases for this technology are continuously expanding.
- Machine learning
- Advanced data processing/analysis
- Complex video editing/3D rendering
- Text and image creation
- Language translations
- Virtual assistants/chatbots
Choosing the right processor for your use case involves balancing the performance, energy efficiency, cost and feature sets available among the leading processor manufacturers.
AMD Ryzen® and EPYC Processors
Known for their industry-leading multi-core performance, AMD processors are ideal for businesses running virtualization, cloud computing or rendering-intensive applications — offering superior parallel processing capabilities.
Intel® 14th Gen Processors
Optimized for high-performance computing and AI-driven tasks, Intel’s latest processors are designed to meet the needs of modern enterprises that rely on advanced data processing and multitasking.
Qualcomm Snapdragon® for Mobile and Hybrid Work
Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon processors redefine mobile productivity with energy-efficient designs, fast connectivity and integrated 5G. They’re perfect for lightweight devices that enable remote and hybrid workforces.
CDW Services to Support Your Device Refresh
Refreshing your device fleet is a great opportunity to deliver a more productive and satisfying experience for your users, but it can also disrupt day-to-day activities for both users and IT teams. CDW is ready to help make it a smooth and seamless experience for everyone involved. We offer a variety of services that can help you assess your readiness, build strategies and reduce risk:
IF YOU ARE:
Not sure where to start
Getting started with AI PCs can be challenging, especially if you don’t have well-defined personas that define user hardware and software requirements across different disciplines.
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Expert guidance
CDW’s certified experts will help you choose the right devices and configurations based on your specific business needs, ensuring you maximize the value of your investment.
IF YOU ARE:
Managing remote deployments
With hybrid work becoming the new reality moving forward, getting devices configured and deployed quickly and efficiently is essential for minimizing disruption during a refresh.
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Windows Autopilot remote configurations
If new devices need to be sent out to remote workers or different office locations, it’s essential they’ve been prepared to be ready right out of the box. We can image the devices, install applications, and apply your custom settings and security policies with zero-touch for IT. After the new devices are properly configured, we test the devices and ensure everything is working as it should before it ships.
IF YOU ARE:
Retiring old devices
Managing devices that need to be retired can put an extra strain on IT teams meeting logistics, security and sustainability requirements.
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IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)
Receive expert support managing end-of-product lifecycles and safely, securely and cost-effectively disposing of your old equipment. Proper asset disposition involves completely wiping devices of sensitive data and environmentally responsible recycling and disposal of e-waste.
IF YOU ARE:
Looking for comprehensive support
Device refreshes can be time-consuming for IT teams already being asked to do more with less. And they can take focus off of strategic projects.
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End-to-end services
From procurement and device configuration to deployment and lifecycle management, CDW handles the entire process, minimizing disruption to your operations.
Ready for your next step? Reach out to your CDW account team to learn more about refreshing your devices for Windows 11 Pro and an AI-ready future.
