ARM wants to dethrone x86-based processors with a new strategy

ARM Holdings wants to seize a part of the Windows PC market. Yet, the PC industry always focused on Intel’s x86 architecture. Besides, the x86-based PCs were around for longer. On top of that, most PC software, peripherals, and accessories use x86 drivers. However, Rene Haas, CEO of the UK chipmaker and semiconductor designer, believes ARM-based processors will be as successful on Windows PCs as on Apple.

Are Arm-based processors better than their competitors?

According to Canalys Insights, ARM-based processors represent less than 1% of the Windows PC market. However, compared to the x86-based processors, they are more energy efficient and performant. Also, the ARM processors are suitable for cloud computing, edge computing, and AI implementation.

In addition, there are PCs based on ARM processors, but they have some compatibility and pairing issues. For example, most ARM PCs aren’t for gaming because game developers build them for x86 systems.

ARM Holdings plans on bringing more products to chip away the Windows PC Market share from the x86-based CPUs. To do this, the company will work with various suppliers to provide multiple units with ARM-based processors, Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), price points, and experiences to customers. For instance, Windows on Arm started supporting Chrome this year.

Qualcomm and Asus partnered to bring the Snapdragon X Elite SoC (system-on-a-chip) and new gaming ARM-based PCs to the market. However, according to Rene Haas, multiple suppliers will join the race and create new systems with ARM-based processors in the following years.

ARM PCs have better efficiency and performance compared to their competitors. Also, their battery life lasts longer. Besides that, ARM-based devices don’t need an active fan to attain high performance. So, we might get silent PCs in the next few years.

Ultimately, ARM Holdings expects significant growth in the next three years. In addition, based on what Rene Haas said, more manufacturers will start focusing on ARM-based technologies. So, even if the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite SoC is for premium systems, manufacturers could design new ARM-based processors for a larger audience.

Will you get an ARM-based PC? Let us know in the comments.