In a significant development in the tech world, both Nvidia and AMD are reportedly entering the arena of arm based chip tech, designed for Windows-based PCs. This move represents a substantial expansion of Microsoft’s Windows on Arm project. According to reports from Reuters, Nvidia has initiated the process of creating these Arm-based CPUs, and if all goes as planned, these chips could be ready for consumer use as early as 2025.
Arm based chip for Windows
For a considerable time, Microsoft’s Windows on Arm initiative was closely tied to Qualcomm. Microsoft exclusively partnered with Qualcomm to run Arm-based versions of Windows 11. However, a new chapter is now unfolding. Nvidia and AMD’s entry into this domain offers an exciting alternative. In particular, Nvidia is making waves as it gears up to create an arm based chip that could redefine the landscape.
NVIDIA’s silent revolution
NVIDIA, renowned for its prowess in artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, has been working quietly behind the scenes. They are now actively designing central processing units (CPUs) tailored to run Microsoft’s Windows operating system, using technology from Arm Holdings. This strategic move is part of Microsoft’s broader plan to aid chip manufacturers in creating Arm-based processors for Windows PCs. The goal here is to challenge Apple’s growing dominance. Preliminary data from research firm IDC indicates that Apple’s use of in-house Arm-based chips has significantly boosted its market share in the last three years. NVIDIA’s entry into this arena is a sign of optimism for the future of Windows PCs.
AMD joins the race
NVIDIA isn’t alone in this endeavor. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), another major player in the semiconductor industry, is also entering the field. AMD is actively planning to develop chips for PCs utilizing Arm technology. This additional competition only excites the race towards Arm-based PC chips. According to The Verge, NVIDIA and AMD might unveil their Arm-based PC chips as early as 2025. Qualcomm has been creating Arm-based chips for laptops since 2016 and is about to provide more insights into a flagship chip created by a team of ex-Apple engineers. The PC industry is on the brink of transformation.
The race for performance and efficiency
Nvidia and AMD’s arrival in the Arm-based Windows ecosystem opens the door to fresh innovations and heightens competition within the tech industry. This development places added pressure on Intel to deliver chips that can stand up to the capabilities of Apple’s M1 and M2 chips. Intel-based laptops have grappled with challenges in matching Apple’s silicon’s battery life and performance. With Intel’s upcoming Meteor Lake CPUs set for release in December, the stage is set for Intel to contest Apple’s dominance again.
In addition to the involvement of Nvidia and AMD, Microsoft has been rumored to explore its arm based chip model for servers and possibly Surface devices. While these rumors are yet to materialize, Microsoft’s history of co-engineering the Arm-based SQ1 and SQ2 processors with Qualcomm for the Surface Pro X hints at the company’s interest in pushing boundaries. Moreover, AMD’s collaboration with Microsoft in crafting a custom version of its Ryzen processor for the Surface Laptop 3 underscores the potential for groundbreaking advancements in this tech partnership. Let’s see what the future will bring.
Featured image credit: Timothy Dykes/Unsplash
