Nvidia and AMD are reportedly gearing up to launch ARM-based CPUs for Windows-based PCs. According to Reuters, Nvidia has initiated the design of ARM-based CPUs, potentially marking a significant expansion of Windows on ARM, and both Nvidia and AMD might have PC chips ready as early as 2025.
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Up until now, Microsoft has exclusively partnered with Qualcomm for ARM-based versions of Windows 11. This news from Reuters comes on the cusp of Qualcomm’s imminent Snapdragon launch for ARM-based chips, expected to power Samsung’s upcoming flagship phone. It’s worth noting that Microsoft executives, including Pavan Davuluri, Vice President of Windows and Devices, will be part of Qualcomm’s announcement.
Notably, Microsoft’s initial Surface tablet, the Surface RT, was equipped with Nvidia’s ARM-based Tegra processor. However, Windows RT failed to gain traction, despite efforts by Lenovo, Asus, Samsung, and Dell to promote ARM-based Windows devices. Since then, Nvidia ARM-based devices running Windows have been scarce, as Qualcomm’s close collaboration with Microsoft led to specialized processors for Surface Pro tablets.
The entry of AMD and Nvidia into the realm of ARM-based Windows devices alongside Qualcomm will exert more pressure on Intel to deliver chips that can compete with Apple’s proprietary silicon. Intel-based laptops have faced challenges in matching the battery life and performance achieved by Apple’s M1 and M2 chips. Meteor Lake CPUs are set to launch in December in an attempt to rival Apple once more.
Furthermore, Microsoft has been the subject of rumours regarding its development of ARM-based chips for servers and possibly Surface devices. While these rumours haven’t materialized yet, Microsoft has worked with Qualcomm to co-engineer the ARM-based SQ1 processor for the Surface Pro X, along with an SQ2 variant. Additionally, AMD collaborated with Microsoft to create a customized version of its Ryzen processor for the Surface Laptop 3 and is reportedly partnering with Microsoft on AI chips.
