Nvidia and AMD are developing Arm processors for PCs

NVIDIA, currently commanding approximately 80% of the discrete graphics card market and the lion’s share of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing GPU sector, now seemingly casts its sights on another frontier: processors for client PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system. While AMD’s CPU product suite predominantly focuses on x86 processors and remains in fierce competition with Intel, it appears they too harbor ambitions to develop ARM processors tailored for desktops and laptops.

According to industry reports, both NVIDIA and AMD are poised to collaborate with Microsoft to proffer designs grounded in the ARM architecture that supports the Windows operating system, aiming to compete more efficaciously against the ARM architecture SoCs employed within Apple’s Mac products. Microsoft had previously, as early as 2016, chosen Qualcomm to execute its ‘Windows on ARM’ strategy. This accord granted Qualcomm exclusive rights to craft Windows-compatible chips until 2024, post which, other manufacturers are free to venture into this domain.

Microsoft’s involvement is pivotal, for it has consistently championed the evolution and application of ARM-based chips within the PC industry. This encouragement stems from a strategic vision of diversifying the processor ecosystem and eschewing dependence on a singular supplier. In recent years, Microsoft appears galvanized by the efficiency and performance demonstrated by Apple’s custom ARM chips, aspiring that analogous designs can enhance battery longevity and the overall performance of mobile devices.

Over the past decade, both NVIDIA and AMD have delved into ARM architecture. The former once devised SoCs for smartphones and currently integrates ARM cores in data center products. The latter, though previously offering ARM-based designs, eventually opted to channel its finite resources predominantly into the x86 architecture. The backing from Microsoft rekindles hope for both, yet the endeavor is beset with myriad technical challenges, primarily centered around software compatibility issues.

It’s understood that both NVIDIA and AMD are strategizing to launch ARM processors for client PCs by 2025.