Processor Combat: ARM vs x86

ARM and x86 based processors have been the most popular and widely used processor families with pros and cons of their own. Both of them also had a wide application based on their strengths and weakness.

We have been using x86 based processors majorly made by Intel and AMD in our desktops and laptops for quite a while now. ARM based processors had their wide applications in embedded systems and microcontrollers. But with the rise of smartphones and demand for more power with better efficiency ARM based processors found their way to our hands too. Few years ago, Raspberry Pi boards made its debut with low-cost ARM based solutions and now the latest line-up of MacBooks are ARM based.

Differences between both families

ARM based processors follow RISC which stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computing. They use simple set of instructions contrary to CISC which stands for Complex Instruction Set Computing which uses relatively complex instruction set. Due to this CISC based x86 processors can perform complex tasks easily. RISC based setup comes at a cost, but ARM processors are able to make up for the increased execution time with faster processors. Even the world’s fastest supercomputer Fugaku in Kobe, Japan is an ARM powered machine.

Power consumption is one of the most important criteria between the 2 family of processors. ARM excels in getting the work done in very low power consumption, thus avoiding the need for a heat-sink too. On the other hand, x86 based processors consumes much more power than ARM based processors and often requires a good heat-sink to dissipate the heat generated.

All major OS are available on x86 based systems. But for ARM based systems, few operating systems were available till now such as Android but with increasing popularity of ARM, Windows has launched a ARM based version of Windows 10 and recently Apple has made its latest version of macOS for ARM based systems.

How does this effect market?

Intel has been on pinnacle of this industry but for past few years its processors are stuck on 14nm architecture only and we have not seen a big performance update too. Although AMDs latest lineup was able to bring significant upgrades to this with 7nm architecture and better performing chips.

With big players like Apple, Samsung, Qualcomm in this business spending billions on R&D of ARM based chips, they provide a significant performance which was earlier expected from x86 based chips only. According to recent performance indexes, Apple’s ipad Pro 2020 was able to outperform one of the intel’s best laptop chips using remarkably less power. Recently Google also announced its plans to build its own ARM based processors too. By this all, we could expect a revolution in PC industry too along with smartphones industry.

Verdict

Overall, both ARM and x86 based families of processors produce remarkable machines. The x86 based family of processor provides great performance if power consumption and heat dissipation is not an issue. For portable machines like smartphones and laptops ARM based processors could be a great option. Based on the use, each fit good into their own niche.