While everyone talks about what AI can do, less attention is given to how AI drives (much needed) innovation in the chip industry.
For years there was a well known monopoly in the PC industry, AMD and Intel ruled over the PC landscape.
There simply was no better alternative, and there was no incentive for chip manufacturers like Qualcomm to invest in the PC industry, because of the lack of innovation on the platform (Windows), and the lack of growth of the PC market.
AI-driven innovations offer new opportunities to revive Windows on ARM, a platform that was not successful in the past. This article compares the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus with current chips from Intel and AMD, examines the challenges of previous Windows on ARM implementations, and discusses why these new innovations could make Windows on ARM successful.
The History of Windows on ARM
Windows RT was Microsoft’s first serious attempt to run Windows on ARM chips, launched in 2012 alongside the Surface RT tablet. It aimed to combine the energy efficiency of ARM with the power of Windows. Unfortunately, it suffered from a lack of compatibility with traditional x86 applications. Users could only run apps from the Windows Store, severely limiting usability. As a result, Windows RT was poorly received and eventually discontinued.
Windows 10 on ARM was Microsoft’s next attempt to run Windows on ARM chips. Initially, only x86 emulation was possible, meaning older 32-bit Windows applications could run, but performance was disappointing due to the emulation layer. Support for x64 emulation was added later, allowing 64-bit applications to run. Despite these improvements, performance still did not meet expectations because ARM processors were seen as ‘fast phone processors,’ inadequate for full-fledged laptops.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus are the latest and most advanced ARM chips on the market, designed with a strong focus on AI performance and energy efficiency. Qualcomm specifically invested in developing these chips to address the shortcomings of previous ARM chips for Windows devices. The need to meet the requirements of AI-driven applications, such as Microsoft’s Copilot+, was a key driver for this investment.
Both chips offer advanced support for x86 and x64 emulation. Thanks to the new “Prism” emulation layer in Windows 11 on ARM, these chips significantly improve the performance of emulated applications. This means x86 and x64 applications run on ARM devices with minimal performance loss, crucial for the usability of Windows on ARM.
Comparison with Current Chips from Intel and AMD
Current x64 processors from Intel and AMD show different levels of AI performance:
- Intel’s Meteor Lake: Offers up to 10 TOPS of AI performance, which does not meet the requirements for Microsoft’s Copilot+ certification.
- AMD’s Ryzen 8040 series: Offers up to 16 TOPS of AI performance, also insufficient for Copilot+.
Competition and Innovation in the Chip Market
The introduction of the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus could significantly accelerate competition in the chip market. Currently dominated by Intel and AMD, the PC chip market might see a broader range of manufacturers in the future. This could be similar to the smartphone market, where multiple companies compete with their own chips.
For example, Samsung has its Exynos processors, Google develops Tensor chips for its Pixel phones, and other major players in the mobile chip industry like MediaTek could also enter the PC market.
This diversification could lead to faster innovations, better performance, energy efficiency, and more choices for consumers.
Microsoft Copilot+ Certification
To be certified for Microsoft’s Copilot+, PCs must deliver at least 40 TOPS of AI performance. Many current x64 chips, such as Intel’s Meteor Lake and AMD’s Ryzen, do not meet this requirement. The Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus, with 45 TOPS for the NPU, do meet this standard and are currently the only chips that do.
Why Windows on ARM Can Succeed Now
The combination of improved performance and energy efficiency makes the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus game-changers for Windows on ARM. With the ability to efficiently run AI-driven applications like Microsoft’s Copilot+, these chips meet the high performance standards needed for modern computers. Qualcomm and Microsoft have developed a powerful emulation layer that ensures x86 and x64 applications run smoothly on ARM devices, enhancing the usability and acceptance of Windows on ARM.
Conclusion
Despite past failures, the current generation of AI-optimized chips from Qualcomm offers new hope for Windows on ARM. The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus outperform current x64 chips from Intel and AMD in AI performance. These investments in AI and chip innovation could ensure that Windows on ARM not only meets performance standards but also remains energy efficient, potentially leading to broader acceptance and success of the platform.