- The ARM architecture stands out for its energy efficiency and flexibility, with a simple and powerful RISC philosophy.
- ARM computers offer long battery life, low power consumption, and increasing compatibility with operating systems and software.
- The market trend points toward ARM's expansion beyond mobile devices, conquering laptops, desktops, and servers.
This article invites you to immerse yourself in the fascinating universe of ARM computersWe're going to take a closer look at their history, how they work, their real-world uses, differences with other architectures (such as Intel and AMD's x86), and their strengths and weaknesses.
Just a few decades ago, if someone mentioned the word "processor", the first thing that came to mind were brands like Intel o AMD, with its well-known PC chips. However, in recent years, a new player has emerged in the sector, revolutionizing the way we understand computers, mobile phones, and all types of digital devices: ARM processorsBut what's really behind this architecture? What are its real advantages over other traditional processors?
How does an ARM processor work? Key principles and differences from x86 processors
The key to the ARM architecture lies in the simplicity and efficiency of the instruction set. Being based on the RISC philosophy, ARM CPUs execute very basic operations (addition, subtraction, data movement, jump, etc.) in individual clock cycles, instead of complex and long instructions like CISC (typical of x86 from Intel and AMD). This means that an ARM chip can have fewer transistors, which in turn implies:
- Lower energy consumption.
- Reduction of heat generated.
- Lower manufacturing cost.
In newer designs (such as ARMv8 and ARMv9), An ARM processor can work in both 32-bit and 64-bit modes., matching and sometimes surpassing the processing power of its x86 rivals in everyday tasks. core customization allows each manufacturer to add specific units, expand cache memory, add graphics coprocessors or artificial intelligence, etc.
There are also two modes of operation:
- ARM mode: 32-bit instructions, maximum power and performance
- Thumb Mode: 16-bit compressed instructions, lower power consumption and higher code density, ideal for devices with memory limitations
Simplicity does not mean lack of power: Current versions of ARM have advanced pipeline, pipeline, branch prediction, and multiple cores., coming very close to the performance of the best x86 chips, especially in tasks where energy efficiency is critical.
Main features of ARM computers
To fully understand what makes a computer with an ARM processor special, we must look at all its features. technical characteristics, both at the hardware and logical architecture level:
- RISC architecture: simple instruction, fast execution, fewer transistors
- Core customization: Manufacturers can modify the design, integrate graphics, AI, security, etc.
- Ultra low energy consumption: ideal for portable devices and equipment without active cooling systems
- 32 and 64 bit compatibility: The latest generations support both, improving both speed and memory capacity.
- Cache and memory efficiency: Integration of optimized L1/L2 cache and data bus
- Extended instruction support: Thumb mode, SIMD support (NEON), floating point units and extensions for artificial intelligence in the latest models
- Open LicenseAnyone can develop their own ARM-based chips by paying a design license fee. This has led to a huge variety of products and competition between manufacturers.
- Wide operating system compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS (on the latest Macs), among many others
At the usage level, The proliferation of ARM chips is not limited to mobile phones and tablets.; More and more ARM computers, laptops, mini PCs, servers, and even supercomputers rely on their efficiency and scalability.
Advantages of ARM computers over Intel and AMD
The advantages of ARM architecture over traditional x86 processors (Intel and AMD) are quite obvious. Its strengths include:
- Unrivaled energy efficiency: electricity consumption is much smaller, which translates into More battery life for laptops and lower electricity bills for serversSome latest generation ARM chips consume barely 1W, compared to 15-45W for conventional x86 chips.
- Cooling made simple: by producing less heat, They do not require powerful fans or complex dissipation systemsThis enables fanless designs, slimmer and quieter enclosures.
- Lowest manufacturing price: fewer transistors and silicon, easier to produce on a large scale, lowering costs and enabling the creation of affordable computers.
- Flexibility and customizationManufacturers can create custom chips for every need, from very small IoT devices to high-performance computers.
- Constant updates: Competition between manufacturers (Apple, Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, NVIDIA, etc.) drives innovation and continuous improvement of performance and efficiency.
- Multiplatform support: It is common to see ARM computers compatible with Android, Linux, Chrome OS, Windows 10/11 and macOS, which offers a enormous versatility for developers and users.
These advantages explain Why ARMs have conquered the mobile world and are now seriously competing in the fields of laptops, convertibles, mini PCs and serversThe arrival of Apple Silicon chips in Macs has demonstrated that a great balance between power and battery life can be achieved, paving the way for other manufacturers to follow suit.
Main current disadvantages and limitations
Of course, it's not all advantages. ARM computers also have limitations that need to be considered.:
- Limited software compatibility: many applications (especially those designed for x86) They do not work natively on ARM. Although there are emulation systems (such as Apple's Rosetta 2 or Prism on Windows), performance may be affected.
- Lower raw power in some scenarios: In very demanding tasks (professional video editing, extreme gaming, CAD, advanced virtualization), ARM chips They usually fall behind the best x86.
- Dependency on optimizations: for get the most out of it, developers must create specific versions of their applications for ARM.
- Lower supply of hardware and components: although is changing rapidly, at the moment there are Fewer options for 100% ARM-compatible components and accessories on the market, especially in Europe and America.
- Limitations in gaming and customization: Gaming PCs often require dedicated GPUs, more RAM, and upgradeability, which are even more restricted on ARM than on x86 platforms.
The trend, however, is for these limitations to be reduced over time, as manufacturers and developers increasingly rely on ARM.
Types of ARM processors and technological evolution
The ARM ecosystem has several variants and families, from the earliest 16- and 32-bit chips to the latest 64-bit beasts for servers, desktops, and high-end laptops. Let's look at the main ones:
- ARM1, ARM2, ARM3: historical pioneers, widely used in early personal computers and embedded systems
- ARM6, ARM7, ARM9, ARM11: progressive evolution in power and efficiency, with integrated cache, multimedia support and the appearance of SIMD and Thumb instructions
- StrongARM and XScale: chips licensed from DEC and Intel, very popular in the 2000s in PDAs, mobile phones and industrial devices
- Cortex-A, Cortex-R, Cortex-M: The most relevant families currently. Cortex-A for general applications (smartphones, tablets, laptops), with single- and multi-core versions, NEON, TrustZone, and multimedia capabilities. Cortex-R for real-time systems (cars, automation), and Cortex-M for low-cost, low-power microcontrollers.
- Apple silicon: Apple's own ARM-based chips, from the M1 to the M3, with Pro, Max, and Ultra variants, that lead the way in performance on laptops and desktops running macOS.
- Snapdragon: Qualcomm's flagship range, widely used in mobile phones and now in ultrabooks and laptops with Snapdragon X Elite and new Copilot+ PC.
Operating system and software compatibility on ARM
A key aspect is software compatibility, especially in operating systems and desktop applications:
- Android and iOS: Systems designed from the outset for ARM, ensuring compatibility and good performance on mobile phones and tablets.
- Linux: Wide support for distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, Kali, Gentoo, Oracle Linux and many more, as well as BSD (FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD).
- MacOSSince 2020, Macs with Apple Silicon have only run on ARM, with most apps ported or emulated using Rosetta 2.
- Windows 10 and 11 for ARM: Improved versions that support native apps and x86 emulation, especially thanks to Windows 11 Copilot+ and its Prism engine.
The big challenge for ARM computers right now remains the desktop application compatibilityWhile many popular apps already have native ARM versions, there are still specialized software that requires emulation or isn't optimized.
Market and most relevant ARM computer manufacturers
Today, several companies and devices stand out as trendsetters in the ARM market for computers:
- Apple : with its MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Studio based on Apple Silicon. Additionally, it uses ARM in its iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
- Microsoft: The ARM computers in the Surface Pro X and Surface Copilot+ ranges represent Redmond's commitment, with native support for Windows and optimization efforts.
- Qualcomm: leader in mobile phones with Snapdragon, and currently in ultrabooks and laptops with Snapdragon X Elite and Copilot+ PC.
- Google: Chrome OS on Chromebooks, with great battery life and Android app compatibility.
- Samsung, HP, Acer, Lenovo: They offer laptops, tablets, and convertibles with ARM chips and pre-installed Windows 11 ARM, prioritizing autonomy and lightweight design.
- Raspberry Pi: the maker platform that has brought ARM to millions of users, fostering programming, robotics, and IoT.
Key differences between ARM and x86 (Intel/AMD)
For many, the main question is: how does an ARM processor really differ from an Intel or AMD x86 processor?
- Type of instructions: ARM uses RISC, with simple, short instructions; x86 is CISC, with complex, long instructions.
- Performance per wattARM excels in energy efficiency, ideal for battery and passive systems; x86 excels in raw power for demanding tasks.
- Architecture: ARM is modular and customizable, x86 is more closed and homogeneous.
- Software compatibility: x86 has decades of native software, but ARM is moving fast with apps and cross-platform.
- Target marketARM dominates in mobile and IoT applications and is growing in laptops and servers; x86 dominates in PCs, gaming, and legacy applications.
The future of ARM computers: what can we expect?
El future of ARM It's shaping up to be a very balanced option for laptops, convertibles, mini PCs, and, increasingly, desktops and servers. The key will be motivating developers to optimize applications and improve emulation, while maintaining innovation in power and efficiency.
Apple continues to lead the way with its Silicon and closed ecosystem, while Microsoft, Google, and other manufacturers are betting on expanding compatibility and performance on ARM. The trend is towards increasingly lighter devices, with great autonomy and sufficient performance for 90% of daily use., leaving the raw power of the x86 in the background.
The computing landscape is being radically transformed by ARM, which has gone from being a protagonist in mobile phones to becoming an increasingly predominant option on computers and servers. Choosing a device with an ARM core promises efficiency, versatility, and a future filled with innovation.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.