Nvidia is Reportedly Working on Arm-based Processors for Windows PCs

Nvidia is allegedly entering the realm of Arm-based processors for Windows PCs. The company plans to rival Intel by developing processors compatible with Microsoft’s operating system. Reports suggest that Nvidia might commence chip sales as early as 2025.

This strategic move aligns with Microsoft’s broader objective of challenging Apple with Arm-based processors for Windows PCs. Recent data from research firm IDC reveals that Apple has significantly expanded its market share since introducing Arm-based Apple Silicon three years ago. Apple’s in-house Mac chips strike a balance between performance, including on-chip AI tasks, and battery life, a feat that Intel’s processors have yet to replicate.

Nvidia is Reportedly Working on Arm-based Processors for Windows PCs

Nvidia does have experience in Arm-based chips, primarily designed for data centres. In 2020, Nvidia announced plans to acquire Arm Holdings for $40 billion. However, the deal was abandoned in early 2022.

In addition to Nvidia, AMD is reportedly gearing up to launch Arm-based PC chips around 2025. These companies will join Qualcomm, which has been producing Windows laptop processors since 2016. Qualcomm’s exclusive agreement with Microsoft for Arm-based Windows chip designs will expire in 2024, paving the way for new contenders. It’s worth noting that Windows on Arm has faced challenges in achieving significant success.

Microsoft’s motivation for diversifying its chip suppliers is evident as it seeks to avoid dependency on a single vendor, a lesson learned from its past experiences with Intel. With an increasing emphasis on generative AI, the forthcoming chips are expected to prioritize advanced AI-powered capabilities. Microsoft has encouraged chipmakers to incorporate such features into their silicon. A recent example is Windows Copilot, which integrates an OpenAI-powered chatbot into Windows to respond to contextual queries throughout the operating system.

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