La noticia ha resonado como un trueno en el mundo de la tecnología: Microsoft, el gigante del software, ha dado un giro radical al anunciar sus primeros ordenadores con CPU basadas en la arquitectura ARM, rompiendo así una hegemonía de más de tres décadas con Intel y la arquitectura x86. Este movimiento sísmico, plantea interrogantes sobre el futuro del hardware informático y las posibles consecuencias, especialmente para Intel, quien durante años ha reinado con su etiqueta «Intel Inside».
The change is not trivial. It involves a paradigm shift in the way we understand personal computers and the software that powers them. The ARM architecture, known for its energy efficiency and dominance in mobile devices, is now making its way into a field traditionally dominated by x86, challenging established norms and opening a new chapter in the history of computing.
Microsoft's choice of Qualcomm as a supplier of ARM chips is no coincidence. The Snapdragon X, Qualcomm's crown jewel, has proven to be a worthy rival to x86 processors, especially in terms of efficiency. The tests speak for themselves: up to 50% more efficiency on single cores and 20% more efficiency on multi-core compared to their x86 counterparts.
These figures, far from being mere technical data, represent a radical change in the value equation for the end user. Longer battery life, lower heat generation, and comparable performance in everyday tasks are compelling arguments that could tip the balance in favor of ARM, especially in a market increasingly oriented toward mobility and permanent connectivity.
However, the transition will not be without obstacles. Compatibility with existing software, a critical factor for the success of any platform, is a challenge that Microsoft will need to approach cautiously. While x86 application emulation on Windows ARM has improved markedly, there are still limitations that could impact the user experience, especially in specialized software or high-performance games.
The battle for supremacy in the world of processors is fought between two giants: ARM and x86. Although both architectures process instructions to execute programs, their focus and strengths differ, giving rise to a competition that defines the current technological landscape.
x86, the architecture from Intel and AMD, has dominated the PC and server market for decades. Its CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) design prioritizes raw processing power, executing complex instructions in fewer clock cycles. This raw power has made it the preferred choice for high-performance tasks such as gaming, video editing, and complex data analysis.
ARM (Advanced RISC Machine), on the other hand, is based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture. Prioritizes energy efficiency, executing simpler instructions at higher speeds and with lower consumption. This feature has catapulted it as the undisputed queen of the mobile world, giving life to the vast majority of smartphones and tablets.
These are their key differences:
x86:
Advantages: High performance, large software catalog, compatibility with previous versions.
Disadvantages: Higher energy consumption, generally more expensive.
Uses: Desktop PCs, laptops, servers, workstations.
ARM:
Advantages: Low energy consumption, lower heat generation, more compact design.
Disadvantages: Generally lower performance than x86 (although the gap is closing), more limited software catalog.
Uses: Smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, low consumption servers.
The line that separates both architectures is blurring. ARM is gaining ground in the server market thanks to its energy efficiency, while x86 seeks to reduce its consumption to compete in the mobile field. The choice between one or the other will depend on the final use, the power required and the desired energy efficiency. In the near future, we will see a coexistence of both technologies, each dominating its own market niche.
A video can be seen at: https://youtu.be/HbBZX3KnFO0
Despite the challenges, Microsoft's commitment to ARM is an unmistakable sign that the industry is at an inflection point. The search for energy efficiency, the growing demand for mobile devices and the maturity of ARM architecture are creating a favorable scenario for a radical change in the technological landscape.
Es aún pronto para predecir el impacto a largo plazo de esta decisión. Lo que está claro es que la etiqueta «Intel Inside» ya no es la única garantía de calidad en el mundo de la informática. Microsoft ha abierto la puerta a una nueva era, donde la eficiencia energética, la movilidad y la innovación serán los principales motores de cambio. La batalla entre ARM y x86 apenas comienza, y solo el tiempo dirá quién se alza con la victoria final.
This is a clear example that no one can take anything for granted. A few years ago NO ONE could imagine that Microsoft would make a decision like this. But everything changes, and faster every day.
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