Is it worth switching to a computer with an ARM processor in 2024?

However, the trend towards switching to ARM processors did not start this year. It was set by Apple back in 2020. Their self-developed M family chips were then more powerful than all their predecessors and even most competitors. And this is with a record autonomy of new MacBooks.

Thus, by the fall of 2024, we have long successfully mastered the energy-efficient architecture of Apple products, including desktop PCs. As well as new lines of laptops from ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Samsung, and Dell.

In this article, we will try to figure out whether it is worth following the trend that is gaining momentum again and switching to ARM now or waiting. And is it worth counting on something for gamers? Next, we will deal with all this in order.

How does the ARM architecture differ from the classic x86?

ARM and x86 architectures have several key differences that affect their performance, energy efficiency, and application. ARM uses a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) architecture, which means executing simple instructions that require fewer cycles to complete. This contributes to increased energy efficiency. Unlike ARM, x86 uses a complex instruction set computing (CISC) architecture, allowing more complex instructions to be executed in a single cycle, but requiring more energy.

ARM's energy efficiency makes it ideal for portable devices where long battery life is important. At the same time, x86, although consuming significantly more energy, can provide high performance for desktop PCs and servers. Over the years, x86 processors have become significantly more energy efficient - desktops consume 50-100 watts, and laptops no more than 40. However, ARM processors have never exceeded 30 watts, and often do not exceed 10.

Initially, ARM lagged behind x86 in performance, but modern Apple M3 and M4 processors have shown that they can compete with Intel products in most tasks:

Software compatibility is another important aspect. Programs for ARM need to be pre-adapted, which may currently limit the choice of available software. At the same time, x86 has a long history and broad software support, making it more versatile for various applications (especially professional ones).

Thus, the choice between ARM and x86 depends on the specific needs of the user. ARM is suitable for those who value energy efficiency and long battery life. Whereas x86 remains the preferred choice for those who use specific software or need maximum performance for gaming and professional tasks.

What ARM-processor computers are already on the market?

At the time of writing, there are already many computers on the market with ARM processors from Qualcomm. Also, do not forget about the latest generations of MacBooks.

One of the leaders in this field is Microsoft with their Surface Pro Touchscreen and Surface Laptop on Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. The Surface Pro Touchscreen features an OLED display and the ability to work in tablet mode. The new Surface Laptop offers a more traditional laptop form factor with a powerful processor and long battery life.

ASUS is also actively developing a line of laptops with ARM processors. For example, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 2024 is equipped with a Snapdragon X Elite processor and a 120Hz OLED display. This laptop combines performance and energy efficiency, as well as stylish design and long battery life.

Lenovo offers several ARM models, including the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6. These devices also use Snapdragon X Elite processors. The Yoga Slim 7x features a slim and light body, as well as a bright OLED display. The ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 offers a more traditional design and additional security features, which will be useful in the corporate segment.

Samsung has released the Galaxy Book4 Edge, which is equipped with the most powerful version of the Snapdragon X Elite processor. It has a minimalist body and an AMOLED display.

Dell offers the XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus models with Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors. Reviewers call the XPS 13 one of the best laptops in its class. And the Inspiron 14 Plus is a more affordable option with good performance and an equally high-quality IPS display.

HP has released the OmniBook X 14 and EliteBook Ultra G1. The former features long battery life and stylish design, while the latter offers additional security features and a durable body, which will appeal to professionals.

However, the most successful in terms of sales so far are still solutions from Apple. Among the current models in 2024 are the MacBook Air and Pro ultrabook lines with M3 processors. In terms of performance, they are roughly on par with most competitors on Snapdragon X, but they still outperform in terms of energy efficiency. However, macOS does not offer as wide a selection of specialized software as Windows.

Thus, in 2024, users can choose from a fairly wide range of computers with ARM processors from Qualcomm. However, later this year, highly energy-efficient solutions from Intel and AMD are also expected to be released. Let's talk about them further.

What mobile processors from Intel and AMD are expected by the end of the year?

In 2024, Intel and AMD plan to release new mobile processors for laptops with increased energy efficiency, which will add competition to the market and offer users even more options to choose from.

Intel has introduced its new line of processors codenamed Lunar Lake. These processors will use advanced 3nm manufacturing technology, which will significantly improve performance and energy efficiency. Lunar Lake will include advanced graphics cores and artificial intelligence support, making them attractive for a wide range of tasks, from office work to gaming and professional applications.

Intel Lunar Lake processors will be equipped with Lion Cove and Skymont cores, as well as Battlemage (Xe2) graphics architecture. They will be aimed at high-performance laptops and ultrabooks. The first devices based on these processors are expected to hit the market at the end of 2024.

AMD is also working on the Ryzen 8000 series processors, which will be based on the Zen 4 architecture and use the 3nm process. These processors will also be focused on high performance and energy efficiency, allowing them to compete with ARM solutions from Qualcomm and Apple. Ryzen 8000 will include improved graphics capabilities and support for modern technologies such as machine learning and virtual reality.

The AMD Ryzen 8000 processors will be equipped with RDNA 3 graphics cores and AI accelerator support, making them attractive to gamers and professionals. The first devices based on these processors are expected to hit the market in early 2024.

Thus, by the end of 2024, new mobile processors from Intel and AMD will appear on the market, offering users even more choices.

What about performance in work tasks and games?

The performance of ARM processors in work tasks and games has improved significantly in recent years. Modern ARM processors Apple M3 and M4, as well as Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, demonstrate high performance in various usage scenarios.

Work tasks

ARM processors handle office applications, web surfing, image and video processing very well.

The recent Apple M4 shows high performance in video editing applications such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. In Geekbench 5 tests, the Apple M4 scores around 3700 points in single-core mode and 14000 points in multi-core mode, comparable to the Intel Core i7-13700K.

The new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 also ensures smooth operation with office applications and multitasking, showing a performance increase of up to 35% compared to last year's X Elite X1E-78-100.

Games

In the gaming segment, ARM processors are still lagging behind their x86 competitors.

Although the Apple M4 can run many games, their performance in demanding AAA projects is still lower compared to Intel and AMD processors. In GFXBench tests, the Apple M4 shows a performance increase of up to 13% compared to the Apple M3, but lags behind the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite also shows good results in mobile games and less demanding projects, but for serious gamers, x86 remains the preferred choice.

Conclusions. Is it worth switching to ARM now or is it better to wait?

Switching to ARM processors in 2024 may be justified for users who value long battery life. ARM processors are great for office tasks, web browsing, and multimedia applications. However, for gamers and professionals working with resource-intensive applications, x86 processors from Intel and AMD are still the best choice.

If you plan to use your computer for everyday tasks and want a device with long battery life, ARM processors from Apple and Qualcomm will be an excellent choice. But if you need maximum performance in games or professional applications, it might be worth waiting for the new mobile processors from Intel and AMD, which promise improved performance and energy efficiency in laptops.