
Microsoft Expands Surface Lineup with ARM Processors
This month, Microsoft introduced two new Surface devices powered by Qualcomm’s ARM processors: the Surface Pro (12 inches) and the Surface Laptop (13 inches).These additions complement the existing Surface lineup, which includes both ARM and x86 configurations. Until now, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon has been the sole provider for ARM-powered PCs, but users can expect additional options in the near future.
AMD’s Sound Wave Chips on the Horizon
Leaked information from trusted source KeplerL2 suggests that Microsoft is set to incorporate AMD’s upcoming Sound Wave ARM-based chips into its 2026 Surface product range. Although details about this new processor remain scarce, early expectations indicate it will feature six cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics, all while maintaining an impressively low thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 5W to 10W. Such specifications make it ideal for compact devices, including tablets and lightweight laptops.
Implications of Lower Power Consumption
The decision to explore low-power processors is significant, especially when compared to current Snapdragon X processors, which can reach up to 23W. This shift suggests that Microsoft may target AMD’s forthcoming ARM processors for entry-level devices, such as the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go, which currently rely on Intel’s chipsets. Notably, this move would reintroduce AMD into the Surface ecosystem—a departure that came about after the underwhelming performance of the Ryzen processors found in the Surface Laptop 3 and 4.
Growing Competition in ARM Processors
AMD isn’t the only player venturing back into the ARM space. Following its exit from the ARM market after the launch of the Opteron A1100 SoC in 2016, the company now appears poised for a comeback with its Sound Wave chip. Meanwhile, Nvidia is reportedly working on its own ARM processors for Windows PCs, setting the stage for a competitive landscape that has been largely dormant until 2024.
These developments mark an exciting chapter for the Windows on ARM segment, with multiple companies gearing up to provide diverse options for consumers.
Source: KeplerL2
Leave a Reply ▼