ARM-based chips are expected to get a big boost in the PC space by Microsoft Corp.'s decision to support ARM-based devices with the next generation of its Windows operating system. Microsoft announced the decision in January following months of speculation, in theory removing a long time barrier to the uptake of more ARM-based chips in PC.
IHS (El Segundo, Calif.) said it expects that ARM-based systems will account for 22.9 percent of global notebook PC unit shipments in 2015, up from 3 percent in 2012. The firm said it expects total ARM-based notebook shipments to hit 74 million in 2015, up from 7.6 million next year.
"Starting in 1981, when IBM first created its original PC based on Intel’s 8088 microprocessor, the X86 architecture has dominated the PC market," said Matthew Wilkins, principal analyst of compute platforms for HIS, in a statement. "Over the next generation, billions of PCs were shipped based on X86 microprocessors supplied by Intel and assorted rivals—mainly Advanced Micro Devices Inc. However, the days of X86’s unchallenged domination are coming to an end as Windows 8 opens the door for the use of the ARM processor, which already has achieved enormous popularity in the mobile phone and tablet worlds."
According to IHS, the biggest potential market for ARM-based notebooks is in so-called "value notebooks"—machines priced at less than $700 and designed the deliver the optimal price/performance to consumers. Value notebooks—including netbooks—most frequently employ AMD's E Series and Intel's Celeron M and Atom microprocessors, IHS noted.
"ARM is well-suited for value notebooks, where performance isn’t a key criterion for buyers," Wilkins said. "Value notebook buyers are looking for basic systems that balance an affordable price with reasonable performance. ARM processors deliver acceptable performance at a very low cost, along with unrivaled power efficiency."
ARM, IHS, Processor, PC IHS: ARM ICs to be in 23% of laptops in 2015
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