ARM chip Archives

Winsage

March 15, 2025

Rumour: Valve about to launch SteamOS for all PCs

SteamOS is set to be released for all PCs, with expanded hardware support indicated by recent rumors and code changes. Valve announced during CES 2025 that SteamOS will be available to third-party manufacturers, with the Lenovo Legion Go S being the first device to feature it, launching in May 2025. This marks a shift from Valve's previous attempts with Steam Machines. SteamOS is designed as a streamlined Linux alternative for gaming enthusiasts, aiming to compete with Windows by offering a simplified interface. Nvidia's introduction of an ARM chip raises speculation about broader hardware compatibility, potentially including ARM-based devices.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Qualcomm’s next-gen ARM chip for Windows to add 50% more cores

Qualcomm is developing the Snapdragon X2 processor for Windows PCs, featuring up to 18 Oryon V3 cores and designated as SC8480XP. It will utilize a system-in-package (SiP) design, integrating RAM and flash storage to enhance data transfer speeds and energy efficiency. Potential configurations may include up to 48GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The Snapdragon X2 is expected to be a high-TDP variant, with thermal management innovations including an all-in-one liquid cooling solution. It is branded as “Snapdragon X2 Ultra Premium” and aims to compete with Intel, AMD, and Apple's M-series chips. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Gen 2 will incorporate the Oryon v3 CPU, following the Oryon v2, which offers a 30% performance boost and 57% increase in power efficiency. The Snapdragon X2 could impact the Windows on ARM ecosystem, although challenges with software compatibility and market adoption remain.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

Valve could come to the rescue of Copilot+ PCs for running games, as test version of Proton for Arm CPUs is spotted

Valve is exploring a version of its Proton translation layer for Arm processors, specifically an Arm64 variant called ‘proton-arm64ec-4’, which is being tested with various PC games. The Steam Deck operates on an Arm chip, contrasting with the existing x86 AMD custom Zen 2 CPU model. The potential benefits of an Arm-based Steam Deck include cost-effectiveness and improved battery life. Valve may be aiming to create a version of Steam compatible with Arm-based Windows 11 laptops, particularly targeting the anticipated growth in Copilot+ PCs by 2025. Currently, Arm-based laptops using Snapdragon X face limitations in the selection of playable titles due to Microsoft’s Prism technology. Valve's initiative to develop Proton for Arm chips is still in preliminary stages, and it is uncertain if it will lead to a final product.

Winsage

July 9, 2024

New Windows PCs Represent Seismic Shift in the Industry

Microsoft's recall of Recall brought the AI-enabled features of Copilot Plus PCs into question.

Winsage

June 20, 2024

Huge Windows 11 upgrade released and could convince you to ditch Windows 10

New ARM-powered Copilot+ PCs are now available, featuring Qualcomm processors that provide more power and improved efficiency. The laptops also include a dedicated Copilot button to launch the AI assistant instantly and a new feature called Recall that allows users to scroll back through time on their device. The Copilot+ PCs are available from Microsoft and Samsung, with prices starting at £1,049.

Winsage

June 12, 2024

Report: MediaTek Working on Arm-Based Processor for Windows PCs

MediaTek plans to launch their first PC processor for Windows-on-Arm late next year, utilizing Arm's 'ready-made designs' for client PCs. Other chipmakers like AMD and NVIDIA are also developing Arm-based chips for Windows, potentially leading to a crowded market for Arm PC SoCs.

Winsage

June 12, 2024

Reuters: MediaTek is working on a Windows-on-ARM chip for Microsoft

Microsoft is expanding its Windows-on-ARM efforts by enlisting MediaTek to design an alternative chipset for Windows devices, in addition to the Qualcomm-designed Snapdragon X. The upcoming MediaTek chip will be based on standard ARM cores and is expected to feature Cortex CPU cores and Mali/Immortalis GPUs. The new chip is anticipated to debut late next year, with a delay partially attributed to an exclusivity agreement between Qualcomm and Microsoft set to last until 2025. Other companies, such as Nvidia and AMD, are also exploring ARM-based chips for Windows, indicating a shift towards greater diversity and innovation in the market.

Winsage

June 12, 2024

MediaTek reportedly prepares its own chips for Windows on ARM

MediaTek is working on developing its own ARM chip for Windows PCs, expected to be released in the second half of 2025. This move will provide more variety in the market for modern Windows computers, which until now has been dominated by AMD and Intel processors.