Diference between ARM and x86 based cpu's (advantages and disadvantages)

ARM and x86 are two primary architectures for computer processors, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article we do a comparative analysis between ARM vs x86. In short ARM adopts a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) philosophy, whereas x86 is based on a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) approach. These divergent strategies influence the efficiency and performance of processors and their application in various computing environments.

ARM (Advanced RISC Machines like Apple M and Qualcomm Snapdragon)

ARM was officially founded as a company in November 1990 as Advanced RISC Machines Ltd, which was a joint venture between Acorn Computers, Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) and VLSI Technology (now NXP Semiconductors N.V).

Advantages

Energy Efficiency: Designed for low-power consumption, making them ideal for mobile devices.

Scalability: Can be scaled to a wide range of performance levels, from low-power microcontrollers to high-performance servers.

Cost-Effective: Lower manufacturing costs due to simpler design.


Disadvantages

Software Ecosystem: While growing rapidly, the software ecosystem is still less mature than x86.

Performance Ceiling: Historically, ARM has been less powerful than x86 for demanding tasks, though recent advancements have narrowed the gap.

x86 (Advanded SISC Machines like Intel and AMD)

The x86 architecture was released by Intel in 1978. It was first released as a 16-bit architecture. It was called "x86" because the last two digits in the names of early processors that used it ended in "86." In 1985 it was expanded to be a 32-bit architecture. x86 is now commonly associated with the 32-bit form but all the modern CPU's supports also 64-bit systems (with a huge gain in speed).

Advantages
Performance: Traditionally offers higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation.

Software Ecosystem: A vast and mature software ecosystem with a wide range of applications and games.


Disadvantages
Power Consumption: Higher power consumption compared to ARM, especially for mobile devices.

Complexity: More complex architecture, leading to higher manufacturing costs.

Difference between RISC and SISC architecture

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) are two primary architectural approaches used in computer processors. They differ significantly in their design philosophies and performance characteristics.


RISC Architecture

Emphasis on software: RISC relies heavily on software optimization to achieve high performance.

 
Simple instruction set: A limited number of simple, fixed-length instructions.

 
Single-cycle execution: Most instructions can be executed in a single clock cycle.

 
Large number of registers: More registers reduce memory access and improve performance.

 
Load-store architecture: Memory access is limited to load and store instructions.

Pipelining: Efficient instruction execution through overlapping stages.



CISC Architecture

Emphasis on hardware: CISC relies on complex hardware to execute complex instructions.

Complex instruction set: A large number of complex, variable-length instructions.

Multiple-cycle execution: Many instructions require multiple clock cycles to complete.

Smaller number of registers: Fewer registers compared to RISC.

Memory-to-memory architecture: Instructions can directly access memory.

Microcode: Complex instructions are broken down into simpler microcode instructions.


A full analyse of the differences between RISC and SISC architecture.

Brands and their current processors

Apple M1 to M5 processors

Apple's M-series chips are based on the ARM architecture and have revolutionized the performance and efficiency of Mac computers. Each generation brings significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, as well as advancements in AI and machine learning capabilities. The M5 series, in particular, offers groundbreaking performance and efficiency, surpassing many traditional x86-based laptops.


Qualcomm Snapdragon processors

Snapdragon processors, also based on ARM architecture, power many Android smartphones and tablets. They offer strong performance and energy efficiency, especially in mobile devices. However, they may still lag behind high-end x86 processors in terms of raw performance for demanding tasks.

Intel processors

Intel has been a leader in the x86 processor market for many years, and their processors are found in a wide variety of devices, including laptops, desktops and servers. Intel's current lineup of processors includes the following:   

Core i3: Budget-friendly processors for everyday computing tasks.   

Core i5: Mid-range processors for mainstream computing, including gaming and content creation.   

Core i7: High-performance processors for demanding applications, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.   

Core i9: Top-of-the-line processors for extreme performance and multitasking.   

Core Ultra 100 and 200 series: Since 2024. These processors have improved CPU and GPU performance for demanding tasks, AI Acceleration: Dedicated AI hardware for faster AI-powered applications abd Energy Efficient, optimized power consumption for longer battery life.

Xeon: High-performance processors for servers and workstations. 

Xscale processors, a ARM based CPU by Intel, view more on Quora.com

AMD processors

AMD has been gaining market share in recent years, thanks to their competitive pricing and strong performance. Their processors are also found in a wide variety of devices, and their current lineup includes the following: 

Ryzen 3: Budget-friendly processors for everyday computing tasks.

Ryzen 5: Mid-range processors for mainstream computing, including gaming and content creation.   

Ryzen 7: High-performance processors for demanding applications, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.   

Ryzen 9: Top-of-the-line processors for extreme performance and multitasking.   

Threadripper: High-performance processors for workstations and servers. 

A CPU is not a GPU!

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):
A GPU is specialized in parallel processing, making it ideal for tasks involving large amounts of data, such as graphics rendering, video editing, gaming, Aritificial Inteligence, Crypto-mining and machine learning.

CPU (Central Processing Unit):
General-purpose processor that handles a wide range of tasks, including system operations, application execution and data processing.

More about GPU's are better than CPU's for AI  and mining crypto's like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Will the future be x86 or ARM bases

The future of computing is likely to be a mix of both ARM and x86 architectures, rather than a complete dominance by one. Here's why:


ARM's Rise:
Mobile Dominance: ARM already reigns supreme in mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Expanding Reach: ARM is increasingly entering the laptop and server markets, driven by its power efficiency and performance gains.
Key Players: Companies like Apple (with its M-series chips), Qualcomm, and Nvidia are pushing ARM boundaries.
x86's Strength:

Legacy and Software Ecosystem: x86 has a massive software library and a long history of gaming and high-performance computing.
Continuous Innovation: Intel and AMD are constantly improving x86 architecture with advancements in power efficiency and performance.
Gaming Dominance: x86 remains the dominant platform for high-end gaming PCs.
The Likely Future:

Both architectures will likely coexist, each finding their niche.
ARM will likely gain market share in areas where power efficiency is crucial, such as laptops, servers, and edge computing.
x86 will likely maintain its dominance in areas requiring maximum performance, such as high-end gaming and data centers.

In essence, the future may not be about one architecture "winning" but rather about both evolving and finding their ideal applications.

Conclusion

Both ARM and x86 architectures have their strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on the specific needs of the device. For mobile devices, ARM's energy efficiency is crucial, while for high-performance desktop and server applications, x86 still holds an edge. However, with the rapid advancements in ARM technology, the lines between the two are blurring, and ARM is increasingly becoming a viable option for a wider range of devices.

3D printer at your home.

3D printing at home becomes reality. Not only professionals has the possibilities to use a 3D printer. Today, everyone can get have his own 3D printer.

History of 3D printing
You've probably already heard of 3D printing. Professional companies are printing numerous objects with large printers. In China a company printed a building of five stores high, fully printed with a 3D printer. 3D printers actually already exist from the 80's, it were very big and slow machines and there were too many obstacles to produce a perfect object.

Now a days the 3D printers are much better equipped because of the latest technologies, they are getting faster and faster (read: now it takes only 30 hours to produce a small object such as a wrench of 15 cm long).

3D printer at your home
Beside professional 3D printers, there are now 3D printers made for in your home. For the price of an iPhone (600 euro) you can get them at your house. They come with a toolkit from over 100 steps but with very detailed explanations. The Velleman K8400 Vertex is such a model that can be placed in your living room.

You can print almost any object directly from the computer. So you can design stuff by yourself. There are already plenty of items available on the Internet that can be download for free. After downloading, you can personalize them with the CAD program on the PC or laptop. It's now possible to write your own name on a cup for instance.

Disadvantages of 3D printing
The machine has a high-tech looking, and only serves to create objects that are no larger than the machine itself, for it is 36 cm (14,17 inch) long, 38 cm (14,96 inch) high and 39,5 cm (15,55 inch) deep.

The material from which the objects are made is PLA (Polylactic Acid). This material is not heat resistant. So it is still waiting for better materials. The material is available in the form of rolled wires that are attached to the unit by bobbins.

Even today we still not know if the machine releases harmful substances during the making process of the object. More tests and time will decide.

Creating an object also takes many time. You need patience by an average of almost a half a day to make an object. Making an object that you need immediate isn't an option.

In our view there's still a lot of work on the design. It has to be a pearl within the interior instead of a complex high-tech machine with lots of wires. Optimize the design and people will like to have such a high-tech machine in their homes.

Single-handed people probably don't won't such device, because there's a big roadmap to make this unit and you should already have some understanding and knowledge of CAD programs.

So it is still waiting for a plug and play device that can be purchased in the better electro stores for unpacking it at home and start using it instantly.

Many people are probably scared to have such a device in their house now because of all these disadvantages.

Future of 3D printing
If 3D printers get their work done faster, getting a slicker design and can be bought as a plug and play machine in the store, than it will be the best invention of these decades. We believe this is the invention that will boom in the coming years. Everyone will want to have such a 3D printer at his home. Just like a GSM, the Smart Phone, Tablet, microwave, washing machine and the Internet, the 3D printer will be an essential part of our lives. We are certainly very excited and expect a lot of the following 3D printer models.