Processing speed and power consumption of arm and x86 architectures

Matjaž Klančar (2014) Processing speed and power consumption of arm and x86 architectures. EngD thesis.

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Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to present trends in microprocessor architectures within the context of a noticeable contemporary decrease of personal computing and the rise of mobile computing. Intel x86 processors are increasingly becoming energy efficient and therefore suitable for installation in tablets and phones. Similarly, ARM processors are becoming sufficiently powerful and thus suitable even to be installed in multi-processor servers. The thesis highlights the historical factors that have led to this present day and discusses the differences between the two processor architectures. It proceeds to an in-depth discussion of the reasons for the entry of the two giants, Intel and ARM, in each other’s playing field. The thesis then focuses on the technical solutions employed by Intel, which enable it to scale down its processors to phones as well as examines the solutions that ARM incorporate into their systems in order for them to be used in in server systems. The 'Results' section contains benchmark figures for the speed of current phones and tablets that are fitted with Intel Atom and ARM processors.

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