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takyon writes:

Intel reportedly convinced Microsoft not to choose ARM for Surface Go

Microsoft launched its new Surface Go device earlier this month with an Intel Pentium Gold processor inside. It's been one of the main focus points for discussions around performance and mobility for this 10-inch Surface, and lots of people have wondered why Microsoft didn't opt for Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors and Windows on ARM. Paul Thurrott reports that Microsoft wanted to use an ARM processor for the Surface Go, but that Intel intervened.

Intel reportedly "petitioned Microsoft heavily" to use its Pentium Gold processors instead of ARM ones. It's not clear why Microsoft didn't push ahead with its ARM plans for Surface Go, but in my own experience the latest Snapdragon chips simply don't have the performance and compatibility to match Intel on laptops just yet. Microsoft has been working hard to improve this though, despite Intel's threats it would sue competitors like Qualcomm if they attempt to emulate Intel's x86 instruction set architecture.

Wintel looms large.

Previously: The Surface Go Reviews Are In, and... They're a Bit All Over the Place

Related: Intel Hints at Patent Fight With Microsoft and Qualcomm Over x86 Emulation
First ARM Snapdragon-Based Windows 10 S Systems Announced
Snapdragon 1000 ARM SoC Could Compete With Low-Power Intel Chips in Laptops
ARM Aims to Match Intel 15-Watt Laptop CPU Performance

Original Submission

1. "takyon" - https://soylentnews.org/~takyon/
2. "Intel reportedly convinced Microsoft not to choose ARM for Surface Go" - https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/24/17776668/intel-microsoft-surface-go-arm-processor-choice
3. "Surface Go device earlier this month" - https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/8/17663494/microsoft-surface-go-review-specs-performance
4. "Paul Thurrott reports" - https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/166249/windows-10-arm-will-finally-make-sense
5. "Intel's threats" - https://newsroom.intel.com/editorials/x86-approaching-40-still-going-strong/
6. "The Surface Go Reviews Are In, and... They're a Bit All Over the Place" - https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=18/08/06/2020224
7. "Intel Hints at Patent Fight With Microsoft and Qualcomm Over x86 Emulation" - https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=17/06/10/094238
8. "First ARM Snapdragon-Based Windows 10 S Systems Announced" - https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=17/12/06/0740234
9. "Snapdragon 1000 ARM SoC Could Compete With Low-Power Intel Chips in Laptops" - https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=18/06/24/083233
10. "ARM Aims to Match Intel 15-Watt Laptop CPU Performance" - https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=18/08/17/1238217
11. "Original Submission" - https://soylentnews.org/submit.pl?op=viewsub&subid=28634

printed from SoylentNews, Intel Reportedly "Petitioned Microsoft Heavily" to Use x86 Instead of ARM Chips in Surface Go on 2025-12-12 09:55:40