Average PC processor performance has declined for the first time in 20 years, according to PassMark Software. Data shows a 0.5% drop for desktops and a 3.4% decrease for laptops in early 2025, following substantial gains in 2024. The trend may stem from a shift towards energy-efficient processors and the potential plateauing of current technology. As ARM architecture gains traction, particularly with Apple and Qualcomm, the industry might experience transformative changes in computing evaluations, particularly with the rise of NPUs for AI tasks.
Decline in PC Processor Performance: A New Era Begins
In a surprising turn of events, the average performance of PC processors has experienced its first decline in 20 years. This revelation comes from PassMark Software, a prominent player in the world of benchmarking tools.
Understanding the Shift in Processor Performance
Since 2004, PassMark has been diligently gathering and analyzing processor performance data using its PerformanceTest software, which serves as a vital reference in the industry. Until recently, the data demonstrated a consistent upward trend; however, the figures from early 2025 indicate a downturn of 0.5% for desktop processors and a more significant 3.4% drop for laptops.
To put these numbers into context, it’s notable that in 2024, performance enhancements were still robust, with desktop processors showing a 9.5% increase and laptops a 13.9% rise. This recent decline is particularly striking given that it impacts all tested processors across both desktop and laptop categories.
Several theories have emerged to elucidate this unexpected trend. PassMark suggests that consumers are gravitating towards less powerful yet more energy-efficient processors, a strategy that Intel has embraced with its 15th generation processors, known as Arrow Lake. The long-standing “megahertz race,” which was a hallmark of Intel’s strategy, seems to have reached a critical juncture. The focus has shifted away from merely boosting processor frequency, as the Intel 7 manufacturing process has hit physical limits, and energy optimization efforts are now constrained by existing technology.
Another concerning notion is that we may be encountering a technological plateau, where current offerings from AMD and Intel have reached their peak performance capabilities. This theory gains traction when considering the recent history of AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7995WX, which delivered a remarkable 58.6% performance boost upon its release in 2023. However, subsequent models have only yielded minimal enhancements.
It’s essential to highlight that this analysis pertains solely to the Windows platform and has included ARM processors alongside traditional x86 models since 2021. The current slowdown could signal a pivotal moment in computing history, prompting the industry to reevaluate its performance expectations.
ARM Architecture: A Promising Alternative
Apple has already set a precedent with its successful transition to ARM chips, showcasing the M1, M2, M3, and the latest M4 processors, which not only compete with but surpass traditional x86 processors in performance and energy efficiency. This shift has encouraged the industry to reconsider the once-untouchable dominance of x86 architecture.
Furthermore, Qualcomm is ramping up its efforts in the PC sector with its Snapdragon processors. The X Elite series, aimed specifically at laptops, has demonstrated performance levels comparable to leading x86 laptop processors while significantly reducing energy consumption.
Nvidia, known for its graphics card innovations, is also set to explore the ARM processor landscape. With its expertise in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence, Nvidia could introduce a fresh perspective to ARM technologies.
The traditional x86 architecture, while historically dominant, may find itself relegated to niche markets as ARM continues to establish itself as the standard for the next generation of PCs. Although this transition won’t happen overnight, the current stagnation in x86 performance could very well serve as a catalyst for transformative changes in the computing industry.
The Emergence of NPUs in Processor Design
Lastly, the slowdown in CPU performance correlates with a significant evolution: the widespread integration of NPUs (Neural Processing Units) into the latest processor generations. These specialized units focused on AI processing are reshaping modern chip architecture.
This shift necessitates a new approach to evaluating processor performance. In addition to traditional benchmarks, it’s crucial to assess AI processing capabilities (measured in TOPS – Tera Operations Per Second) and the energy efficiency associated with AI tasks.
As we look ahead, the landscape of computing is poised for substantial changes, with performance evaluations evolving alongside technological advancements.