The processor race is heating up, and Microsoft seems ready to stir the pot with its upcoming Surface lineup, expected in 2026. What’s causing the buzz? The company is rumored to be switching gears and powering some of its next devices with Sound Wave, an ARM-based chip designed by AMD. That’s a big shift, especially considering Microsoft’s long-standing reliance on Intel and, more recently, Qualcomm.
What is a Sound Wave?
Sound Wave isn’t just another processor — it’s an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), which means it combines processing power and graphics into a single chip. It’s built with six CPU cores (two high-performance and four efficiency-focused ones), paired with an RDNA 3.5-based GPU — AMD’s latest graphics architecture.
This chip is designed to sip power, operating between 5 and 10 watts, making it perfect for lightweight, energy-efficient devices. That’s sparked speculation that Sound Wave could end up inside smaller Surface models like the Surface Go or even the Surface Hub.
Can It Compete?
Leaked benchmarks suggest that Sound Wave won’t quite match the performance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, which has raised questions about whether it can power high-end devices. But for more affordable or compact hardware, AMD’s chip might hit the sweet spot between performance and efficiency.
If true, this would mark the first time since the Surface Laptop 4 that Microsoft has included an AMD chip in its Surface lineup.
A Broader Shift in the Industry?
Microsoft isn’t the only one eyeing ARM’s potential. NVIDIA is reportedly working on its own ARM processor for Windows devices, signaling that the shift away from traditional x86 chips might be gaining momentum.
Intel, for now, appears to be watching from the sidelines. But AMD clearly sees opportunity in the ARM space — even if they’re not leading in raw power yet, offering a solid, energy-efficient option could be enough to gain traction, especially in a market craving longer battery life and cooler devices.
Why It Matters
If AMD’s Sound Wave makes its way into Surface products, it could mark a strategic pivot for Microsoft. Instead of doubling down on existing partners, the company may be looking to diversify, and in the long run, competition between AMD, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA will only push the tech forward.
One thing’s clear: the Windows-on-ARM race is officially on. And that’s good news for consumers.
