Aug 27th 2025
AI-generated, human-reviewed.
For 2025, upgrading your CPU isn’t just chasing specs! It could mean a dramatic improvement in speed, efficiency, and how you experience your PC every day! According to experts on This Week in Tech, the latest advances in CPU architecture have led to real, noticeable leaps in performance, especially for demanding users and software engineers.
Why 2025 is a Breakout Year for CPUs
On episode 1046 of TWiT, host Leo Laporte, Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino, and Consumer Reports’ Paris Martineau unpacked the shifting landscape in PC hardware.
They highlighted that years of incremental processor updates have given way to major breakthroughs: some new CPUs, like AMD’s Ryzen 9950, are up to 10 times faster than entry-level chips. This leap changes everything from development workloads to day-to-day responsiveness.
For both companies and individuals, under-investing in CPUs is now a real limitation, especially as software evolves to utilize multiple cores and rich AI-driven experiences.
Which CPUs Are Leading the Market?
AMD is setting the standard on desktops, with the latest Ryzen chips offering unbeatable performance and cache improvements. According to Daniel Rubino, AMD’s desktop CPUs are “pretty much untouchable” right now, especially for power users.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series and ARM-based chips have finally come into their own on laptops. Modern ARM laptops, like the Surface Laptop 7, deliver impressive speed, optimization for Windows native apps, and most notably, exceptional battery life—often 10-12 hours per charge. Several panelists even recommended ARM-based Windows laptops over Intel-based alternatives for many users.
While Intel is still a dominant player in the laptop market, mainly due to its broad hardware ecosystem and close OEM partnerships, the competition is now fierce, partly thanks to AMD and ARM innovations.
What’s Driving CPU Performance Gains?
Several factors are converging to drive the new performance surge:
Significant advances in architecture and core designWider adoption of high-speed memory and larger cachesDedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for AI tasks on newer chipsAs Rubino explained, Windows on ARM is now more optimized and feels “snappier” compared to traditional x86 chips, in part due to the implementation of high-core-count designs and robust NPUs ported over from mobile architectures.
The Role of Dedicated AI Chips (NPUs)
Modern CPUs and systems-on-chip (SoCs) now include specialized NPUs, which involves dedicated hardware for running artificial intelligence workloads locally. This shift enables everything from real-time photo editing to advanced security features, all while preserving battery life and system performance.
Apple’s silicon, Qualcomm’s chips, and the latest AMD/Intel processors are all prioritizing these AI-specific cores, marking a turning point in how PCs and laptops handle everyday and professional tasks.
How Should You Buy: Desktop vs. Laptop in 2025
For desktops: AMD Ryzen chips are strongly recommended for those prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing.For laptops: Windows ARM devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X-series provide the best mix of speed and efficiency, especially for knowledge workers, students, and anyone seeking long battery life.Intel-powered laptops remain a safe and widely compatible choice, crucial for users needing the maximum range of hardware or specialized legacy support.What You Need to Know
Recent CPUs can deliver up to 10x gains over entry-level chips.AMD leads in desktop performance; Qualcomm’s ARM shines on laptops, especially with Windows 11.Battery life and AI capabilities are now significant differentiators, not just raw clock speed.Buying underpowered systems, especially for serious work like software engineering, is a waste since premium CPUs pay off.Windows on ARM is no longer a “second-best” option; it’s genuinely competitive for productivity.NPUs are making a difference, enabling smarter, more responsive experiences across all platforms.The Bottom Line
The landscape for CPUs in 2025 is nothing like the recent past; massive leaps in architecture, core counts, and dedicated AI processing mean a premium CPU upgrade can genuinely transform your work and play! Whether on desktop or laptop, don’t settle for bargain-bin hardware, especially as applications become more demanding and AI-centric.
For most users, AMD desktops and ARM-based laptops are the most future-proof choices right now, while Intel-powered devices remain a robust fallback. The performance gap is real, and smart upgrading matters more than ever.
Want more expert hardware breakdowns and tech news? Listen or subscribe at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1046
Share: Copied! This Week in Tech #1046Aug 24 2025 - Shrimpspiracy
Musk Trolls Microsoft With Macroha… All Tech posts Contact Advertise CC License Privacy Policy Ad Choices TOS Store Twitter Facebook Instgram YouTube Yes, like every site on the Internet, this site uses cookies. So now you know. Learn more Hide Home Schedule Subscribe Club TWiT About Club TWiT FAQ Access Account Members-Only Podcasts Update Payment Method Connect to Discord TWiT Blog Recent Posts Advertise Sponsors Store People About What is TWiT.tv Developer Program and API Tip jar Partners Social Contact Us