Technology 1 min read

ARM vs x86 for Industrial Embedded Computing: How to Choose

TSL Automation Solutions November 26, 2024

ARM Architecture

ARM processors are RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) designs licensed by ARM Holdings to chip manufacturers including NXP, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, and Apple. ARM chips are known for very low power consumption (0.5–5W for microcontrollers, 2–15W for application processors) and high integration density. Industrial ARM SBCs typically run Linux — they do not natively run Windows.

x86 Architecture

Intel and AMD manufacture x86 CISC processors that run Windows, Linux, and Windows IoT Enterprise. x86 industrial embedded processors range from Intel Atom (6W TDP) for lightweight applications to Intel Core i7 (65W) for demanding workloads. x86 systems are fully compatible with existing Windows-based SCADA, MES, and HMI software without porting.

ARM vs x86 Comparison

Feature	ARM	x86 (Intel/AMD)
Power consumption	Very low (2–10W)	Low to high (6–125W)
Windows support	Limited (ARM64 Windows)	Full Windows/Linux
Industrial software	Linux-native only	All existing Windows SCADA/HMI
Cost	Lower	Higher
Performance	Moderate	High
Ecosystem	Strong for IoT/Linux	Dominant for industry

Choose ARM When:

Building an IoT gateway or data logger on Linux
Power and heat are the primary constraints
Your application runs open-source software (Node-RED, Python, InfluxDB)

Choose x86 When:

Running Windows-based SCADA, MES, or HMI software
You need compatibility with existing industrial software
Applications require high processing power (vision, AI, SCADA with 1000+ tags)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between ARM and x86 processors for industrial use?

ARM processors use a RISC architecture with very low power consumption (0.5–15W) and are common in IoT gateways, edge devices, and Linux-based embedded systems. x86 processors (Intel/AMD) use a CISC architecture with higher performance (6–125W TDP) and support Windows natively. For industrial automation, x86 is preferred when Windows software, SCADA, or heavy computation is needed; ARM suits lightweight Linux applications, IoT gateways, and battery-powered systems.

Can ARM processors run Windows industrial software?

Standard ARM embedded processors run Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, Yocto) and Android, not Windows x86 applications. Windows 11 on ARM exists but has limited industrial software compatibility — most SCADA, HMI, and MES software requires x86 Windows. If your application requires Windows-based industrial software, choose an x86 (Intel) embedded PC.

When should I choose ARM over x86 for embedded computing?

Choose ARM when power consumption is the priority — ARM SBCs typically consume 2–8W versus 15–65W for x86 industrial PCs. ARM is ideal for IoT gateways running Linux-based data collection, protocol conversion, MQTT/OPC UA publishing, and lightweight AI inference. x86 is better for SCADA workstations, vision systems requiring Windows software, and high-performance data processing.

What is the cost difference between ARM and x86 industrial computers?

ARM-based industrial SBCs and embedded computers are generally lower cost than comparable x86 systems — ARM SBCs start from ₹5,000–₹20,000 for basic gateway applications, while x86 embedded PCs typically start from ₹25,000–₹80,000. However, when factoring in software licensing (Windows IoT), deployment complexity, and support costs, the total cost of ownership difference narrows for full production systems.

Does TSL Automation supply both ARM and x86 industrial computers?

Yes — TSL Automation Solutions supplies Avalue ARM-based panel PCs and embedded systems for lightweight HMI and IoT applications, as well as the full range of Avalue x86 industrial PCs, panel PCs, and embedded computers for Windows-based SCADA and automation. Our team can recommend the right platform for your specific application requirements.

Tags: ARM vs x86 industrial ARM embedded computer x86 embedded PC ARM vs Intel industrial embedded processor architecture comparison

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TSL Automation Solutions

Head of Marketing, TSL Automation Solutions

Sanjana covers industrial automation trends, product launches, and technology insights for TSL Automation Solutions, a Mumbai-based distributor of HMI, Panel PC, and embedded computing systems serving manufacturers across India and globally.

Need help choosing the right product?

Our team in Mumbai can recommend the right HMI, Panel PC, or embedded system for your application.

Contact TSL Automation

ARM vs x86 for Industrial Embedded Computing: How to Choose

Table of Contents

ARM Architecture

x86 Architecture

ARM vs x86 Comparison

Choose ARM When:

Choose x86 When:

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help choosing the right product?

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