RISC-V vs ARM vs x86: The 2025 Silicon Architecture Showdown
In mid-2025, x86 remains the top performer for legacy software and high-end workloads, with 64-core or 96-core Xeon/EPYC-class servers still setting the benchmark. Apple’s M-series SoCs, built on 8–10 core ARM64 designs and led by the M1 (2020) and M2 generations, demonstrate high performance-per-watt that rivals many x86 laptops. RISC-V’s open, modular ISA uses a small base with optional extensions (M, A, F/D, V) and allows custom instructions, with Ventana’s Veyron V2 offering up to 192 cores and RVA23 profiles improving cross-implementation compatibility. RISC-V is royalty-free and open by design, ARM licenses involve upfront fees and per-chip royalties (Qualcomm reportedly
