ACQ2 by Acquired How ARM Became The World’s Default Chip Architecture (with ARM CEO Rene Haas)
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Dec 2, 2024 
Rene Haas, CEO of Arm Holdings and a former VP at NVIDIA, shares the astonishing journey of ARM from its roots in 1990 as a low-power chip designer to its current status as the backbone of modern computing. He discusses how ARM's innovative licensing model fueled the mobile revolution and enabled giants like Apple and Samsung to innovate. The conversation also dives into ARM's plays in AI, the competitive landscape against x86, and the dramatic story of NVIDIA's attempted acquisition. ARM's adaptability and impact on everyday technology are truly remarkable.
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RISC vs. CISC
- RISC processors, like ARM, prioritize simpler instructions for efficiency.
- CISC processors, like x86, have complex instructions for powerful but less efficient computing.
IBM PC and x86 Dominance
- IBM's open PC design, using external components and software, fueled the rise of clones and x86 dominance.
- Software compatibility and legacy cemented x86's position, despite RISC's potential advantages.
Apple's Architecture Shifts
- Apple, initially using Motorola's 68000, transitioned to PowerPC, a RISC-CISC hybrid, with IBM and Motorola.
- This shift highlighted the challenges and costs associated with switching architectures, even in earlier computing eras.