# **PassMark Observes a Significant Drop in Average CPU Performance: What’s Going On?**
For the very first time since PassMark started monitoring CPU performance in 2004, the synthetic benchmarking tool has identified an unforeseen trend: average CPU performance is on the decline. This unexpected finding, revealed by PassMark Software on the X platform (formerly Twitter), has ignited conversations regarding the potential reasons for this change.
## **A Departure from Moore’s Law?**
Since Moore’s Law was established, the computing sector has been motivated by the assumption that processors will consistently become faster and more robust. Traditionally, benchmark results have validated this notion, with every new CPU generation eclipsing its predecessor. However, PassMark’s recent data indicates that this upward trend may be decelerating—or possibly reversing.
The benchmark data illustrates a downturn affecting both desktop and laptop CPUs:
– **Desktop CPUs** have experienced a performance decline of approximately **0.5%** compared to 2024. Though modest, this decline signifies the first instance of performance regressing rather than advancing.
– **Laptop CPUs** have encountered a more pronounced decrease of **3.4%** annually, raising alarms about the trajectory of mobile computing performance.
## **Potential Reasons for the Decline**
PassMark has put forward a few theories regarding this unanticipated downturn:
### **1. Users Are Retaining Older Equipment**
One potential reason is that consumers may not be upgrading their CPUs as frequently as in the past. Many older processors, like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, continue to perform admirably for gaming and productivity tasks. With little urgency to upgrade, users might be holding on to their current systems, resulting in a stagnation of performance averages.
### **2. A Trend Towards Affordable and Energy-Efficient CPUs**
Another possibility is that a larger number of individuals are opting for **less expensive or low-power CPUs**, which may lower the average performance score. With rising energy costs and an increased emphasis on efficiency, many users might prioritize energy consumption over sheer performance.
### **3. Software and OS Influence**
PassMark also posits that inefficiencies in software, especially within **Windows 11**, could be contributing to the decline. Some users have noted that Windows 11 introduces extra background processes and unnecessary software that may adversely affect performance relative to Windows 10.
### **4. Fewer Major CPU Launches**
The CPU market has witnessed a decline in groundbreaking product launches recently. While AMD is set to introduce the **Ryzen 9 9900X3D** and **Ryzen 9 9950X3D**, these high-end chips are not expected to become mass-market hits. Meanwhile, Intel has experienced challenges with its **Arrow Lake** processors, further slowing innovation.
Additionally, the **Threadripper Pro 7995WX**, which launched in 2023, remains the highest-performing CPU in PassMark’s rankings, indicating that no new chip has surpassed it in terms of raw performance.
## **What Implications Does This Have for the Future of CPUs?**
Although it is still early in 2025, and these patterns may evolve, the current information implies that the period of rapid CPU performance enhancements could be waning. If consumers continue to emphasize efficiency and value over pure power, manufacturers might need to recalibrate their strategies accordingly.
Nevertheless, forthcoming advancements in **AI acceleration, chiplet architectures, and novel fabrication techniques** could still propel future performance enhancements. Whether this decline is a fleeting deviation or the onset of a more enduring trend remains uncertain.
For the time being, PassMark’s observations act as a crucial reminder for the industry, inciting deeper conversations regarding the future of CPU innovation and consumer requirements.
### **What’s your take? Are you contemplating an upgrade for your CPU soon, or does your current processor suffice? Share your thoughts in the comments!**