Benchmarking Deep Learning Convolutions on Energy-constrained CPUs

Abstract: This work evaluates state-of-the-art convolution algorithms for CPU-based deep learning inference. While most prior studies focus on GPUs or NPUs, CPU implementations remain relatively underoptimized. We benchmark direct, GEMM-based, and Winograd convolutions across modern CPUs from ARM __ , Intel __ , AMD __ , Apple __ , and Nvidia __ , considering both latency and energy efficiency. Our results highlight the key architectural factors that govern CPU efficiency for convolution operations, providing practical guidance for energy-aware embedded deployment. As a main results of this work, the Nvidia __ AGX Orin combined with the GEMM algorithm achieves the best trade-off between inference latency and energy consumption.