HP will avoid bunging ARM chips into machines that run Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system.

HP, which is making a big play with ARM servers running Linux-based operating systems, will focus on x86 processors in machines that run Windows 8, according to HP spokeswoman Marlene Somsak.

Microsoft has been putting on a big song and dance over Windows RT, the version of Windows 8 that will run on ARM chips. However the announcement by HP, which is still the largest PC maker, is a blow to Microsoft's efforts to push its Windows RT operating system.