Could be misleading to some. The intent for arbitrary was that you could implement any algorithm on them. Whereas, custom hardware is usually fixed and some programmable ones are more limited. Plus, I think you can speed up any algorithm at least a little if putting it on FPGA on more advanced node. Reason being there's no other processing besides the algorithm and it's harder to get GP CPU's that optimal at given process node.
That said, the likes of Intel, AMD, and IBM put so much work into CPU's at most advanced nodes that some sequential algorithms will likely do better on them. Synthesized, amateur FPGA bitstream just can't compete with custom, pro, hard blocks designed for exact purpose.
That said, the likes of Intel, AMD, and IBM put so much work into CPU's at most advanced nodes that some sequential algorithms will likely do better on them. Synthesized, amateur FPGA bitstream just can't compete with custom, pro, hard blocks designed for exact purpose.