The best CPUs are a big part of any plans to buy a new laptop. Are you looking for Intel processors meant for gaming or designed for workstations? Different processors accommodate these needs differently. Read on to understand which Intel processor is perfect for what you need.
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| Choosing the best CPUs are a big part of plans to buy a new laptop or get an upgrade |
Choosing the best CPUs are a big part of plans to buy a new laptop or get an upgrade. Choosing the best laptop processors which are perfect for what you need can be tricky. So, I’ve concentrated on explaining Intel processors in this article, since they are the most popular.
In this blog:
- First are the main features of Intel processors
- Then are different types of Intel processors
- I'll explain the difference between the various Core-i series processors; i.e. relevance of the ratings
- Finally, there's a look at processor series & the ideal processors as per uses
Features of Best CPUs
So, before we begin, the following are a few terms that you’ll come across which are used to promote processors. It's good to know processor-lingo.Hyper-threading: This implies that each core in the processor can handle more than one thread of tasks at the same time; so effectively one core acts as 2 cores and so on. While theoretically your processor being able to simultaneously run multiple threads on the same core sounds efficient, in reality this depends a lot on the software since some software makes better use of this feature than others.
Turbo Boost: Some processors support ramping up the processing speeds (clock frequency) when the needs increase and usually maintain a lower clock frequency for power conservation. This feature is most useful in high rating laptop processors (i.e. i5 & i7). Since running at full capacity throughout will quickly drain your portable device’s battery while also increasing heat produced.
Multi-core: A processor may pack in more than one physical core, which acts as a separate processor and adds to the performance. This is virtually a given in modern day processors, especially in the Core-i series of processors since almost all of them have more than one, and often many more, core per processor.
Cache: This is the memory available for use to the processor, although a higher cache does not make a huge difference, a lower cache will affect the performance of your CPU. That's the L3 cache.
Popular Intel Processors
The following are usual Intel processors you will find in modern machines. We’ve also given a quick comparison between them below.Core-i Series: They are the most popular processors nowadays and support a slew of modern intel technology. They ensure performance along with mediocre power conservation. They include the i3/i5/i7 range of processors.
Core M series: This processor type belongs to the Intel Core series of processors but packs in added power conservation and is thus used widely in ultra-thin notebooks/laptops. Example, the 7th Gen M3 series of processors.
Intel Xeon: These are high end processors meant for servers or ultra-high-powered workstations and are not usually found on consumer laptops.
Celeron/Pentium: Intel’s entry-level laptop processors, these are found on budget laptops most often. Their performance compared to Core-i series is terrible!
Intel Atom: These are Intel’s budget mobile processors -- very low power consumption and equally low performance. They are being replaced by the Celeron/Pentium range of processors as Intel’s primary mobile device processor.
Below is a quick comparison which states if the features (Multi-Core, Multi-Thread, Turbo Mode, Cache, GPU) are available in the CPU series or not. (All processors in each series might not have all the features specified, but this shows which processor series you should concentrate on based on your needs). I’ve also mentioned the features closely associated with the processor in the first column.
| 2-Core | 4-Core | Hyper Thread | Turbo Mode | GPU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core-i Series (Efficiency) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Xeon (Performance) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Core M3 series (Low power) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Celeron /Pentium (Low power) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Atom (Low power) | Yes | No | No | No | No |
The Core M3 series processors work with a lower number of threads (for the few CPUs that have multi-threading) than Core-i series & the same is true with Celeron/Pentium processors. Also, the best CPUs have more than 1 core for better performance but only the latest models in the Celeron/Pentium line manage 4-cores, let alone more!
As you can see, the Intel Atom is the processor with the least performance and the Intel Celeron/Pentium processor are close behind. The M3 series is not far ahead either. So, for any serious performance you will have to consider the Core-i series of processors. We won’t talk about the Xeon series of processors since they are not usually found in consumer laptops.
The Best Laptop Processors
Thus, the best laptops processors that you can choose from when selecting a laptop (in terms of serious performance) are the Intel Core-i series of processors. Namely the processor ratings of i3/i5/i7 series.Any other processor will never be able to match the performance that this series of processors can put out.
Now, the Core-i series of processors is also quite wide and complicated. It’s not just about which processor can deliver the highest speeds. This table will help you understand better.
| Specs. | Speed (GHz) | Turbo | Cache | Power Use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i3 | Dual core with hyper thread | 2.4 to 3.0 | No | 3 MB | Lower |
| Core i5 | Dual (hyper thread in dual-core only) & Quad core | 1.2 to 2.8 | Yes | 4-6 MB | Medium |
| Core i7 | Dual & Quad-core with hyper thread | 1.3 to 3.1 | Yes | 4-8 MB | Higher |
We have spoken of 7th gen. laptop processors only for a better comparison. Earlier generations of processors might have more features in a lower rating model with a less effective design and thus their performance will be consequently limited too.
So, for further explanation of this information:
Core/Threads: The core i7 offers both dual & quad core processers with hyperthreading & i3 provides dual core processors with multiple threads. i5 supports hyper-threading only in the dual-core variant.
Thus, a processor with hyperthreading can potentially handle more processes than a processor with equal number of cores not capable of hyperthreading.However, while making use of multiple threads has the potential to increase the performance & multitasking capability of your processor, it may vary based on the application being used too.Also, more number of cores will almost always ensure a greater performance increase as opposed to a comparable number of threads and lesser cores.
Clock Speed: Just clock speed alone might provide a less accurate picture about processor performance; here the i3’s look more impressive.
But, the i7 & i5 support the ‘Turbo Mode’ and thus their maximum clock speed can go up to 3.5 GHz (i5) and 4.1 GHz (i7). They operate at a lower speed usually to conserve power.
When looking at the clock speed you should consider that for the i3 processors the clock speed shown is the maximum speeds that the processors are capable of.
While for most of the other Core-i series of processors, the clock speed is the minimum clock speed that the processors are capable of (typically registering a jump of 1 GHz from base frequency during turbo mode).
Power Consumption: The i3’s have the lowest power consumption among the processors.
The power consumption of the processor is what decides, up to an extent, how long your laptop can go without demanding the next session of charging.
Power Consumption: The i3’s have the lowest power consumption among the processors.
The power consumption of the processor is what decides, up to an extent, how long your laptop can go without demanding the next session of charging.
So, higher the power consumption, the more frequently you’ll need to plug in your PC for a charge while you’re travelling.
How does this info help? Combine it with the processor line or product line information in the next section and viola, you’ve decoded the performance of an Intel processor.
Processor Lines & Naming
So, to answer the question about which the best laptop processors are for your need, you’ll have to combine the above processor rating info with the processor line of the CPU and you get your answer.And, for the processor lines or product lines info, you’ll need to know which one the processor you are considering belongs to.
The following is the naming convention used for modern Intel processors, the Core-i series of processors. This shows you how to find out the product line that an Intel processor belongs to and what that processor line suffix means. It’ll help make your computer shopping easier!
For the sake for brevity I’ll only explain the naming of the latest processors, i.e. 8th generation, 7th generation & up to the less recent 6th generation, which make up the best laptop processors.
The following is the naming convention used for modern Intel processors, the Core-i series of processors. This shows you how to find out the product line that an Intel processor belongs to and what that processor line suffix means. It’ll help make your computer shopping easier!
For the sake for brevity I’ll only explain the naming of the latest processors, i.e. 8th generation, 7th generation & up to the less recent 6th generation, which make up the best laptop processors.
Intel's unlikely to change their naming scheme, so this info should be useful forever!
8th Generation
| Intel® Core™ | i7 | 8700 | K |
| Processor Brand | Model Rating | CPU Generation (i.e. 8th) | Model Suffix |
| Product Line Suffix | Indicates |
|---|---|
| Desktop | |
| K | CPU is unlocked and supports overclocking |
| Laptop | |
| G | Includes built in graphics module |
| U | Ultra-low power consumption |
7th Generation
| Intel® Core™ | i7 | 7500 | U |
| Processor Brand | Model Rating | CPU Generation (i.e. 7th) | Model Suffix |
| Intel® Core™ | i7 | 7 | Y | 75 |
| Processor Brand | Model Rating | CPU Generation (i.e. 7th) | Model Suffix | Numeric Code |
The product line suffix appears after this 4-digit numeric code or right after the generation indicator, as shown in the figure; the ‘U’ suffix in this example.
Or, as is seen in the second example, the i7-7Y75 processor model no. means that that ‘i7’ is Intel’s rating for the processor.
The first of the four digit model code - ‘7’ in ‘7Y75’ - indicates the generation the CPU belongs to; 7th generation. The product line suffix appears after the generation indicator, as shown, the ‘Y’ suffix.
| Product Line Suffix | Indicates |
|---|---|
| Desktop | |
| K | CPU is unlocked and supports overclocking |
| T | Higher power-efficiency |
| Laptop | |
| H | Inbuilt high performance graphics |
| HK | High performance graphics & unlocked CPU |
| HQ | High performance graphics & quad-core CPU |
| U | Ultra-low power consumption |
| Y | Extremely low power consumption |
6th Generation
| Intel® Core™ | i7 | 6700 | K |
| Processor Brand | Model Rating | CPU Generation (i.e. 6th) | Model Suffix |
| Intel® Core™ | i7 | 6920 | H | Q |
| Processor Brand | Model Rating | CPU Generation (i.e. 6th) | Model Suffix | Product Line Suffix |
And, the ‘K’ suffix points to the specific product line suffix explained below.
In the second example, the i7-6920HQ processor model no. means that that ‘i7’ is the rating for the processor.
The ‘6’ in ‘6920’ indicates the generation the CPU belongs to; 6th generation. Here, the ‘H’ suffix points to the specific model line suffix, and ‘Q’ suffix points to the specific product line suffix.
Please see below to interpret the model line suffix.
| Product Line Suffix | Indicates |
|---|---|
| Desktop | |
| K | CPU is unlocked and supports overclocking |
| T | Higher power-efficiency |
| Laptop | |
| H | Inbuilt high performance graphics |
| HK | High performance graphics & unlocked CPU |
| HQ | High performance graphics & quad-core CPU |
| U | Ultra-low power consumption |
Conclusion: Selecting Intel Processors by Use
Now, let’s finish up and combine the rating and the processor line info to select the best laptop processors.
Intel Processors for Portability & Low Performance
If portability is what you are looking for then you will have to compromise on processor performance.
Y-series processor line should be your baseline choice and then select based on price.
For something that packs in a little more power but also accommodates low power consumption, you could try the i3 processor in the U-series line.
And, of course if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest then try looking at a Pentium, Celeron or Atom processor, in that order of preference!
For something that has the best of both worlds, i.e. portability and performance, the obvious choice to rely on are the mid-to-high U-series processors.
They are ideal for everyday use.
And, of course if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest then try looking at a Pentium, Celeron or Atom processor, in that order of preference!
Intel Processors for Work PC/Casual Gaming
For something that has the best of both worlds, i.e. portability and performance, the obvious choice to rely on are the mid-to-high U-series processors.
They are ideal for everyday use.
Packing in hyper-threading and multiple cores along with Turbo boost, they can usually handle all common applications and multitask competently. Casual gaming is also something it can support quite well.
The price and the balance of performance you get for that price should be your guiding principle while picking out a mid-range processor.
Hands down, the HQ/HK series of processors are what you are looking for.
Intel Processors for Gaming/High-performance Workstation
Hands down, the HQ/HK series of processors are what you are looking for.
These CPUs pack in quad cores, and, in the i7 rating, deliver more threads and better performance.
The HQ-series also supports over-clocking and thus will be suitable if you’re looking for a workhorse which can handle the toughest of tasks and the latest of games.
The HQ-series also supports over-clocking and thus will be suitable if you’re looking for a workhorse which can handle the toughest of tasks and the latest of games.
Consider that these processors consume a lot of power and thus your portability will be compromised with your laptop PC demanding charging more often!
Our final recommendation for choosing the best laptop processors? There is still plenty of middle ground for you to choose from; in the end consider the price you’ll be shelling out as the final benchmark.
| Portability | Work | Gaming | Choose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HQ / HK series | Mediocre | Yes | Yes | i7 rating |
| U-series | Yes | Mediocre | Basic | i5 or i3 rating |
| Y-series | Yes | Basic | No | Choose price/ performance balance |
That's that! Was this blog helpful? Please let me know. It'll help improve the experience for others.
