Which processor is best for a laptop?
The central processing unit is responsible for processing all the most important information in the bowels of the computer. Obviously, this component is of particular importance. But what if the CPU breaks down? Very rarely is it possible to repair a broken device. Most likely, you will have to purchase a new processor. Today we will talk about which processor is best for a laptop. To select the most important component, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the technical parameters, types and other selection criteria.
to contents ↑Processor - what is it responsible for?
This is the central processing unit of a computer that processes information. The speed and efficiency of work depend on the quality of work of this device. To see the differences in different models with the naked eye, you need to familiarize yourself with the main technical characteristics of the devices.
Important! In order for the laptop to not fail, you need to regularly clean it from dust and replace the thermal paste. Thermal grease is responsible for the normal heat exchange between the surface of the processor and the heatsink, preventing it from overheating. Our article will help you choose quality material. “Thermal grease for a laptop - which is better?”.
Clock frequency
It is rather difficult to understand how the processors of different laptops differ from each other. The bottom line is that in the era of single-core central devices, the number of models that manufacturers used was not very large. The clock frequency and age of the chip determined the quality of the component.
Important! The clock frequency is the number of operations performed by the computer per unit of time (one second), it is customary to measure this parameter in MHz.
Today is completely different. Not always high clock speeds will indicate good processor performance. But then how to choose a processor for a laptop? Now we will consider the main guidelines for the purchase.
to contents ↑Important! Often, a computer at home is used for social networking and games. If you choose a laptop for these purposes, follow the link and find outhow to choose a gaming laptop.
Criterias of choice
To choose a quality device, you need to know the following things:
- Product manufacturer.
- “Built-in” or “dedicated graphics”, the presence of both.
- Energy consumption.
- The amount of cache data and the clock speed.
Important! The architecture of the device implies the presence of basic elements inside the device itself. The processor functionality depends on these elements. A CPU is a complex device that consists of a very large number of transistor cells. Therefore, the emergence of a new architecture is a huge step forward, implying an increase in the degree of integration. The more modern the device installed in your laptop, the better the performance.
We met with the main criteria, now you can go to the stage of choosing a device.
to contents ↑Important! If you need to choose a laptop-transformer, we have prepared for you review of the best models.
We determine the manufacturer
Before proceeding to the parameters that were announced above, you need to select the company of the manufacturer. Consider the two largest of all: Intel and AMD.Which processor is best for a laptop? Here, too, have their sides, let's briefly get to know them.
Intel
Intel processors are worth buying if you have a “good” amount. All users praise the performance of Intel-based computers and notice that devices with such chips rarely overheat.
AMD
Such devices will be an excellent choice if your costs are focused on the budget segment. In terms of performance, such chips practically do not lose, but experienced users advise purchasing high-quality cooling along with AMD products, since such chips sometimes overheat.
to contents ↑The presence of built-in “graphics”
We classify the chips into several types:
- There are chips with an integrated graphics card. Such video cards are called integrated.
- Chips with a dedicated graphics card. Such video cards are called discrete.
- The presence of both integrated and discrete graphics cards.
Important! Spend a lot of time in front of a laptop monitor? To maintain vision, you need to choose the right screen. Our post will help you “Is a matte or glossy laptop screen better?”.
Processors with an integrated graphics card have a number of advantages:
- Low price.
- Low power consumption.
- Quiet work due to the fact that there is no need for coolers.
Chips with a dedicated video card also have several advantages:
- High performance graphics card.
- Level quality graphics.
- The ability to replace the video card with another one at any time.
From the foregoing, one can draw the following conclusions:
- Processors with integrated graphics cards are much less productive. Simple laptop models can easily work with such chips, but you can’t play modern games in any way.
- If you purchased a laptop with a dedicated card, integrated graphics will still be available inside the laptop. A series of integrated video cards from Intel begins to work, if the laptop is powered by a battery, this idea increases productivity.
to contents ↑Important! Need a computer for games and powerful software? Then give preference to chips with a discrete card. If the work is exclusively office, take a CPU with an integrated board.
Number of Cores
For a long time, laptops have at least dual-core processors. The exception is netbooks, which are designed on the basis of single-core systems, such as Intel Atom. The vast majority of laptops of medium and low prices work on chips with two cores. More powerful models are equipped with quad-core processors.
to contents ↑Important! This is not to say that the number of cores is a measure of performance. The same Intel Core I5 are the market leaders among components for laptops. And the price with such good performance is not very affordable.
RAM and cache
The amount of cache built into the device is also a fundamentally important parameter. Information between the cores and the cache is transferred remarkably faster than in the case of RAM. Larger cache sizes lead to faster performance. Real tasks require a larger size - this parameter is sometimes even more important than the number of cores and clock speed. Of course, an increase in memory also raises the price of the chip, and the device will approach significantly overheating. It should also be noted that you can increase system performance by acquiring SSD drive for laptop.
to contents ↑Important! When choosing between two models, give preference to one that has a larger amount of memory.
Energy saving
The best processor for a laptop with low power consumption can also be found. Any manufacturer tries to provide the lowest possible energy consumption. If your laptop is not very busy with complex calculations, the energy-saving function from Intel or AMD will lower the clock speed and power supply.
Important! Such functionality helps not only reduce energy consumption, but also saves the laptop from overheating.
Modern fast chips are often installed in thin ultrabook cases. The giant manufacturers began to produce their models with low energy consumption, which allows you to assemble a fairly quiet and cold system with a high battery life. If you want to choose a more capacious and efficient computer, find outwhich power supply is better.
to contents ↑Important! The less heat released, the better, but almost all energy is saved only by reducing productivity. If productivity is not reduced, the price will increase significantly. It turns out that in the office, an energy-saving CPU is what you need, but for games and rendering video is not very suitable.
Intel Haswell
This is a series of the most common mobile processors. Now the leading is a series of chips of the fourth generation.
This series has been releasing the familiar three line of chips for a long time:
- Intel Core i3.
- Intel Core i5.
- Intel Core i7.
The core 7 line exists in both dual and quad core models. Haswell lineup has created ultra-mobile chips. You can easily determine which processor is installed in your laptop by the index, which is located after the numerical index of the chip:
- Y - Energy-saving processor, 11.5 watts.
- U - Ultra-mobile energy-saving chip, 15-28 watts.
- M - Mobile device ;, 37-57 watts.
- Q - Quad.
- X - Extreme in performance.
- H - The processor for graphics.
to contents ↑Important! Extreme processor will not bring any dangers. Such chips are called extreme because of their high performance.
Stock footage
Now you know what is happening in the technology market today, and you can easily choose the best processor for a laptop.