Buying a new laptop can be pretty confusing. There are a lot of specifications to go through, and the variations in it are mind-boggling. However, one fact that everyone understands is that the processor is the main component of any laptop.

Hence, finding the best processor for a laptop is essential before researching the market for a new laptop. It is always better to find the best specifications and then try to find a laptop that suits your specifications than going the other way around. Hence, we will discuss which processor is good for laptops and why choosing the latest-generation processor is always ideal.

What is the use of a Processor in a Laptop?

In simple terms, the ‘Processor’ is the computer’s brain. Without a processor, the computer cannot undertake any tasks at all. It is also called the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Physically, the CPU is very small in size and takes up a very small part of your laptop. However, to cool it thoroughly, the air-cooling systems are connected directly to it, which makes it look larger.

The CPU is comprised of various parts such as the Algorithmic Processing Unit (ALU), Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), Input-Output (I/O), CPU cache and more. All these parts function together in harmony to complete the tasks given to them and ensure a smoothly performing laptop.

Best Processor for Laptop

Choosing the ideal CPU for your laptop is easier than it seems, thanks to the easy nomenclature system of the two major CPU manufacturers in the world, Intel and AMD. While AMD is the pioneer in multi-core performance required for creative and niche tasks, Intel CPUs are more optimised to perform daily tasks.

However, choosing the ideal processor for your system depends on what you intend to do with your laptop. If you plan on performing regular daily tasks such as internet browsing, word and document processing, and other similar tasks, you can use low-end CPUs. On the other hand, if you need to edit videos, play the latest games, or run a virtual server, it is recommended to go with a high-end CPU that can provide the required computing power for such tasks.

Let us look at the various important details to consider when choosing the ideal CPU for your laptop:

Processor’s Architecture

The processor architecture helps it complete all tasks successfully. The ‘x86’ architecture is the most common form of laptop processor available in the market currently. However, with the advent of smartphones, a new kind of architecture has gained popularity recently, known as the ‘ARM’ or ‘Advance RISC Machine’ architecture.

While the x86 architecture can perform all PC-related tasks efficiently, they are not the most power-efficient processors. Hence, ARM processors are being used in laptops and tablets as they are required to be portable and provide good battery backup. Apple and Qualcomm have made good progress in their ARM CPUs currently.

Processor’s Generation

Picking the generation is easy as the latest generation processors are the best comparatively. For example, if we check for Intel CPU-based laptops, we can observe that the 12th generation is the latest one available. Hence, it is best to choose that since it will work better than another laptop with 11th generation CPU of the same variant.

The case is similar in AMD CPUs, as the latest generation means that the CPU is more optimised and consumes less battery than the previous version of the same processor. Hence, choosing the processor’s generation is simple: choose the one with the most significant number available.

Processor’s Core Count

As for the core count, the logic we applied to the generation number proves true here too. The higher the number of cores in the CPU, the better its performance will be. However, you will also have to pay extra for the additional cores you buy. Hence, you need to understand the minimum core requirements of the tasks that you wish to accomplish with the processor.

Similarly, more core counts also mean that you can efficiently multitask. Hence, you can effortlessly listen to music, browse the internet, and edit a document simultaneously using a multi-core processor. However, the system might lag if U do the same on a single-core processor.

Best CPU Processor for Laptop Ranking:

Various processors are available in the market. However, choosing the ideal one depends on the kind of tasks you wish to undertake. For example, if you wish to simply use your laptop for entertainment, such as video and audio consumption, then having an Intel i3 CPU would suffice. However, if you wish to undertake heavy tasks such as video editing, you would require a more powerful i7 CPU.

Additionally, there are just 2 OEMs that manufacture x86 CPUs: Intel and AMD. Both are established brands with good quality products, and you can choose either one for your laptop. On the other hand, if you are opting for an ARM CPU, you have another duopoly: Qualcomm and Apple. Since Apple provides its M1 CPUs only with the MacBook lineup, you can opt for Qualcomm if you wish to have an ARM-based laptop running Windows OS.

We are listing out some of the best processors for laptops, based on your usage:

UsageIntel ProcessorsAMD Processors
Internet BrowsingIntel Celeron, Intel Pentium, Intel Core i3AMD A4, AMD A6
Streaming VideosIntel Core i3AMD A8, AMD A9, AMD A10, AMD Ryzen 3
Office WorkIntel Core i3, Intel Core i5AMD Ryzen 3, AMD Ryzen 5
ProgrammingIntel Core i5, Intel Core i7AMD Ryzen 5, AMD Ryzen 7
Graphic DesignIntel Core i7, Intel Core i9AMD Ryzen 7
GamingIntel Core i5, Intel Core i7AMD Ryzen 5, AMD Ryzen 7

Conclusion

We hope this article has been of help to you in choosing the best processor for your laptop. While no ideal processor can perform all tasks unless you opt for the highest-end CPU, you can search and choose the ideal one per your requirements. You can either go for the x86-based standard processors or choose the latest ARM-based processors that provide a more mobile-friendly computing experience when compared to legacy CPUs.

Once again, let us remind you that when looking for a new laptop, always list the ideal specifications and find the laptop that suits those specifications. This way, you will be able to find the ideal laptop for your needs instead of falling for the marketing gimmicks of laptop companies.