Best laptop CPU 2024 | Determining the “best” laptop CPU depends on your specific needs and budget. However, here are some of the top contenders in different categories as of 2024:
Laptop processor list best to worst
High Performance:
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX: This 12-core, 24-thread beast currently sits at the top of the performance charts, especially when paired with its 3D V-Cache technology. It excels in demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy gaming. However, it comes at a premium price and drains battery life faster than some competitors.
- Intel Core i9-13980HX: This is Intel’s answer to the Ryzen 9 7945HX, offering 24 cores and 32 threads. It’s neck-and-neck with the AMD chip in terms of performance, but often at a slightly lower price. Battery life is also a bit better.
Best Value:
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800H: This mid-range CPU offers excellent performance for everyday tasks like browsing, office work, and light gaming. It’s a great choice for students, professionals, and casual users who don’t need the absolute best performance.
- Intel Core i7-12700H: Similar to the Ryzen 7 6800H, this Intel chip delivers solid performance at a competitive price. It’s a good option for those who prefer Intel’s platform or need better integrated graphics.
Ultraportable:
- Apple M2: Apple’s M2 chip powers the latest MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. It offers exceptional performance for everyday tasks while being incredibly energy efficient, resulting in amazing battery life. However, it’s not as powerful as the high-performance options above and can struggle with demanding workloads.
- Intel Alder Lake U-series: Intel’s 12th Gen U-series processors, like the Core i5-1250U, are designed for thin and light laptops. They offer good performance for everyday tasks while being more power-efficient than their H-series counterparts.
Ultimately, the best laptop CPU for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what you’ll be using your laptop for the most, and then choose a CPU that strikes the right balance between performance, battery life, and price.
Here are some additional factors to keep in mind when choosing a laptop CPU:
- Core count and clock speed: Generally, more cores and higher clock speeds mean better performance. However, clock speed is not the only factor that matters.
- Threads: Hyperthreading technology allows a single core to handle multiple threads at once, improving performance in multi-threaded workloads.
- Integrated graphics: Some CPUs have integrated graphics that can handle basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. If you don’t plan on doing any serious gaming, an integrated GPU can save you money on a dedicated graphics card.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): This is a measure of how much heat a CPU generates. Lower TDP CPUs are more energy-efficient and run cooler, which is important for laptops.