Processors in budget laptops: what to choose?

As practice shows, in the modern world, many consumers choose a laptop instead of a desktop PC as a workstation. There is no point in describing the advantages of a mobile device, since they are obvious. We will talk about how to choose a processor for a laptop. This is an interesting topic, since store windows offer a huge selection of models from different manufacturers with different chipsets. At the same time, they differ not only in the manufacturer (there are only two), but in the labeling. You can, of course, trust the words of the seller when purchasing, but most likely, after a while it will turn out that the purchased device does not meet the goals that should be fulfilled. Therefore, a more logical solution would be to delve a little deeper into the topic of choosing a CPU and draw specific conclusions based on the knowledge gained.

Main characteristics of the processor

It is worth understanding that the processor (CPU, chipset, CPU) is not the only important element in a laptop, but it is the key one. Essentially, this is the brain of the device; it is responsible for performing all tasks. Even with high other indicators, a weak processor will not allow the gadget to show good performance.

Important! Changing the processor in a laptop is quite difficult. When a buyer is faced with the need to upgrade, many come to the logical conclusion that it is easier to buy a new device than to install a new chipset. It is for this reason that it is better to choose a high-quality CPU for a laptop than a large amount of RAM or hard drive, because these components are easy to change.

To understand how to choose a processor for a laptop, you should consider key indicators:

• company manufacturer;
• power consumption;
• Number of Cores;
• cache memory size;
• clock frequency.

To select a processor for a laptop, when purchasing, you should carefully look at all of the above indicators and find the best option. Below we talk in more detail about each of them.

Manufacturer

In modern laptops you can find processors from two main manufacturers - AMD or Intel. They own about 98% of the market. The remaining 2% includes little-known chipsets with performance that cannot represent serious competition, as well as segmented models, for example, for military needs (Russian Baikal processor).

There is an opinion that Intel is superior to AMD in many criteria, and, as practice shows, this is indeed the case. Laptops with Intel chipsets heat up less, are less noisy, consume less energy, and show better performance and multitasking . It is worth understanding that this is a fairly generalized opinion, since none of these brands is limited to a couple of chipsets, there are a huge number of them, every year a new generation appears, which includes at least several dozen new models. Obviously, it is difficult to draw a single conclusion regarding manufacturers, since individual models may behave differently.

You should know that Intel processors are more expensive, but their price is justified. Some games are designed to work with Intel chipsets, which means they simply won’t run on AMD.

Interesting fact! Most gaming models with top parameters are based on Intel processors.

The disadvantage of the company is that the vast majority of chipsets cannot be overclocked, but, on the other hand, this is not necessary for them. AMD's disadvantages include increased power consumption, as well as slow operation of the second and third level cache, but at the same time they are cheaper. Sometimes this is an important criterion for the buyer.

Advice! To buy a truly powerful device, it is better to choose a CPU from Intel for your laptop. Not only store sellers, but also experts in this field agree with this. AMD chipsets are perfect for more budget gadgets and, depending on the tasks, can perform well.

The chipset lines and their purposes will be discussed in detail in the final part of this text.

Built-in graphics

There are 3 types of processors:

1. With built-in graphics (integrated);
2. With a discrete video card (dedicated);
3. Combined solution - with discrete and integrated video cards.

Each solution has its pros and cons. We should clarify them.

Advantages of processors with integrated video cards:

• Quiet operation due to the absence of additional fans;
• Low price;
• Low power consumption. Consequently, laptops with integrated graphics cards last much longer without recharging.

Advantages of CPU with discrete graphics cards:

• Higher graphics card performance and better graphics quality;
• You can replace the video card separately if it breaks or becomes outdated.

Which solution should you choose? Everything is simple here: if the laptop is intended for office work or is needed simply for “surfing” the Internet, then integrated graphics would be the ideal solution. Such a laptop will cost less, and it will hold a charge longer. But you won’t be able to play games on such a laptop, especially modern ones. For this, it is better to have a desktop computer or, at a minimum, a laptop with a discrete video card, and a fairly powerful one. We have already written in more detail about the difference between built-in and discrete video cards earlier - we advise you to read it.

Power consumption

The main advantage of a laptop is considered to be mobility and autonomy. The latter is achieved through a CPU with low energy consumption. The conclusion is quite logical: the less power the CPU consumes, the weaker it is. This conclusion is not only logical, but is a proven fact. However, don't think that every laptop has a low-performance chipset by default. Both manufacturers have different processor lines - with increased energy efficiency or, conversely, with an emphasis on power.

When purchasing, it is important to understand whether you need autonomy or power . A simple example: a consumer looking for a device for gaming will not have to use it in places where there is no power outlet. Obviously, it doesn’t matter to him how long the gadget runs on battery power, which means that in his case the appropriate type of processor is high power. If the device is purchased for work, and you have to move around a lot and use it while traveling, then performance will raise fewer questions, and an important criterion is that the device works for a long time.

Important! When purchasing, it is not necessary to look for energy consumption indicators for each chipset. Conclusions about its energy efficiency can be drawn from the labeling. This will be discussed in more detail below.

Number of Cores

The number of cores in a chipset is a point that is misunderstood by many buyers. Essentially, it is the kernel that performs different tasks. Two cores perform twice as many tasks simultaneously. It may seem that the more cores the better. But in reality, everything is not so simple, and a large number of cores is not a guarantee of high efficiency.

In chipsets with more than two cores, the cores are divided by task type. To simplify, we can say that in a quad-core processor the third and fourth cores have a narrow focus. For example, they are solely responsible for graphics. A buyer who just needs to surf the Internet or chat on Skype simply has no use for the two remaining cores; they will be inactive, which means he overpaid for them in vain.

The second point is the core frequency. The processor can have four cores of 1.5 GHz, which gives a total of 6 GHz, or 2 cores of 3.2 GHz, which equals 6.4 GHz at the output, which means the second option is better. Moreover, in the first option, all the cores will not work together, that is, the final frequency will not even be 6 GHz, but less.

Disadvantages of multi-core chipsets:

• increased energy consumption;
• inactivity of kernels if there are no specialized tasks for them;
• higher cost.

Advice! It is worth buying a processor with a large number of cores if the device is needed for games, working with graphics (designing, drawing, creating animated videos), and programming. If the buyer is pursuing the simplest everyday tasks - the Internet, casual games, online communication, movies, music, working in office applications, then the best choice would be a chipset with two cores, but with a fairly high frequency.

Rating of processors for laptops

To decide which processor to choose for your 2018 computer, you should consider the current CPU ratings. For these purposes, it is best to use the results of independent tests of laptop processors, which were obtained by ordinary users and posted on the Internet. Currently, there are many sites that carry out such research and have a fairly extensive database of such tests. There are, for example, sites like www.cpuboss.com designed to compare different CPU models.

In addition, there are programs, such as PerformanceTest, that determine the characteristics of existing hardware and fill out performance ratings on the corresponding sites. By going to the program’s website, you can display these ratings on the screen and analyze the performance of certain laptops. It is impossible to understand which CPUs will be released in the future, however, such services allow you to analyze already released processors without any problems.

Let's look at the top processors for laptops in each price segment:

Expensive CPUs

This segment contains exclusively Intel products. This is explained, first of all, by the fact that the developers of this company are always chasing performance at the expense of cost. The price of laptops with a CPU in this segment is quite high - up to several thousand US dollars.

• Core i9-8950HK. Eighth generation. Frequency up to 4.8 GHz. 12 streams. Cache 12 MB.
• Core i7-8850H. Also 8th generation, frequency 4.5 GHz, 12 threads, 9 MB cache.
• Core i7-4940MX. 4th generation, 8 threads, ultra-efficient, 4 GHz frequency.
• Xeon E3-1535M. 7th generation, 8 threads, frequency 3.6-4.0, 8 MB cache.
• Core i7-4930MX. 4th generation, 8 threads, ultra-efficient, 3.9 GHz frequency.

Mid-range CPU

This segment contains both Intel and AMD solutions. This is a CPU for mid-range laptops. They have an optimal price/performance combination and are suitable for a wide range of tasks.

1. Core i7-4710HQ. 4th generation, 8 threads, frequency 3.5 GHz, 6 MB cache.
2. Core i5-8250U. 8th generation, 8 threads, frequency 3.4 GHz, 6 MB cache.
3. Ryzen 7 2700U. 8 threads, 10 graphics cores, 3.8 GHz frequency, 6 MB cache, low power consumption.
4. Ryzen 5 2500U. 8 threads, 8 graphics cores, 3.6 GHz frequency, 6 MB cache, low power consumption.
5. Core i7-4712MQ. 4th generation, 8 threads, frequency 3.3 GHz, 6 MB cache.

Cheap CPUs

This is the cheapest price segment, however, it has sufficient performance for office tasks and some design and programming tasks. Thanks to reduced power consumption, it is the most “mobile”.

• Core i3-5010U. 5th generation, 4 threads, frequency 2 GHz, cache 3 MB.
• Core i3-3110M. 3rd generation, 4 threads, frequency 2.4 GHz, 3 MB cache.
• AMD A12-9700P. 4 threads, frequency 3.4 GHz, cache 2 MB.
• Core i3-5005U. 5th generation, 4 threads, frequency 2 GHz, cache 3 MB.
• Core m3-6Y30. 6th generation, 4 threads, 2.2 GHz, 4 MB cache.

Cache memory

What is a cache is an interesting question and not clear to many. To some extent, it may resemble an operational one, but of a much smaller volume. This memory contains the necessary information for the chipset. First, the processor accesses the cache memory; if the necessary data is not there, then it goes to the RAM memory.

The speed of the cache is much higher than that of RAM, which means that the information stored in it is more necessary. The larger the cache, the faster the processor runs. This memory has three levels. The first one is the smallest, but at the same time the fastest. The second has medium volume and medium speed. The third level is the largest and at the same time the slowest.

Important! The processor is better the larger its total cache size. At the same time, a large cache increases the cost of the chipset, and it will heat up more.

In devices for office tasks, the cache is most often 2-3 MB, this is enough for comfortable work, and the device does not get very hot. In gaming systems, its volume can be 8 MB, and it is logical that the cooling here is more serious, as is the final price.

CPU frequency

The last criterion on the list, but far from least important, is the processor frequency. This is the criterion that really affects performance and should be given attention. The principle “the more the better” works here. Processor frequency is a measure of how quickly it completes tasks.

Modern laptops with high-end chipsets have technology that independently regulates the frequency . Intel calls it Turbo Boost, AMD calls it Core Boost. This is done in order to save energy and prevent the device from overheating. The gadget understands the type of task, and if it is not difficult, it performs it at a low frequency, and when it senses the load, it intelligently raises the frequency to complete it faster.

When purchasing, you should consider what indicator is indicated on the price tag. Typically, sellers write the maximum frequency, that is, the one that the laptop is capable of delivering under high load, but its constant performance may be significantly lower. At the same time, the buyer does not plan to load the laptop, which means he will simply never reach that very high frequency.

Advice! It is recommended to look at the clock frequency, base and maximum. To do this, just make a request in any search engine.

Example: two chipsets with a frequency of 2 GHz and 2.3 GHz. At the same time, the first does not have frequency increase technology, while the second has it and produces only 1.7 GHz without loads. The buyer needs a gadget to work in office applications. In this case, you should buy a device with 2 GHz, since otherwise it will not use the maximum 2.3 GHz of the second CPU, but 1.7 GHz, which is basic for it. If the buyer is going to play, then he should choose the second option, since it will use all the power of the laptop, and the processor will produce the very necessary 2.3 GHz.

No. 6 - Intel Core i7 11800H

At the equator of the top is the Intel Core i7 11800H chipset, which can often be found in gaming laptops. The model is new - it appeared on the market in the summer of 2021. It offers 8 Willow Cove cores, which are capable of processing about 16 threads simultaneously. The base operating frequency depends on TDP and is 2.3 GHz at 45 W. The maximum frequency of one core can reach 4.6 GHz, while all cores can simultaneously operate at 4.2 GHz.

The processor comes with integrated UHD Graphics, equipped with 3 computing units, and also boasts support for hardware acceleration of machine learning operations, a built-in Thunderbolt 4 controller and Wi-Fi 6E.

Intel Core i7

Processor lines and their purpose

So, the two main chipset manufacturers are AMD and Intel. How they differ was described above, but when comparing, you need to draw conclusions based on specific chipsets and their performance. You shouldn’t dismiss AMD by default; perhaps the available budget will allow you to buy the optimal solution on AMD, and not on Intel.

Both manufacturers have chipset lines that are updated every year. In this case we are talking about generations. Obviously, the logical choice is to go with a more recent generation, but you should understand that a processor from a higher line, but one generation older, may turn out to be better than one from a lower line, but more recent.

Important! Within a specific line there are divisions, they are indicated by markings. The type of laptop processor (energy efficient, mobile, productive) and the tasks it can handle depends on it.

Intel

Intel processors are divided into the following types:

• Celeron;
• Pentium;
• Intel Atom;
• Intel Core M;
• Core i (i3, i5, i7, i9).

The first two types belong to the class of low-power or aimed at performing everyday tasks. For the most part, these are dual-core chipsets without technology for increasing the clock frequency and multi-threaded operation (Hyper Treading). The latter means that if the CPU has two cores, but has Hyper Treading, then it works like a four-core one.

The Atom series are chipsets designed for tablets and smartphones, but can be found in small laptops 11-14 inches. On average, the performance is similar to the Pentium and Celeron series.

Core M is a relatively new line. Chipsets with average performance but reduced heat generation. Conventionally, they can be classified as an intermediate option - from Pentium to Core i. Suitable for simple office tasks.

Core i is the most productive line. The number after the i increases the power. So, in the i line, the weakest is the i3, the most powerful is the i9. The latest chipsets were announced in 2021; before that, the top solutions were i7.

Each generation of chipsets received its own code name - Kaby Lake, Haswell and others. You shouldn’t bother yourself with these names; just remember that the first digit in the encoding is a generation designation. That is, Core i7-7580H means that the chipset is 7th generation, that is, relatively fresh. There are currently 9 generations.

The second point that you should know and are recommended to remember is labeling. Each chipset has a letter suffix after the numeric code. The decoding of the letter designations is given in the table:

Letter	Meaning
Y	Extremely low power consumption (11.5 W)
U	Low power consumption (15-28 W)
M	Mobile processor with average power and energy consumption (37-57 W)
Q	Quad core processor
H	High graphics performance
X	Top-end solution with high performance, designed for gamers
K	Overclockable processor
HQ	Quad-core processor with enhanced graphics

Conclusion:

• Y is the most autonomous solution for those who need to work for a long time without charging, but at low or medium power, often installed in ultra-thin laptops (ultrabooks);
• U, M, Q – a medium option with good battery life and decent performance, a kind of universal chipset;
• H – emphasis on graphics, suitable for artists, architects and users of similar professions;
• K, HQ – game models;
• X is an extreme gaming option for eSports.

AMD

AMD chipsets also have several generations and lines. Generations are indicated by the first digit in the code. Currently, the newest generation of chipsets is labeled 9.

Below are the AMD processor lines.

1. AMD Ryzen is a new solution with a Vega graphics card. Regardless of the type, discrete graphics cards allow you to play and perform resource-intensive tasks.
2. AMD Athlon Vega – integrated graphics, but the chipset is simpler than Ryzen, designed for everyday tasks and fast response.
3. AMD A is a segment without a built-in video card for a variety of tasks. There is a division within the series.
4. AMD FX – gaming solutions without a built-in video card.
5. AMD Ryzen Pro – best performance (gaming solutions, similar to the core i9 series with the X suffix).
6. AMD Pro A – chipsets for business.
7. AMD E – budget solutions for the simplest tasks.

AMD A series division:

• AMD A12 – high multitasking, emphasis on high-definition streaming video playback and online games;
• AMD A10 – energy efficient, high multitasking, HD content playback offline;
• AMD A9 – good performance with a focus on multimedia tasks;
• AMD A8 – multitasking and entertainment without focusing on games;
• AMD A6, A4 – simple office tasks.

Understanding AMD processors is quite difficult, but in most cases, users are faced with the A, E and FX series. The remaining chipsets, due to their novelty, are not widely used.

Advice! You should not consider the E line, since even basic tasks are problematic for them. Other CPUs behave decently if chosen correctly depending on the tasks.

Energy consumption

Modern chips are designed with low power consumption in mind. Intel and AMD processors even have performance reduction functions, which entails reduced power consumption. When the laptop is not busy with complex tasks, these features reduce the clock speed, which will result in lower power consumption. As a result, the battery will hold its charge a little longer than usual.

So that a fast chip can be “shoved” into a thin ultrabook body, manufacturers produce their energy-saving models. This allows you to assemble a quiet and “cold” system that operates without connecting to the mains for quite a long time.

Of course, the less heat generated, the better, but power consumption is mainly reduced due to reduced performance. And if a manufacturer manages to reduce the amount of heat generated without compromising performance, then this is already a significant breakthrough, and the price of such processors is rising.

The energy-saving processor is an ideal solution for an office laptop, which is designed for reporting and other office tasks. However, for a laptop that needs to process complex graphics data, such a processor is not suitable.