How to choose a processor for a laptop

Before you change the processor on a laptop, it is worth remembering that many models of mobile computers simply do not support such an upgrade. Technically, it is possible to replace the chip, even by soldering, but it’s not a fact that the cooling system will cope with the increased load.

How to choose a processor for a laptop: characteristics that need attention

When choosing a processor for a laptop, consider the following criteria:

1. Socket;

2. Manufacturer (AMD or Intel);

3. Performance (clock frequency, number of cores, number of threads, power consumption);

4. Graphic accelerator (built-in or discrete);

5. Generation and type.

Socket

This parameter is required to consider when it comes to upgrading the laptop. It characterizes the connector standard in which the processor is installed (or the number of contacts on the motherboard to which the chip is soldered).

Sockets of the processor and the motherboard must match. Otherwise, the chip simply will not work.

You can find out the processor socket from the documentation for a laptop or through a special program, such as AIDA64.

Manufacturer (AMD or Intel)

Technically, the processors from both these manufacturers are about the same. However, Intel produces more energy efficient solutions. However, AMD models are cheaper, thanks to which these processors can be found in budget notebooks.

Performance

The performance of the processor is determined by its four parameters:

1. Clock frequency;

2. Number of Cores;

3. The number of computing threads;

4. Power usage.

Clock frequency is a parameter that determines the speed of the processor calculations. The higher it is, the better. With the exception of a few "but."

First, a very powerful single-core processor will “count”, especially in multitasking mode, slower than the average multi-core processor. Secondly, some chip models support Hyperthreading “acceleration” technology, in which only one core works, but very quickly — faster than multi-core configurations. And finally, the higher the processor performance, the more it consumes energy and the more it heats up.

As can be seen from the previous paragraph, the number of cores is important, but not prevailing. It should be taken into account when buying low-end models (Intel Atom, Pentium, Celeron, Core m), since they do not support Hyperthreading and work constantly at the same maximum clock frequency. For more serious configurations like Core i3, i5 or i7, this parameter is not so important.

On some processor models, 2 computational flows per core can be implemented. This is found in modern Intel Core i5 / i7. It also speeds up the operation of the chip, ensuring maximum performance in calculations.

As mentioned earlier, the higher the processor power, the more resources it consumes and the more it heats up. Therefore, for laptops with a weak cooling system, it makes no sense to buy high-performance chips that have a consumption of more than 60 watts.

The presence of a graphics accelerator (video card)

Notebook processors are of two types - with and without a built-in video card. The first option is acceptable if the computer is designed for office use, surfing the web and performing tasks with low resource requirements.

Processors with an integrated video card are inexpensive, provide an acceptable picture quality, but are completely unsuitable for games, graphics editing, 3D modeling, or even viewing video at a resolution higher than Full HD.

To perform all the above tasks, you will need a processor that is not equipped with a video card. For processing graphics in such configurations, a separate chip is used. Discrete video card provides greater performance, better image quality, suitable for games and demanding tasks.

You can also use configurations with an integrated and discrete graphics card. The graphic performance of the system in this case will be determined by the performance of the discrete video card.

Generation and type

Processor manufacturers regularly update their model range, releasing more economical, productive and functional solutions. Therefore, when upgrading, it makes sense to purchase a more “fresh” chip.

So, Intel for laptops is now releasing four chip lines - Haswell, Broadwell, Skylake and Kabu Lake. The first one is most popular because it is well optimized for use in mobile computers. Broadwell is more common on desktop systems. Therefore, with Haswell, it makes sense to switch to Skylake or Kabu Lake.

These series are mainly produced by processors models Intel Core i3, i5 and i7.

Each processor model is complemented by an alphanumeric code that denotes its membership and main characteristics. It looks like this: "Intel Core i7-4600M." And you need to pay attention to the last character in the sequence.

They mean the following:

1. Y - the processor that has the lowest consumption. The power of these chips does not exceed 11.5 W, so they are very weakly heated. But their performance is minimal;

2. U - ultra mobile processors. They are designed for use in hybrid computers, tablets or even smartphones. Their power does not exceed 28 W, the performance is appropriate. They do not “reach out” to the desktop version, but to use a laptop like a “typewriter” they look great;

3. M - mobile processors. Designed for use in laptops, including quite powerful;

4. Q - Quad-core desktop processors. Standard solution for use in system blocks;

5. X - high performance processors. Suitable for use in gaming configurations. For laptops, few are intended because they require a very productive cooling system;

6. H - special configuration processors that are used to edit and play high-performance graphics. Can be used in gaming configurations, but it is better to use for 3D-modeling and similar exercises. For laptops are also a little fit.

The best solution for a laptop, given the inefficient cooling system, are processors of the M or U series.

What else is worth considering

The above characteristics are sufficient for selecting the optimal processor. But if you need maximum performance, you should also pay attention to the compatibility of the chip with the video card and RAM.

To determine how compatible they are, you can use special online calculators.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.