The choice of a mobile processor requires certain knowledge, because the performance of the entire laptop will depend on the capabilities of such a small detail. In order to choose the right processor, you need to remember some of its characteristics.
What is a processor
The essence of the processor's work is both in performing a number of logical and arithmetic operations, and in monitoring the entire system. Outwardly, the processor is a rectangular microcircuit and differs in a number of characteristics: clock frequency, bit depth, cache size and core.
Clock frequency
Many people mistakenly consider this indicator to be the main one when choosing a processor. The clock speed shows the number of simple operations performed per second, and is measured in gigahertz. And, if you are not going to carry out complex mathematical calculations, then you should not buy a processor with a frequency higher than 2-4 GHz. A higher clock frequency will cause the processor to overheat and, as a result, noisier operation and a decrease in battery life due to high energy consumption.
Bit depth
This indicator determines the amount of received and processed information per cycle. Today, mainly 64-bit processors are produced, which have come to replace 32-bit ones. They retained the ability to run 32-bit software. But you can install a 64-bit operating system only on a processor equal in bitness.
The benefit of this feature, in fact, is tangible only when performing a large number of tasks, for example, on a server, since it makes it possible to use more than 4 GB of RAM. For a laptop, a 32-bit processor is sufficient.
Cache memory
The cache memory improves the performance of the entire system and affects the speed of computation. It copies the basic instructions from RAM that are used most often, which speeds up potential processor access to them. Distinguish between the cache memory of the first (L1) and second (L2) levels.
Number of Cores
Undoubtedly, the advantage of a four-core processor over a single-core one is undeniable. And not so long ago, manufacturers began to equip laptops with three or four cores. Nowadays, with the advent of new software that requires more power, one core may simply not be enough. N-core processors allow you to perform several resource-intensive tasks at the same time without affecting the performance of your laptop. True, the cost of such a laptop will be much higher than a dual-core one, for example. If modern games and video processing programs are not the main purpose of using a laptop, then a dual-core processor is enough.
Manufacturer's choice
Today Intel is the clear leader. But you shouldn't focus only on these processors. AMD is a worthy competitor in this market.
Both brands have pros and cons. Intel's product is more power-hungry and has higher performance in games and applications than its AMD counterpart. most applications are written specifically for Intel. But, unlike the AMD processor, it does not support multitasking well when it comes to powerful applications - a maximum of two. AMD can handle 3-4 applications.
