Laptop CPU Ranking
The CPU, or central processing unit, is essentially the main processor in a laptop. It handles general computing tasks and plays an important role in applications such as web browsing, productivity software, programming, content creation, and gaming.
CPU performance becomes particularly important when running applications that depend heavily on the processor, such as video editing, compiling code, working with large spreadsheets, rendering, and multitasking.
The ranking below provides a general guide to laptop CPU performance, moving from entry level processors toward higher performance processors.
Keep in mind that laptop CPU performance can vary depending on the specific processor configuration, power limits, cooling, and laptop design.
Integrated / Entry-Level CPUs 😔
Intel N4120 → Intel N100 → Intel N150 → Ryzen 3 3200U → Ryzen 3 7320U → Ryzen 5 7520U → Intel Core 3 100U → i3 1215U → Ryzen 5 5500U
These processors are generally designed for everyday computing.
They can handle tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, Microsoft Office, schoolwork, email, and other relatively light workloads.
The processors toward the lower end of this category are best suited for basic computing, while stronger models such as the Ryzen 5 5500U provide considerably more capability for multitasking.
Entry to Lower-Mid Range 👉
Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U → Ryzen 7 5825U → Ryzen 5 7530U → i7 1255U → i7 1355U → Ryzen 7 7730U → Ryzen 5 7535HS → Core 7 150U → Ryzen 5 8645HS
This range is where you begin to see processors capable of handling more demanding everyday workloads.
They are suitable for multitasking, office productivity, programming, schoolwork, light content creation, and some gaming when paired with an appropriate GPU.
The processors with an H or HS designation are generally designed for higher performance than many low power U series processors, although the actual performance depends on the laptop.
Mid-Range Performance CPUs ⚙️
i5 1334U → i5 13420H → Core 5 210H → i5 13450HX → Ryzen 7 6800H → i7 13620H → Core 7 240H → Ryzen 7 7840HS → Ryzen 7 8845HS → Ryzen 7 250 → Ryzen 7 260 → Ryzen AI 5 240 → Ryzen AI 7 350
Mid range performance processors are designed for users who need more processing power.
These CPUs can be a good fit for programming, heavier multitasking, photo and video editing, engineering applications, and gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU.
Many processors in this category use higher performance designs that allow them to sustain heavier workloads than basic U series processors.
Upper Mid to High-End CPUs 🚀
Ryzen 9 7940HS → Ryzen 9 8945HS → i9 13900H → i7 14650HX → Core Ultra 5 225U → Core Ultra 5 226V → Core Ultra 7 256V → Core Ultra 7 258V → Core Ultra 9 285H → Core Ultra 7 255HX
These processors are designed for demanding workloads.
They can be found in higher performance laptops used for video editing, programming, engineering, content creation, gaming, and other CPU intensive applications.
However, CPU model numbers should not be compared solely by the number or the “i7” or “Ryzen 9” branding. Newer processor generations can use significantly different architectures, so the specific CPU model matters.
Enthusiast / Flagship CPUs 🤯
i7 12800HX → i9 12900HX → i9 13980HX → Ryzen 9 7945HX → Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 → Ryzen 9 9955HX → Core Ultra 9 275HX → Ryzen AI MAX 390 → Core Ultra 9 HX
Flagship processors are designed for users who need very high CPU performance.
They are commonly found in high performance gaming, workstation, and creator laptops.
These processors are particularly useful for workloads such as video production, 3D rendering, software development, simulations, engineering applications, and heavy multitasking.
What CPU Should You Look For?
For basic browsing, schoolwork, and office applications, an entry level or lower mid range processor can be sufficient.
For heavier multitasking, programming, editing, and demanding productivity, look toward the mid range and higher tiers.
For professional content creation, engineering, rendering, and other sustained workloads, high end and flagship processors can provide substantially more processing capability.
Remember that CPU performance is not determined by the processor name alone. Cooling, power limits, number of cores, architecture, and the specific laptop all affect real world performance.