Here’s the ultimate laptop CPU hierarchy where we rank the different laptop processors in different tiers. Discover the best laptop CPUs here!
Any claim that a laptop computer can match the processing power of a desktop computer is false. The compact graphics processing units (GPUs) and central processing units (CPUs) used in such gadgets simply cannot compete. Yet modern mobile processors are more potent and efficient than their predecessors, bringing them considerably closer to desktop processors than most people realise.
It can’t be simple to keep up with processors, what with how often Intel and AMD release new versions.
That’s why we decided to put together this manual. We want to help you and anyone else who is shopping for a new laptop select the best mobile processor for your needs.
In order to be of most assistance, we have compiled a ranking of laptop CPUs based on their relative effectiveness in terms of both gaming and general work.
S Tier
High-end laptops typically have processors from the S-tier. To get the best possible gaming performance from your laptop, you should look at the S-tier, where the processors are typically paired with a strong discrete GPU.
These S-class chips are compatible with Ultrabooks and are a decent option for casual users who aren’t concerned about high frame rates. Laptops with a focus on daily productivity work; thin, light, and highly speedy. Everyday chores like web browsing, spreadsheets, and code compilation are no match for an ultrabook.
Processors like Intel’s i9-12900HK and AMD’s Ryzen 9 6900HS can be found at the very top of the performance rankings. Laptops costing $1500 and higher typically include these SKUs.
The Intel i9-12900HX is an alternative that provides even more productivity performance. As of right now, you can get this in the Dell Precision 7770 and the HP Omen 17.
The i9 may be the world’s fastest laptop CPU right now, but the Ryzen isn’t far behind. Though, when it comes to computers, it’s not all about raw speed. Power efficiency, which translates to longer battery life, is another factor you, as a consumer, should think about.
The integrated graphics card is another another component to think about. When compared to Intel’s iGPUs, AMD’s RDNA 2 models offer significantly more performance.
Ryzen 6000 processors from AMD are superior to their Intel competitors in this market. It is claimed that the Ryzen 9 6900HS can extend the life of a laptop’s battery by a factor of two when compared to previous generations.
In addition to AMD and Intel’s fastest SKUs, Apple’s M1 Pro and M1 Max also belong in this S-tier because they are extremely power-efficient while yet providing competitive performance. Impressive work, really.
In addition, Apple’s new M2 CPU merits inclusion in this S-tier category due to its remarkable efficiency. In the 2022 MacBook Pro, you’ll find a processor that’s more powerful than numerous 45W Intel and AMD CPUs.
Take into account that it outperforms them despite never reaching a peak power consumption of 24W.
Even while the 2022 MacBook Air also contains an M2 CPU, its performance will be slightly lower than that of the 2019 model due to worse cooling.
Take a look at how the M2 stacks up against the competition in Adobe Premiere Pro:
The M2 not only outperforms competing CPUs but also can play a video continuously for 12 hours on a single charge.
The M1 Ultra would be a wonderful fit, but it’s quite doubtful that Apple will ever put one of them into a MacBook.
The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX tops this chart as the best processor overall due to its powerful performance and remarkable energy efficiency. Although it is slower than the i9-12900HK, we value the longer battery life that this processor provides.
All of AMD’s new Ryzen 6000 series of CPUs are quick and efficient, therefore they all fall under Tier S. Processors: Ryzen 9 6980HS, 6980HX, 6800H, and 6800H Superclocked.
Overall Performance – Gaming, Productivity, And Efficiency
| Model | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cores/Threads | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | 3.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 8/16 | 45W+ |
| 2. | Intel i9-12900HX | 2.5 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 16/24 | 55W |
| 3. | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS | 2.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 8/16 | 35W+ |
| 4. | Intel i9-12900H | 2.5 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 14/20 | 45W+ |
| 5. | AMD Ryzen 9 6980HX | 3.3 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 6. | Intel i9-12900HK | 2.5 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 14/20 | 45W+ |
| 7. | AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS | 3.3 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 8/16 | 35W |
| 8. | Intel i7-12700H | 2.3 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 14/20 | 45W+ |
| 9. | Apple M1 Pro 10-Core | 2.0 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 10/10 | 60W |
| 10. | Apple M1 Max 10-Core | 2.0 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 10/10 | 90W |
| 11. | Apple M2 (MacBook Pro) | 2.0 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 8/8 | 20W |
| 12. | AMD Ryzen 7 6800H | 3.2 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 13. | AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS | 3.2 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
A Tier
The A-tier area of the processor market is where you may find products that are nearly as powerful as those in the S-tier but cost far less.
Some high-end laptops, such as ASUS’ Zephyrus series, come equipped with powerful processors like the Ryzen 9 5900HS, 5900HX, and i9-11900H. These processors can also be available in some more cheap laptops.
With the advent of AMD’s Ryzen 6000 Series, the Ryzen 5 6600H and 6600HS are also worthy of your consideration.
Last-gen CPUs like the 5980HX and 11980HK are still among the best available and find their way into the most expensive laptops. Most frequently in ROG series laptops from ASUS.
The i7-1270P has a lower thermal design power (TDP) than other mobile processors, hence it is typically seen in less expensive notebook computers. You might also have a look at the HP EliteBook 840 G9 or the Lenovo ThinkBook13x Gen 2 or Gen 4+.
To help you decide between the M1 MacBook Pro and the 5900HX ASUS ROG Strix, here’s a 15-minute head-to-head:
Note: All laptop CPU rankings (B-tier, C-tier, D-tier) below are based on the PassMark – CPU Mark – Laptop & Portable CPU performance chart.
| Model | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cores/Threads | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX | 3.3 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 8/16 | 45W+ |
| 2. | Intel Core i9-11980HK | 2.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 8/16 | 45W+ |
| 3. | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | 3.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 8/16 | 45W+ |
| 4. | Intel Core i7-1270P | 2.2 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 12/16 | 28W |
| 5. | Intel Core i9-11950H | 2.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 8/16 | 45W+ |
| 6. | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS | 3.0 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 8/16 | 35W |
| 7. | Intel Core i9-11900H | 2.5 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 8. | AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS | 3.0 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 8/16 | 35W |
| 9. | Intel i7-11800H | 2.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 10. | Intel i7-11850H | 2.5 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 11. | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | 3.2 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 12. | AMD Ryzen 7 6600H | 3.3 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 13. | AMD Ryzen 7 6600HS | 3.3 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 6/12 | 35W |
| 14. | Intel i5-12450H | 1.5 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 8/12 | 45W |
| 15. | AMD Ryzen 9 5900H | 3.1 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 16. | AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS | 2.8 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8/16 | 35W |
B Tier
Ryzen 7 5800U, PRO 5850U, and 4800U processors, and others with lesser thermal design powers, are relegated to the B-tier because of their lower TDPs. Because it only has 8 cores and 12 threads, Apple’s 8-core M1 Pro also belongs here.
Also included in this category are the 8-core CPUs of AMD’s 4th generation. All of the aforementioned CPUs are fast and able to deal with most jobs, but they have been relegated to this tier solely because they are now considered obsolete.
Intel’s i7 and i9 from the 10th generation are also fast enough for the B-tier.
Some great laptop options include the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7, HP ProBook 445 G8, Apple 2021 MacBook Pro, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, ASUS TUF Gaming A17, and many more!
| Model | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cores/Threads | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS | 3.0 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 8/16 | 35W |
| 2. | AMD Ryzen 9 4900H | 3.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 3. | AMD Ryzen 7 4800H | 2.9 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 4. | AMD Ryzen 5 6800U | 2.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 8/16 | 15-28W |
| 4. | AMD Ryzen 7 5800U | 1.9 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8/16 | 15W |
| 5. | AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS | 2.9 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 6. | Apple M1 Pro 8-core | 2.0 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 8/8 | 30W |
| 7. | AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5850U | 1.9 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8/16 | 15W |
| 8. | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H | 3.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 9. | AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4800U | 1.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 8/16 | 15W |
| 10. | Intel i9-10980HK | 2.4 GHz | 5.3 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 11. | Intel i7-10700E | 2.9 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 8/16 | 65W |
| 12. | Intel i7-11600H | 2.4 GHz | 5.3 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 13. | Intel i9-10885H | 2.9 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
C Tier
For instance, the 11th generation Intel i5s are still 6-core, 12-thread CPUs with a TDP of 45W, therefore they are capable of producing very high frames per second (FPS) in games.
The Ryzen 7 5700U, the i7-11700TE, the M1 from Apple, the Ryzen 4700U, and the i5-11400H are our top selections here. The Acer Nitro 5, MacBook Pro, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5, ASUS TUF Gaming, and other gaming laptops have them.
A video showing the Ryzen 7 Pro 4750U’s performance without a dedicated graphics processing unit:
| Model | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cores/Threads | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Intel i5-11500H | 2.9 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 2. | Intel i5-11400H | 2.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 3. | Intel i9-10980HK | 2.9 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 5. | AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | 1.8 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 8/16 | 15W |
| 6. | Intel i7-10700TE | 2.0 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8/16 | 35W |
| 7. | AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U | 1.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 8/16 | 15W |
| 8. | Intel i9-10885H | 2.4 GHz | 5.3 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 9. | AMD Ryzen 5 5600U | 2.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 6/12 | 15W |
| 10. | AMD Ryzen 5 5650U | 2.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 6/12 | 15W |
| 11. | Apple M1 8-Core | 2.0 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 8/8 | 15W |
| 12. | Intel i7-10870H | 2.2 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 8/16 | 45W |
| 13. | Intel i5-11260H | 2.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 14. | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H | 3.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 15. | AMD Ryzen 7 4700U | 2.0 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 8/8 | 15W |
| 16. | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | 2.1 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 6/12 | 15W |
| 17. | AMD Ryzen 5 4600U | 2.1 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 6/12 | 15W |
D Tier
You may find the slowest laptop processors from the last three generations of Intel and AMD in the D-tier category. Despite our lowly status, though, some of these CPUs are more than capable of serving as your everyday drivers.
Having 12 cores and 16 threads, the i7-1260P is a high-performance CPU from the 12th generation. Other options with 6 cores and 12 threads are the i7-10750H, i5-10400H, and i7-10710U.
The remaining CPUs only have 4 cores and 8 threads, which could be insufficient by 2022. That said, your needs will undoubtedly vary based on your intended tasks for the laptop. However, those 4 cores won’t be particularly fast because these are lower TDP CPUs (only 15W or below).
These D-level processors do have one advantage, though, and that is their low cost. These CPUs are also the right size for less expensive notebook computers.
Look into the Dell Inspiron 13 5310, the HP 14″ i3-1125G4, the ASUS X415, and other laptops in the same price range.
Check out this video of the i3-10110U being put through its paces in 20 different games to get a feel for how low-end CPUs function.
| Model | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cores/Threads | TDP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Intel i7-10750H | 2.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 2. | Intel i7-11370H | 3.3 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 4/8 | 35W |
| 3. | AMD Ryzen 3 5325U | 2.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 4/8 | 15W |
| 4. | Intel i7-1260P | 2.1 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 12/16 | 28W |
| 5. | AMD Ryzen 3 5400U | 2.6 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4/8 | 15W |
| 6. | Intel i7-1185G7E | 2.8 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4/8 | 15W |
| 7. | Intel i5-10500H | 2.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 6/12 | 45W |
| 8. | AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | 2.3 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 6/6 | 15W |
| 8. | Intel i7-11300H | 3.1 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4/8 | 35W |
| 9. | Intel i7-1185G7 | 3.0 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 4/8 | 15W |
| 10. | Intel i5-1145G7 | 2.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4/8 | 28W |
| 11. | AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4200GE | 1.7 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 4/8 | 35W |
| 12. | Intel i7-1068NG7 | 2.3 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 4/8 | 28W |
| 13. | AMD Ryzen 3 5300U | 2.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 4/8 | 15W |
| 14. | Intel i7-10710U | 1.1 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 6/12 | 15W |
| 15. | Intel i3-1125G4 | 2.0 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 4/8 | 28W |
| 16. | Intel i5-10200H | 2.4 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 4/8 | 45W |
| 17. | Intel i5-1035G7 | 1.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 4/8 | 15W |
| 18. | Intel i5-1030NG7 | 1.1 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 4/8 | 10W |
| 19. | Intel i3-1005G1 | 1.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 2/4 | 15W |
| 20. | Intel i5-10210Y | 1.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4/8 | 7W |
| 21. | Intel i3-10110Y | 1.1 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 2/4 | 7W |
Final Words On Laptop CPU Hierarchy
Roughly 80 distinct mobile CPUs are catalogued in this laptop CPU hierarchy. We couldn’t possibly have covered every single mobile CPU made by Intel or AMD, but we got pretty darn close. At the very least, the most well-liked options. Please keep in mind that we have only incorporated the most recent three generations of Intel and AMD processors.
Our rankings of laptop central processing units (CPUs) are based on data from a variety of review sites and benchmarking tools, including Hardware Unboxed, PassMark, MKBHD, etc.
