What is the best cost-effective CPU for a laptop in 2023?

A solid laptop for professional applications or games is not just about a good graphics card, a quality screen and a beautiful appearance. HE processor In many cases it is left aside, and a wrong decision regarding this component can result in the limitation of the entire system.

Therefore, choosing a competent CPU is an important step to avoid any headaches. However, some models have a cost x benefit It is better than others and it is worth knowing more about these products to have good performance while paying a fair price. Take a look and better understand how to choose from the list below:

How to choose a processor?

The processor is central processing unit of the PCthat is, it is the component responsible for performing all the logical calculations of the machine and works like a big brain for desktop and laptop computers. Therefore, in order for the two parts to work in balance, the CPU performance must be equivalent to the GPU performance.

When choosing a processor, pay attention to the following: number of cores and threads. More cores increase multitasking performance by allowing the processor to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Six cores is a good number for games these daysHowever, if the goal is to last longer, eight cores seem ideal, even though prices increase exponentially.

The ideal processor should also be chosen based on your specific needs. Models like this Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 gives you the best bang for your buck But in most scenarios, Intel Core i7 and Ryzen 7 will handle particularly complex editing, rendering, modeling applications, etc. It delivers more raw performance for

The best cost-effective CPUs for laptops

Intel Core i5-11300H

Intel Core i5-11300H is the most entry-level option on the list. The processor equips a model coveted in the Brazilian market: Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3i. The price of this laptop is around R$ 3,700 and it is the cheapest device with a dedicated graphics card GTX 1650.

But the 11300H has a secret. This CPU has only four cores and eight threads. In this way, the overall performance of the machine is limited to four cores; If we were talking about a six-core model, this would not happen.

In terms of performance, the model can run even demanding games in the 40-frame region at medium quality, but the expectation is that more and more challenges will appear in future versions.

Intel Core i5-11400H

It is the direct sibling of the next model 11300H. 11400H retains all 11th generation Intel technologies, but six cores and 12 threads. This way, the processor can handle heavier titles without much trouble and is also a better option for those who need a premium model for multitasking.

It is very common to find this CPU alongside the RTX 3050, as in the Acer Nitro 5. Prices are around R$ 4,300, which seems like an interesting definition of cost x benefit due to both the card and the processor itself. there must be one high life cycle for years to come.

This is evidenced in the graph above, where there is a significant increase in performance compared to the previous model. It is now possible to run games more stablely at close to 50 frames in High quality. A large part of this is due to the RTX 3050 that balances the system.

Intel Core i5-12500H

Core i5-12500H bets Intel 12th Generation Hybrid Architecture. There are 12 cores in total here, but only four for performance and eight for efficiency. This processor is already Ideal for editors and professional usebecause as the number of core and teeth (16) increases, stability increases.

This CPU equips a version of the Dell G15 sold in the Brazilian market, as well as an RTX 3050. This means that it is a very direct comparison with respect to the 11400H, and in tests it seems that the results in games are approximately noticeable. 10 frames difference. Therefore, this model is a better cost-benefit ratio for those who have to perform other complex activities on the laptop.

AMD Ryzen 5 6600H

Finally adding AMD to the list, the Ryzen 5 6600H (6 cores/12 threads) is available on a select number of devices in Brazil, as is another model of the Dell G15 with RTX 3050 as a dedicated graphics card.

Tests show in practice that there is a technical tie between the 6600H and the 12500H, but the decision must be made in terms of price. The price of Dell G15 with AMD CPU is around R$ 5,100; The Intel version drops to R$ 4,700. This gives a clear advantage to the blue side, being even better positioned than the 11400H.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800H

Finally, Ryzen 7 5800H is the last model on the list and is already part of the list. high performance processor category. There is a model eight cores and 16 threadsin most cases it’s paired with an RTX 3060, like the Lenovo Legion 5i and some newer versions of the Dell G15.

The price of these laptops is over R$ 6,000, excluding larger promotions. This component can run all games smoothly at maximum quality, 60+ frames, with signs that future versions will still be released for many years to come. There’s a slim difference of around 5% when compared to its successor, the Ryzen 7 6800H; Against the Intel Core i7-12700H, the AMD model wins by up to 10%.

Solution

One of the best processors today considering cost x benefit in the long run Intel Core i5-12500H due to its performance and versatility. On the other hand, in terms of raw power, Ryzen 7 5800H is a very good choice. The I5-11400H is also interesting, but only if the budget is reduced and there is a huge price difference compared to the 12500H.