“Generally speaking, any of today’s Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors can do well with basic, daily tasks like web browsing and email,” Asedillo says.
This is particularly important to understand heading into fall, with Microsoft just a few weeks from officially releasing Windows 11, the biggest update to Windows since 2015, and PC manufacturers no doubt primed to get you to part with your hard-earned money in exchange for a shiny new laptop in time for the holidays. In other words, just because a processor is more powerful than another doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right fit for your needs. If, for example, you rarely leave the confines of Amazon, Facebook, and Netflix, you’re likely fine with a mid-tier Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, which will provide all of the necessary umph to keep your web browser running smoothly.Ī higher-end Core i7 or Ryzen 7 is preferable if you love to play video games or edit high-res video, while a lower-end Core i3 or Ryzen 3 should suffice if you rarely do anything more advanced than pay bills online or edit the occasional spreadsheet.
The differences generally show up only “when the laptop has to perform complex calculations,” according to Antonette Asedillo, who oversees computer testing for Consumer Reports.
Don’t assume that a pricier, high-end Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 is much “better” than an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 simply because it has more raw power. But the proliferation of AMD’s well-received processors shouldn’t change your thinking on how much processor you actually need.