Which Laptop CPU Should You Buy?

Shopping for an Intel laptop can feel overwhelming with all the different CPU options. Intel’s naming scheme might seem confusing, but I’ve broken it down to make choosing the right laptop simple. Here’s how to cut through the noise and find the perfect machine for your needs.

What Is Intel Core Ultra?

If you’re in the laptop market for the first time in a couple of years, you might be wondering where the Intel Core i-series processors went. Intel doesn’t make these laptop chips anymore since it has rebranded its processors from the Core i-series to Core Ultra.

Intel explained that it made the change to its new naming scheme to distinguish its chips which had a built-in neural processing unit. You could still get laptops with Intel Core i-series processors, especially old models that are still in stock or used computers. They’re also still available for desktop computers, but the company is about to release new desktop processors that will feature the Intel Core Ultra branding as well, marking the end of the Intel Core i-series’ 16-year run.

Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a new laptop, your best bet is to pick an Intel Core Ultra-powered processor. That way, you ensure you’re getting good value from the laptop you’re buying.

The Best Intel CPU for General Use

You don’t have to go all out on performance if you’re looking for a laptop for surfing the net, typing a few documents, and watching movies. Any laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 3 processor should be good enough for your needs if you use it for light leisurely tasks.

If you have a bigger budget, you could go for a laptop model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 chip. But you should also look at other specifications like screen size, RAM, and storage space, instead of just focusing on the processor.

For example, if you like keeping a lot of photos and videos on your computer, you’d likely want a laptop with at least 1TB of storage. Or if you primarily use it for watching movies, then a 15-inch screen should be your priority.

The Best Intel CPU for Students

A laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor should be suitable for most students. It would have enough performance for writing documents, working on spreadsheets, and using most apps that you’d need in school. Furthermore, the Intel Core Ultra 5 offers a great balance between efficiency and computing power, so you don’t have to stay plugged in all the time when working on your laptop.

But aside from looking at the Intel Core Ultra 5 branding, you should also check the model number of the processor on the laptop. This should be the model code that follow the processor brand and variant—for example: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U.

If long battery life is one of your priorities when picking a laptop, look for one that has the U or V suffix after the numbers. That way, you get a processor that prioritizes low-power consumption and efficiency to extend your time away from an outlet.

The Best Intel CPU for Gamers

If you like the benefits of gaming on a laptop and are looking to get a new gaming laptop of your own (or upgrading your current one), then look at Intel Core Ultra 7 processors. These chips offer better performance than the Intel Core Ultra 5, although you’ll likely want to pick a laptop with its discrete graphics cards over one that has an integrated GPU. That way, you can enjoy playing games with higher quality.

Furthermore, if you want to prioritize performance over everything else, you should choose an Intel processor with the H suffix. Alternatively, the Intel Core Ultra 7 chips under the second generation 200V series which launched in September 2024 also offer great performance despite being highly efficient. These processors are mostly found in thin-and-light laptops, though, so you might want to hold off choosing these processors until they become available in a gaming laptop that prioritizes airflow and gaming ergonomics over portability.

The Best Intel CPU for Professionals

If you’re a professional who needs portable high-power computing, then you should get a computer with an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip. This processor grade has the greatest number of cores, making it highly suitable for apps that demand performance, like video rendering tools, compilers, and more.

The Core Ultra 9 is only available in either H or V variants, so you can go for either model if you want the most power. However, you might want to go for the 2nd-generation Intel Core Ultra 9 288V if your budget would allow, as initial reviews show that the Lunar Lake chips (which is Intel’s code name for the 200V-series processors) have promising performance.

Intel Core Ultra Processor Codes Explained

Aside from picking between Intel Core Ultra 3, 5, 7, or 9, you might’ve noticed that we recommended getting a U, H, or V, processor. These letters are found after the three-digit code that shows a processor’s specific model and they denote the performance class of that particular chip.

• U: Ultra-low power processors designed for laptops that prioritize battery life and portability.
• H: High-performance laptop processors designed to maximize computing power.
• V: A new designation launched alongside the Intel Lunar Lake laptop chips denotes “versatile” performance, meaning the chips deliver performance without compromising battery life and portability.

As for the three-digit code, the first digit denotes the generation, while the second digit indicates the tier (the higher the number, the better the performance). Lastly, the third digit shows specific features or power levels, depending on the model line.

Buying a new laptop is exciting, but the variety of options can make it confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the latest hardware. This guide should give you a solid understanding of which Intel Core Ultra processor suits your needs, but it’s just as important to confirm the exact processor model in your potential purchase.

Don’t forget to read reviews of any laptop you’re considering—getting a sense of its strengths and weaknesses beforehand will help you make the most of your investment.