THE BEST PROCESSOR: LAPTOP EDITION.

 

Laptop processors are at the heart of every machine, determining how well it performs under different conditions. From gaming and content creation to everyday tasks, the CPU plays a key role. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the best laptop processors available in 2025, starting with the best one and moving on to the others worth considering. Let’s dive in!

The Best Laptop Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX

The Intel Core i9-13980HX is, without a doubt, one of the best processors available in 2025 for high-end laptops. It’s part of Intel’s 13th-generation lineup and offers a robust combination of power, efficiency, and multi-core performance that makes it an excellent choice for demanding tasks.

This 24-core, 32-thread processor delivers exceptional performance in both single-core and multi-core tasks. It boasts a maximum turbo boost of up to 5.6 GHz, ensuring that even the most intensive workloads, such as 4K video rendering, 3D modeling, or heavy gaming, run smoothly. The 14-core performance cores and 10-core efficiency cores make it ideal for multitasking and demanding software. When under load, this CPU can maintain high performance without throttling, thanks to Intel’s advanced thermal management system.

Key Features of the Intel Core i9-13980HX:

  • Core Count: 24 cores (14 performance + 10 efficiency)
  • Threads: 32 threads
  • Base Clock Speed: 2.2 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.6 GHz
  • Power Consumption: 55W (TDP)
  • Manufacturing Process: 10nm process technology

Performance-wise, this chip can handle anything from casual gaming to professional-grade video editing and machine learning tasks. It’s not just for enthusiasts; even professionals in fields like architecture, engineering, and content creation benefit from the added horsepower.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Intel Core i9-13980HX is equipped with Intel’s new architecture that ensures lower power consumption for better battery life, even under load. When paired with a high-end GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 4080 or 4090, this CPU shines in both desktop-level performance and portability.

Laptops that use the Intel Core i9-13980HX:

  • Alienware X17 R2 – Alienware’s flagship gaming laptop, built for high performance and thermals.
  • Razer Blade 18 – A portable gaming powerhouse that balances power with sleek design.
  • MSI GE78 Raider – A premium laptop for content creators and gamers alike, boasting powerful specs.
  • Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 – Tailored for gaming, this laptop takes full advantage of the i9-13980HX’s capabilities.

Other Notable Laptop Processors

1. AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX

AMD has become a serious competitor to Intel with its Ryzen series, and the Ryzen 9 7945HX is one of its most impressive processors. Built on the Zen 4 architecture, this 16-core, 32-thread chip offers great multi-core performance, making it ideal for gamers and professionals alike. It offers a competitive alternative to Intel’s i9, especially in multi-threaded tasks such as video rendering and 3D modeling.

The Ryzen 9 7945HX runs at a base clock of 2.5 GHz and can boost up to 5.4 GHz. While it may not reach the same turbo speeds as Intel’s i9-13980HX, its architecture is highly efficient in terms of both performance and power consumption, making it a great choice for laptops that require long battery life without sacrificing too much performance.

Key Features:

  • Core Count: 16 cores
  • Threads: 32 threads
  • Base Clock Speed: 2.5 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.4 GHz
  • Power Consumption: 55W
  • Manufacturing Process: 5nm process technology

Pros: Exceptional multi-core performance, great for multitasking, efficient power consumption.

Cons: Lower single-core performance compared to Intel’s i9.

Laptops that use the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX:

  • Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 – A well-rounded laptop that excels in gaming and content creation.
  • MSI Titan GT77 – A monster gaming laptop that combines the power of Ryzen with NVIDIA’s high-end GPUs.

2. Apple M2 Pro

Apple’s M2 Pro processor is a game-changer for those within the Apple ecosystem. It’s not a traditional x86 CPU like the Intel and AMD options, but it brings impressive performance to MacBook Pro laptops. Built on ARM architecture, the M2 Pro offers excellent energy efficiency and high performance, especially in single-threaded tasks and integrated graphics.

The M2 Pro features a 12-core CPU with 8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, delivering a balanced workload across a variety of applications. It’s particularly powerful for software development, video editing, and creative applications thanks to its synergy with macOS and Apple’s powerful software suite.

Key Features:

  • Core Count: 12 cores (8 performance + 4 efficiency)
  • Threads: 12 threads
  • Base Clock Speed: N/A (ARM architecture)
  • Boost Clock Speed: Up to 3.7 GHz
  • Power Consumption: Extremely low due to ARM architecture
  • Manufacturing Process: 5nm process technology

Pros: Excellent single-core performance, extremely efficient, great integration with macOS and Apple software.

Cons: Limited to Apple’s ecosystem, not as versatile as Intel or AMD chips in terms of software compatibility.

Laptops that use the Apple M2 Pro:

  • MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch (2025 models) – These laptops excel at everything from coding to video editing.

3. Intel Core i7-13700H

If you want a more affordable, yet still powerful processor, the Intel Core i7-13700H is an excellent choice. It’s the high-performance version of the i7 lineup and has 14 cores (6 performance + 8 efficiency) and 20 threads, which makes it highly capable for gaming and content creation tasks. It has a base clock of 2.4 GHz and can boost up to 5.0 GHz, providing ample performance for most use cases.

Key Features:

  • Core Count: 14 cores (6 performance + 8 efficiency)
  • Threads: 20 threads
  • Base Clock Speed: 2.4 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: Up to 5.0 GHz
  • Power Consumption: 45W
  • Manufacturing Process: 10nm process technology

Pros: Great balance between price and performance, good for multitasking, solid battery life.

Cons: Lower clock speeds compared to the i9, not as powerful as top-tier chips for extremely demanding tasks.

Laptops that use the Intel Core i7-13700H:

  • Asus TUF Dash F15 – A budget-friendly gaming laptop with solid performance.
  • Lenovo Legion 5 Pro – A well-rounded laptop for gaming and professional work.

Conclusion

The Intel Core i9-13980HX remains the best laptop processor in 2025 for its raw performance, multi-core capabilities, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re gaming, creating content, or handling professional workloads, it offers a

Leave a comment

I’m Israel

As a tech blogger, I explore the latest in technology, from gadgets and software to the trends shaping our digital world. My blog is where I break down complex tech topics, review the newest devices, and share insights to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started