Fastest Processor for a Laptop Computer

Things have changed a lot in the realm of computing, since the introduction of multicore processors. With multiple central processing units (CPUs) working in parallel, today's processors launched by Intel and AMD, are miles ahead of their predecessors in terms of computing speed and multitasking ability. Your search for the fastest processor for a laptop computer ends here.

Manufacturers like Dell let you choose you laptop computer configuration and if you want to have the best one, it's essential that you research which would be the best computer processor for your requirements. Single core processors are a thing of the past now. You can either go for dual or quad core processors.

Choosing Computer Processors

The single most important factor when reviewing computer processors is the 'Clocking Frequency'. More the frequency, higher is the speed of performance and more are the tasks that the chip can accomplish in a single clocking cycle. The second most important factor is the cache size of the processor, which determines how much data can be temporarily stored by the processor. A cache size greater than 3 or 4 MB makes a fast processor. Thirdly, check out the number of cores. More the cores that are working simultaneously, greater is the multitasking potential of the processor. Besides these factors, a high FSB frequency and low power consumption, make for a good laptop processor. Let us take a look at some of the best computer processors for laptop computers, launched by AMD and Intel.

Fastest Intel Processors

Intel offers plenty of choice among its mobile processors, built exclusively for laptop computers. Its hyperthreading and Turbo Boost technology has given Intel an edge over AMD in recent times. Here are the fastest of the whole lot chosen for you.

Processor Name	Clocking Frequency	Price
Intel Core i7-2920XM	2.5 GHz (3.5 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)	$1096.00
Intel Core i7-920XM	2 GHz (3.2 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)	$1054.00
Intel Core i7-2820QM	2.3 GHz (3.4 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)	$568.00
Intel Core i7-2649M	2.30 GHz (3.2 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)	$346.00
Intel Core i5-2540M	2.6 GHz (3.3 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)	$266.00
Intel Core i5-580M	2.66 Ghz (3.33 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)	$266.00

Fastest AMD Processors

AMD offers plenty of choice when it comes to laptop processors. Its Phenom II line is devoted to laptop and desktop processors. While Intel's core i5 and i7 processors have a slight edge over them, these processors make up for it through their low pricing. Here are the best AMD processors for laptop computers.

Processor	Clocking Frequency
AMD Phenom II X940	2.4 GHz
AMD Phenom II X620	3.1 GHz
AMD Phenom II N970	2.2 GHz
AMD Phenom II N660	3.0 GHz
AMD Turion II N550	2.6 GHz

While a six core CPU has already been launched in the recent past, I won't be surprised to find a twelve core chip being launched in the near future. However, all these extra core processors are overkill for the average user. Any dual or quad core processors with around 3 GHz of clocking frequency and about 4 MB of L3 cache is good enough for most programs to run on a laptop computer. Choose the one which eminently suits your overall requirements and budget.