How Do I Compare Different Processors?
Here’s what to consider when comparing processors. These points are ranked from most to least important.
How Do I Know Which Processor Is Better?
Here’s a quick summary of the information you should look for when comparing processors.
What’s the processor’s Geekbench 5 benchmark result? Higher is better.How many cores does the processor have? More is better.How recently was the processor introduced? Newer is better.What production process is the processor built on? Smaller is better.What added features does the processor have? More is better.
If you’re lucky, this will lead to a straightforward answer. However, if you seem to have a tie, our recommendation is simple: buy the device, not the processor. A fast processor is important but won’t be much use if it’s in a laptop missing features you need or a smartphone with a disappointing display.
What to Ignore When Comparing Processors
Not every specification is applicable when comparing processors. Do consider putting the following information aside during your search.
Clock speed: This was the holy grail of processor performance in 2001, but it’s not of much use today. Different processors deliver a significantly different performance at a given clock speed (this is called “per clock performance”). Also, the most demanding modern apps can use multiple cores at once, making core count more important than clock speed. Base clock and maximum “turbo” or “boost” clock: Most modern processors operate not at a single, fixed clock speed but vary in clock speed depending on use. These specifications should be helpful in theory, but real-world results vary too much for this to be a reliable specification. Cache: A large cache can improve a processor’s performance, but only in certain situations, and most modern processors upgrade cache size in tandem with other specifications. Memory (RAM) support: Support for faster RAM can be helpful, but it’s not an accurate gauge of a processor, or device’s, overall performance. Also, with cache, this is usually improved in tandem with other specifications. Maximum operating temperature: This provides little helpful information about a processor’s performance or how efficient the processor will be in real-world use. TDP (Thermal Design Power): TDP guides companies in creating devices that use processors on designing the device’s cooling system, but it’s not useful for consumers.
Where Can I Find Processor Specifications?
Comparing processors can be difficult because each processor is complex and trustworthy information about processors can be difficult to find. Most laptop, tablet, and smartphone reviews will talk about a processor’s core count or benchmark results but will leave out other, more nuanced information. Here’s where you can turn for detailed, accurate information about modern processors.
Intel ARK: Intel’s official specifications will tell you everything you need to know and way, way more. AMD processor specifications: AMD’s official specifications are not as neatly arranged but just as valuable as Intel’s. Qualcomm Snapdragon specifications: Qualcomm publishes specifications of its processors, found in most Android phones, though they’re difficult to navigate. NotebookCheck Mobile Processors list: NotebookCheck is an excellent third-party resource for detailed processor specifications.
