When you’re in the market for a new laptop, the processor, or CPU, is one of the most critical components to consider. You might wonder, “Is an Intel i5 processor in a laptop the same as an i5 in, say, a Microsoft Surface Pro, or a traditional desktop?” The answer is definitively no. They can be significantly different.
To truly understand the distinctions between laptop CPUs, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of model numbers and part numbers, rather than relying on general brand names or series like “i5” or “i7.” Simply knowing a processor is an “8th generation Core i5” is insufficient. What you need is the exact model number, such as “Core i5-8250U,” to make informed comparisons.
The most effective way to start your comparison is to search online for detailed spec sheets that reveal the precise CPU model number of the laptops you’re interested in. Once you have this specific model number, head over to a reputable benchmarking site like cpubenchmark.net. Their “Searchable CPU List” is an invaluable tool. Here, you can compare benchmark figures for your chosen CPU against other known CPUs – perhaps a desktop CPU of the same generation or a more powerful laptop CPU. This direct comparison will give you a clearer picture of performance differences.
In the past, Intel’s CPU offerings for laptops and smaller devices were less diverse. However, the current landscape of processors for desktops, laptops, and converged devices is categorized into distinct product lines. These categories are generally ordered by CPU throughput and overall performance (including integrated GPU performance, if applicable), as detailed below:
Intel’s CPU Series: Performance Tiers for Laptops and Beyond
Understanding Intel’s series designations is key to comparing laptop CPUs effectively. Let’s break down the main categories, from highest performance to lowest:
Skylake-S: Desktop-Grade Power, Sometimes in Laptops
Skylake-S processors are designed for full-size desktops and include integrated graphics processing units (GPUs). They are available in “Performance” and “Mainstream” subcategories, offering a balance between performance and cost. While significantly more affordable than the Enthusiast series, they are still powerful enough for demanding tasks like high-end gaming. They consume less power than the -E series but also have fewer CPU cores. Interestingly, some manufacturers incorporate these desktop-grade processors into larger gaming laptops (17 inches and above) to deliver maximum performance.
Skylake-H: High-Performance Laptop CPUs
The Skylake-H series represents the most powerful Intel CPUs specifically designed for laptops. You’ll typically find these in larger laptops, generally 14-15 inches or bigger. This is because these processors demand more power and consequently require larger batteries to ensure a reasonable battery life. Laptops equipped with Skylake-H processors are geared towards users who need significant processing power for tasks like video editing, content creation, and demanding software applications.
Skylake-U: Ultra-Portable Efficiency
Skylake-U processors are engineered for ultra-lightweight laptops, 2-in-1 devices, and some high-performance Windows 10 tablets (both with and without detachable keyboards). The “U” series prioritizes power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for thinner and lighter designs and longer battery life. While offering a good balance of performance for everyday tasks and productivity, they are less powerful than the -H and -S series. Devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro often utilize U-series processors.
Skylake-Y: Extreme Power Efficiency for Compact Devices
The Skylake-Y series represents the smallest, lowest power consumption CPUs in the Skylake family, while still retaining many of the architectural features of their higher-performance counterparts. These processors are significantly scaled down to fit into extremely compact, battery-powered devices like 7- and 8-inch tablets where space and power are at a premium. Performance is naturally lower than other Skylake series, but the focus is on maximizing battery life and enabling computing in the smallest form factors.
It’s important to note that within each series (S, H, U, Y), there’s a range of processors from budget-friendly (lower clock speeds, fewer cores, less powerful integrated graphics) to high-end (higher clock speeds, more features, more capable graphics). However, processors within the same series generally operate within a similar power consumption bracket.
You can remember the performance hierarchy using the acronym ESHUY (or SHUY if you exclude the -E series which was not yet released during the Skylake generation’s initial launch). This mnemonic represents the series in descending order of performance, size, and power requirements.
Quantitative Comparison: Skylake-U vs. Skylake-H in Detail
To illustrate the real-world differences, let’s revisit the example of the Surface Pro. As mentioned, it typically uses “U” series processors. Let’s compare a specific Skylake-U processor, the Intel Core i7-6650U, with a Skylake-H processor, the Intel Core i7-6770HQ. Both are “Skylake i7 CPUs designed for laptops” on the surface, but their performance profiles are quite different.
You can find detailed specifications for the i7-6650U here and for the i7-6770HQ here. Let’s examine a comparison table based on key features and benchmark data:
| Feature | i7-6650U | i7-6770HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Cache | 4 MB | 6 MB |
| TDP | 15 W | 45 W |
| Max RAM | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| GPU | Intel Iris 540 | Intel Iris Pro 580 |
| Passmark Score | 4918 | ~8000+ |
| GPU Score | 1446 | ~2100-2200 (estimated) |
(Note: The i7-6770HQ benchmark data is estimated based on similar processors like the i7-6700HQ as direct benchmarks may not be available for the exact model. Similarly, the Iris Pro 580 GPU score is an estimate as benchmark data may have been limited at the time of the original article.)
As you can see from the table, the i7-6770HQ (Skylake-H) significantly outperforms the i7-6650U (Skylake-U) in terms of core count, TDP, and benchmark scores. The “HQ” processor, with its higher TDP and core count, delivers considerably greater processing power, while the “U” processor prioritizes power efficiency. This illustrates why a Surface Pro with a “U” series CPU will be less powerful but offer better battery life compared to a larger laptop with an “H” or “S” series CPU.
Intel Atom: A Different Breed
It’s also important to mention the Intel Atom series. Atom processors utilize a distinct microarchitecture compared to Intel’s “main” CPU lineup. While newer Atom processors incorporate design elements from architectures like Skylake and Broadwell, they remain a separate product family with different design priorities.
Think of Intel’s mainline CPUs as generally aiming for a middle ground in the power/performance/cost equation. High-end CPUs lean towards performance, while budget CPUs (Pentium, Celeron, i3) lean towards cost-effectiveness.
Atom processors, on the other hand, are fundamentally cost-optimized. They are designed for devices where overall unit cost is a major constraint, such as low-cost tablets, smartphones, or embedded systems like car infotainment systems.
Atom processors are also not produced at the same scale as Intel’s main CPU lines, making direct performance comparisons difficult. However, the defining characteristics of Atom are value, extremely low power consumption, excellent power efficiency (good performance per watt), and system-on-chip (SoC) integration, combining various components onto a single chip.
If you encounter a smartphone or small tablet with an Intel CPU, it’s almost certainly an Atom processor, not a Skylake or similar mainline CPU. A notable exception is the Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing). Despite its tiny size, which might suggest an Atom processor, NUCs actually use “-U” series processors like Skylake-U. Since the NUC is designed to be plugged into a wall outlet, power consumption is less of a concern, allowing for a more powerful “U” series CPU with adequate cooling.
Batteries and Cooling: Driving CPU Choices
Ultimately, the decision of which CPU series to use in a device often boils down to battery life and thermal management (cooling), along with cost considerations. Current battery technology still presents limitations in terms of energy density and voltage output. If battery technology were significantly more advanced, Intel could potentially integrate higher-performance CPU series into even smaller form factors. While cooling technology has made strides, dissipating heat from high-performance processors in compact devices remains a challenge.
In conclusion, when comparing laptop CPUs, remember that generic names like “Core i5” or “Core i7” are just starting points. To make meaningful comparisons, always identify the specific CPU model number and understand the Intel series (S, H, U, Y) it belongs to. This will give you a much clearer picture of the processor’s intended performance level, power consumption, and typical applications in the laptop market.
