Differences Between Desktop & Laptop Processors

What’s the difference between desktop and laptop processors?

The main difference between a desktop processor and a laptop processor is that the latter has less power and thus works slower. But obviously, they carry more mobile features than that of a desktop processor. Let us take for the Intel Core i7-2760QM laptop processor and the Intel Core i7-2600K desktop processor as examples. These two are both quad-core chips. However, the first one has a clock speed of 2.4 GHz as opposed to the second one with 3.4 GHz of core clock. Plus, the former has a 45-watt thermal design power or TDP while the desktop variant is powered by a 95-watt TDP.

What features do laptop processors have that desktop processors don’t?

There are a number of features laptop processors have that desktop processors don’t and one of them is the WiDi or Wireless Display techology. This allows one to transfer photos, videos and other media to view on your television. Laptops are also equipped with an anti-theft feature that allows a user to remotely disable a notebook in case it was stolen.  It also supports 4G WiMAX allowing a user to connect to citywide wireless network. Lastly, laptops possess more aggressive power-saving technologies than desktops.

What can desktop processors do that laptop processors can’t?

One advantage of a desktop processor is that it is able to support higher clock speeds and more discrete cores since they have a higher thermal tolerance. For desktops, 6- and 8-core processors can be used for desktops while the peak for laptops is still quad-core processors. Speaking of clocking, desktop processors are more tolerant when it comes to overclocking. This requires disregarding the rated TDP so it is very important to keep the processor cool always.

Desktop and laptop processors both have integrated graphics, right?

Yes, desktop and laptop processors both have graphics processors. In the past, laptops tend to be bulkier since they have separate graphics chips that need a dedicated cooling system and power. This adds burden to the battery. However, the new wave of ultrabooks or super thin laptops could still be used for light gaming since the graphics are integrated into the processor. For those who love to go on YouTube or Facebook, desktops are ideal since they usually support Quick Sync. This is a program allows the integrated graphics processor to transcode videos. Prepping up videos for Facebook or YouTube will only take a little amount of time.

Can I upgrade my desktop or laptop processor?

Yes, you can upgrade both desktop and laptop processors. However, the latter is more difficult to upgrade. With desktops, you will have no problem upgrading as long as the processor fits into the CPU socket of the mother board and the mother board supports the processor. Actually, the same applies for mobile processors. The only problem you may face with accessing your laptop processor is voiding you of your warranty.



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