Do you have a laptop and desktop in your possession?
If you have, its common to wonder whether using a laptop CPU on a desktop is possible.
The fact is quite interesting.
In this article, I will elaborately answer this question.
Therefore, before you attempt to test this theory practically, read this article first.
In the end, you may save both your desktop and laptop processor from getting damaged.
Without ado, lets begin.
Can You Use a Laptop Processor on Your Desktop?
You cant use a laptop CPU in place of a desktop CPU.
One of the main reasons is that manufacturers permanently soldered the laptop CPU on the motherboard.
Though there are some exceptions, you cant count them as yes.
Below I have explained the reasons in detail.
Here are the reasons you cant use a laptop processor instead of a desktop processor:
1.
Laptop CPUs are Non-removal
All modern laptop processors aresoldered to the motherboard.
Manufacturers do that on purpose, and the reason is quite valid.
Mainly we use the laptop for easy portability.
For this, the processor must stay firmly connected to the motherboard socket.
Even a slight bump can eject the processor.
That puts the CPU at risk.
Also, It makes them hard to remove.
Different in Size
To easily understand their size, you might perform a simple test.
Take a laptop CPU and a desktop in your hand and put them side-by-side.
In a moment, you will see that the laptop processor is smaller than the desktop.
If you look closely, the desktop CPU will seem moresquare-shaped.
On the contrary, the laptop processor will appear to be morerectangular-shaped.
Socket Wont Match
Whether a CPU will install on the motherboard depends onits socket.
As long as the socket pin count doesnt match, you wont be able to install a new processor.
For example, the Intel Core i9-12900H laptop processor socket is FCBGA1744.
It means it has 1744 pins, and the bang out is BGA (Ball Grid Array).
And the Intel i9-12900 desktop processor socket is LGA 1700.
It means it has 1700 pins, and the punch in is LGA (Land Grid Array).
Do you know the difference between an LGA and BGA?
If you dont, read our excellent guide to learn about the dissimilarities betweenLGA Vs. BGA.
Whereas a laptop CPU is built for light use.
Because of that, it consumes less power, and the heat generation is minimal.
The TDP rating is also lower.
What will happen then?
As a result, you will not run multiple programs at once.
Even if you give a shot to, the system performance will be slower.
There are lots ofdifferences between laptop CPU and Desktop CPU.
And its impossible to use it in desktop as the structural design and dimension is different.
Are Laptop and Desktop CPUs the Same?
Though the function of both the desktop and laptop CPU is identical, they are not the same.
For example, lets look at the 11th Gen tiger lake laptop and rocket lake processors.
Rocket Lake CPUs have close to 8 cores and 16 threads.
Their maximum clock speed is 5.3 GHz.
But, the Tiger Lake CPUs have up to 4 cores and 8 threads.
The max clock speed is 4.8 GHz.
As for power consumption and heat dissipation, desktop CPUs are also ahead of laptop CPUs in this case.
Laptop CPUs are made to work on battery.
Thats why it uses only a limited amount of power and generates less heat.
They will act the same even if you use your laptops power adapter.
As you might see, they are not similar.
Is a Laptop CPU Better than a Desktop CPU?
In short, no.
A laptop processor is just as good as a desktop processor.
Both have their own advantages.
Desktop processors offer better performance and also give you a customized option.
While on a laptop CPU, those are energy efficient and easy to carry around.
Now lets see the laptop CPU side.
Though having fewer cores and threads they still provide reasonable performance, consuming less power.
Due to this less power usage, they are much more energy efficient and generate less heat.
This makes them the perfect component for any portable machine like a laptop.
As you’re free to see, both have advantages in their own way.
Ultimately, its up to you and your needs which you feel more comfortable using.
Final Thought
Both processors have their personal advantage and unique way of working.
Besides the physical disadvantage of fitting, they cant technically perform well in each others places.
So, you shouldnt take a stab at interchange a desktop CPU with a laptop processor.
You shouldnt also try it the other way.
I hope you get all the answers you need in this article.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
I will be happy to help you out with any suggestions.
