Though it may seem that desktop and laptop processors are quite similar, in reality, they are not.
A laptop CPU is significantly different from a desktop CPU.
To understand the difference between them, here, I will point out the main key differences in detail.
So, tag along.
Other than having power and thermal restraints, you cant upgrade or change the CPU on a laptop.
But you’re able to change or upgrade the CPU on the desktop.
To understand the difference, I usedIntelCore i9-12900KandAMD Ryzen 9 5950Xdesktop processor.
And for the laptop processor, I usedIntelCore i9-12900HK,andAMDRyzen 9 6900U.
I will use the specs and benchmark scores of these processors to explain the difference.
Here is the comparison between a desktop CPU and a laptop CPU:
1.
Generally, the desktop CPU cooler has a good deal of cooling power.
Additionally, there is much more space inside the PC case than a laptops cooling system.
The extra space that is in the PC case, allows the cooler more airflow.
Thats why a desktop heat sink can dissipate more heat than a laptop.
Because of that, desktop CPUs have better clock speed and longevity.
On the other hand, space is considered to be a luxury on laptops.
A laptop processor has less space and smaller cooling headroom in comparison to a desktop processor.
Check out our separate post, if you are looking for thebest RAM for your Intel Core i9-12900K processor.
TDP indicates how much a processor can consume power while its at the maximum theoretical load.
Its measured in Watts(W).
The Higher the TDP rating is, the better the CPU performance.
Hence, its TDP rating is high.
Unfortunately, laptops dont have a similar option.
The same goes forRyzen 9 5950XandRyzen 9 6900U.
The desktopRyzen 9 5950Xprocessor has double the amount of cores and threads than the laptops6900Uprocessor.
Moreover, the base and boost clock speed of the Ryzen 5950X is significantly higher than 6900U.
So, you could say, the core and clock speed are higher in desktop processors.
But on a laptop, you cant do that.
Its because almost all the laptop processors are now soldered to the motherboard.
Thats why it is impossible to change or upgrade a processor on a laptop.
For additional information, see the article:Can you upgrade a laptop CPU?
You should also know whether youcan Upgrade the CPU without changing the motherboard.
Thats why laptop CPUs cost more than desktop CPUs.
In summary, you’re able to say, a desktop processor outperforms a laptop processor.
Is a laptop CPU the Same as a desktop CPU?
No, a laptop CPU is not the same as a desktop CPU.
Both the processors sizes are different, and the respective CPUs performances are dissimilar.
For example, the Cinebench R23 score for multi-coreIntel Core i9-12900K&Core i9-12900HKis 27264 & 18078.
The majority of the users like to play high graphics games on the PC.
The desktop CPUs are built in such a way that consumers can play high-resolution games without any discomfort.
On the contrary, laptops are mainly used for portable use & light work purposes.
However, in recent years, some laptop processors likeIntel Core-i9 12950HXhave been going head-to-head with other desktop processors.
on the laptop without having any performance & lagging issues.
Are Laptop CPUs Faster than Desktop CPUs?
No, typically the laptop CPUs are slower than their desktop counterparts.
However, the result can be different if you compare the CPU between different generations.
Both processors have 8 cores and 12 threads in their system.
TheCore i7-10700Khas a 3.8 GHz base clock speed and a 5.1 GHz boost clock speed.
AMDRyzen 9 6900HXhas a 3.3 GHz base clock speed and a 4.9 GHz boost clock speed.
In Ryzen 9 6900HX the Geekbench 5 score for single-core is 1613 and for multi-core is 10544.
It is because the Ryzen 9 6900HX was released in 2022 and the core-i7 10700K was released in 2020.
Due to its latest build quality, the laptop one is faster.
FAQs
How much weaker are laptop CPUs?
The laptop CPUs are not weaker.
It can perform the same kinds of instructions that a desktop CPU does.
However, laptop CPUs can run with less power than desktop CPUs.
One-third or one-fourth of desktop power is enough to run a laptop CPU.
Why does my laptop use 100% CPU?
Can a laptop CPU be used on a desktop?
No, a laptop CPU cant be used on a desktop.
The main reason for this is that a desktop motherboard is quite different from a laptop motherboard.
Final Thought
In several factors, the desktop CPU takes the winning trophy over the laptop CPU.
But when it comes to power efficiency and mobility, laptop CPUs serve really well.
I hope you understand the difference between a laptop CPU and a desktop CPU.
Comment below if you have any queries.
