We often ask this question during the technology-related discussion whether laptop processors are the same as desktop processors or both come with different technology and method of assembling. The answer is that the processor of laptops and desktops are made of different designs and technology.
Can I Leave My Laptop Plugged-In All the Time ?
Desktop Processor vs Laptop Processor Which One Is More Powerful ?
There has been significant improvement made in laptop technology which only used to be good for daily office work and now can run high-end graphics-related applications and games. The performance of laptops has been improved multiple times over the last two decades.
There is no doubt that the rapid advancement in laptop processor technology has been reduced a gap compared to desktop processors, still the limitations in processing power of laptops are going to keep it less powerful.
Let’s discuss the limitations of laptop processor and how it is compared with desktop processor.
Explanation of Processor Technology ( Cores, Clock Speed )
The processor in a laptop or desktop computer is also known as C.P.U and is mainly responsible for processing the data on the user’s request. It has built-in intelligence to apply all logic and recognize different types of data graphics & non-graphic to convert it into meaningful form.
The thing is processors are not only embedded in laptop and PCs, but it is also functioning in other technologies like refrigerator, television, and automobile.
We can learn about how powerful the processor is by understanding these two technical terms, Clock speed, and Cores.
Clock speed is the operating speed of the processor and it is calculated as how many times executed the cycle per second, it is measured in gigahertz GHz.
A processor with multiple Cores means there are multiple independent microprocessors responsible for processing their area of data. Multiple cores divide the processing function with each other and significantly improve the efficiency of the processor.
You must be checking how many cores and clock speed your machine is offering at the time of buying it. The performance of a laptop or desktop computer is very much dependent upon the processor and its multiple cores & clock speed. The buying decision also depends upon the nature of use.
For Instance, multiple cores play a much more important role to support a good gaming experience compared to clock speed.
How Laptop Processor Differ From Desktop Processors ?
Laptop and desktop processors are only similar in terms of performing functions such as running the applications. But, they are quite different in a way how both run these applications and software. Both types of processors processes the data on user request but the level of performance varies.
The one significant factor which makes desktop processors more powerful is its design. Desktop computers come in tower shape and this vertical supported design improves the processor performance.
In comparison, the laptop comes with small size processors to be fit into limited space comparing to tower casing. This is why laptop processors are still behind desktop processors in terms of powerful performance.
The Significant Differences Between Laptop and Desktop Processors
We are going to share with you the information about how both processors have differences with each other.
1. Desktop Processors Comes With Higher Clock Speed
It has been proved after long discussions among the system experts and they concluded the fact that desktop processors offer higher clock speed compared to laptop processors which makes it powerful to run complex programs more easily. The main factor which contributes into more powerful processors for desktops is having an elaborate cooling system.
When the processor is requested for performing heavy-duty tasks like video editing or running games at its max settings, it requires the electricity to pass through the CPU at a higher rate which produces more heat.
The highly efficient cooling system of desktop allows keeping the system cooler and releasing its heat more efficiently comparing even high-end laptops. It is because of the laptop’s design that leaves no space for a big fan to install inside a laptop.
Even laptops and desktops having the same brand and model of the processor will not offer the same performance.
2. Laptop Processors Consume Less Power
Laptops are basically designed to be more power-efficient to enhance the life of the battery. Whereas desktop gets its power directly from the socket and they do not have to conserve the power in the battery. Therefore, desktop processors consume more power and puts pressure on electricity bills.
3. Desktop Processors Offers More Powerful Performance and Comes With Better Cooling System
More cores promise powerful processing ability and meanwhile also require a better cooling system to avoid any overheating issues. The most expensive laptops offer maximum of eight cores, whereas desktop processors are offering up to 32 Cores. Therefore, only desktop computers can achieve maximum processing speed for a long time than the processors placed in laptops, because their cooling system is always better than laptops.
Not everyone can afford a desktop computer because of its high intensity in all areas. They require an advanced cooling system to release the generated heat produced by multiple cores.
During processing the data, the Desktop processor produces more heat than the laptop’s processor. Therefore, all desktop computers must be having an efficient cooling system that keeps releasing the heat to make the processor work efficiently and mostly desktop computers actually offer better ventilation system.
There is the possibility that adding RAM or internal storage in a laptop, but no chance for processor because all the latest processor produces more heat compared to processors designed for old models of laptops. Old laptops are only designed to ventilate the heat produced by old processors.
If a desktop computer has a proper heat ventilation system, which most desktops have, then its processor can easily reach maximum turbo frequency and can retain it for a long time period. Remember, to run processors on maximum clock speed affects the performance of the processor in the long run, this is why desktop processors remain more efficient than laptop processors which are frequently used for achieving maximum clock speed due to efficient cooling systems.
4. Only Desktop Processors Support Over-Clocking For Long Time
Overclocking allows the user to increase the clock speed of the processor from its primary clock speed and enjoy the turbo boost in performance. It helps the user to smoothly running high-end applications without upgrading the system. Mostly laptop processors do not support overclocking but the desktop computer does.
Though, advanced models of laptops support overclocking but the additional power user gets is very limited which is not more than 200 – 300 MHz.
However, Overclocking on desktop computers can get you up to 1 Ghz additional speed which ultimately offers the fastest performance compared to anything.
5. Laptop Processors Are More Expensive
Laptop requires the more sophisticated and minimalistic designed processor to get fit into limited space inside the laptop which makes it more expensive comparing to the desktop processor.
This is why gaming laptops are more expensive even they are offering not as high specifications as gaming desktops. The laptop offers you more convenience and less operating expenses, whereas desktop system makes you to pay high electricity bills.
6. Desktop Processors Are Upgradable
Technology obsoletes in two or three years and then the user requires upgrading the hardware especially the processor to run all the latest versions of applications and games smoothly. The powerful processor is the core demand of all high-end programs used for video and photo editing functions.
The desktop offers upgradability not just in the processor but all other hardware including RAM, Internal Storage, Graphic Card, and others. This is because the desktop comes with a bigger casing which provides more space to add more RAM sticks and if the size of upgraded hardware is big then still can fit into.
7. Socket
Desktop provides a separate socket to place the processor and it is not soldered with the RAM. Therefore, the processor on desktop computers is removable and upgradable which is not the case on laptops. In a laptop, a processor is placed on socked which is soldered with the motherboard and most of the time not removable.
Get a Desktop Computer Design If You Want to Compete in the 21st Century
Do you want to stay on top of the latest technology trends? Get a desktop computer design if you want to compete in the 21st Century. A desktop computer is an excellent choice for those who need a powerful, fast machine that will not be easily broken by clumsy users.
Desktop computer allows the user to keep upgrading the hardware easily and always the smooth working experience on latest version of all high-end programs. It is not easy for a laptop user to buy a new laptop to keep all hardware updated and enjoy powerful processor because technology obsoletes after every two years and we start losing our productivity.
The best thing about desktop computers allows us upgrading the processor which is the most integral component of the system. In the race of laptop processor vs desktop processor, desktop ones are always faster.