There are countless factors to weigh when purchasing a laptop. What will you use it for? How quickly do you need it to perform? You've likely heard that SSDs vastly outperform traditional HDDs, but what about the emerging SSD variants?
This comprehensive guide draws from years of hardware testing and benchmarks to help you make an informed decision. Key areas include ports, CPUs, GPUs, storage, and displays. Read on for authoritative insights backed by sources like Intel's official specs and UserBenchmark comparisons.
HDMI: As a reliable standard for connecting to HD monitors or TVs, HDMI remains essential for most users. However, some ultrathin laptops omit this port, so verify before buying.
Mid-range Intel processors begin with i5 and i7 models, while the more affordable i3 provides dual-core performance with hyper-threading for solid multitasking.
The i7 edges out the i5 with larger cache, enhanced hyper-threading, and superior Turbo Boost. That said, clock speeds and other factors can make some i5s outperform certain i7s—always check benchmarks.
The first digit after the generation marker (6, 7, 8, etc.) indicates the processor family—the higher, the newer and generally more efficient. For instance, 7th-gen Kaby Lake chips offer better power efficiency than 6th-gen Skylake, though variations exist within generations.
Suffixes provide key details: 'U' for ultra-low power or 'HQ' for high-performance quad-core with strong graphics. Visit Intel's site for full breakdowns.
AMD's top mobile performer is the Ryzen series. Benchmarks show Ryzen often surpasses equivalent Intel chips in multithreaded tasks, delivering excellent value. Ryzen 7 matches i7-level multi-threading, while Ryzen 5 and 3 align with i5 and i3.
Lower-tier A-series handles budget gaming adequately, but E-series rivals Intel Celeron for basic use only.
For non-gamers, integrated Intel or AMD graphics suffice for everyday tasks (video editors may prefer a mid-range dedicated GPU). Intel chips with Radeon RX Vega offer a nice graphics boost.
Focus on these for dedicated GPUs from AMD and Nvidia.
Nvidia's current laptop GPUs hail from the Pascal-based 10-series: GTX 1080M, 1070M, 1060M, 1050M/Ti. These run cooler and more efficiently than prior Maxwell 900-series equivalents.
Top-tier 1080M and 1070M demand premium prices; weigh if the gains justify the cost over 1060M or 1050M. Opt for 1050 Ti for 4GB VRAM at minimal extra expense.
AMD has integrated desktop-class RX Vega 56 into select gaming laptops but trails Nvidia overall. Upcoming Vega Mobile GPUs should challenge the 10-series.
Current Radeon M400-series are mostly rebranded M300s—mid-range and dated. Choose Nvidia or await AMD's Vega refresh.
SSDs transform performance compared to HDDs or hybrids. Budget users may opt for HDDs for capacity, but intensive tasks demand SSDs despite lower storage.
Seek M.2 NVMe SSDs for peak speeds via PCIe lanes (vs. slower SATA). They're pricier but worth it for experts.
Full HD (1920x1080) is now standard and ideal for multitasking. Avoid lower resolutions except for casual use.
Choose IPS over TN panels for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles—the difference is striking.
Gamers: Prioritize Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync to sync refresh rates with frame rates, eliminating tearing and latency.
This guide equips you to select the right 2018 laptop. CPUs vary widely, so consult UserBenchmark for real-world comparisons and feedback.
