Question Understanding Laptop CPUs? What would be an upgrade to my current processor?

Jul 31, 2024
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I'm looking into getting a new laptop, and while I'd like something more powerful I really don't need a beast of a computer. I'm totally fine running games on lower graphic settings.
I've seen a lot of laptops in the 4070/4060 H and HX range but all those seem way too powerful for what I am realistically going to use the laptop for (general use like youtube, scrolling etc, art, med/light gaming) but I don't know my way around laptop specs very well, so I was wondering what slight step up in terms of power would be for what I have right now?

I currently have an Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8565U CPU. (MSI ps63 Modern)

What is your budget?: Around $1300 (give or take)
What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?: 15.6/16
What screen resolution do you want?: N/A
Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?:
Portable
How much battery life do you need?:
More is better
Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?: Nothing AAA, Low/Medium settings
What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.):
Graphic Design, General use
How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?:
512gb or 1tb or more
If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.:
Best buy?
How long do you want to keep your laptop?:
Long as possible
What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?:
N/A
Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.:
N/A
What country do you live in?:
USA
Please tell us any additional information if needed.:
Would like a laptop with a glass topped trackpad.
 
Last edited:
med/light gaming
Please elaborate on this.

I was wondering what slight step up in terms of power would be for what I have right now
You could very well buy a mid ranged laptop with concurrent hardware and hold onto said laptop for a long period of time. One thing to note is that a vertical upgrade is a worthwhile prospect than a horizontal upgrade.

Please stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread;
as a follow up.
 
med/light gaming
Please elaborate on this.

I was wondering what slight step up in terms of power would be for what I have right now
You could very well buy a mid ranged laptop with concurrent hardware and hold onto said laptop for a long period of time. One thing to note is that a vertical upgrade is a worthwhile prospect than a horizontal upgrade.

Please stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread;
as a follow up.

Sure, I'll update it with the info
Med/Light gaming as in I'm not playing AAA titles at max settings. Usually indie titles or popular titles that aren't as large. My current laptop has a bit of trouble playing certain games, but it might also be it's age, I'm unsure.

One thing to note is that a vertical upgrade is a worthwhile prospect than a horizontal upgrade.
What do you mean by this?
 
Prior to your edited info, you made it seem like you were looking for a laptop upgrade that was slightly more powerful than what you currently have, which seems like a horizontal upgrade path, meaning you get the similar performance only with concurrent hardware. A vertical upgrade is one where the laptop/hardware is a couple of steps above your current laptop. The latter also means you hold onto the purchase for a longer period of time.

I've narrowed down to these laptops. They should last a couple of years, more like 5 years by my books and you should be able to tax the laptop with your apps.

Graphic Design
There are a multitude of apps out there that cater to graphic design. Mentioning the names of said apps would help but the laptop's in the shortlist can handle pretty much anything like a hot knife through butter.

The problem with indie games is that they often times lack optimization so be prepared to experience hiccups/stutters/glitches.

Would like a laptop with a glass topped trackpad.
I can't help with that dept. I know all laptop track pads come with a plastic surface.
 
Prior to your edited info, you made it seem like you were looking for a laptop upgrade that was slightly more powerful than what you currently have, which seems like a horizontal upgrade path, meaning you get the similar performance only with concurrent hardware. A vertical upgrade is one where the laptop/hardware is a couple of steps above your current laptop. The latter also means you hold onto the purchase for a longer period of time.

I've narrowed down to these laptops. They should last a couple of years, more like 5 years by my books and you should be able to tax the laptop with your apps.

Graphic Design
There are a multitude of apps out there that cater to graphic design. Mentioning the names of said apps would help but the laptop's in the shortlist can handle pretty much anything like a hot knife through butter.

The problem with indie games is that they often times lack optimization so be prepared to experience hiccups/stutters/glitches.

Would like a laptop with a glass topped trackpad.
I can't help with that dept. I know all laptop track pads come with a plastic surface.
Yeah, I'd like one that would be a good upgrade to the one I have now that's correct. Thanks for the suggestions; I was more wondering what CPU to look for when doing my laptop search, rather than laptop suggestions themselves. Like would I want to be looking for one with an H or HX or keep looking at ones with a U processor?

I neglected mentioning names because I can't tell what will set off the filters when replying, sorry about that. I'd be using ClipStudioPaint mostly

I haven't had many issues with indie games, mostly the ones on the larger sized end will be laggy.