Processor names look complicated, but once you know how to read them, they tell you a lot about the laptop you’re buying.
Reading an Intel processor name
Take the Intel Core i5-8350U as an example:
- i5 is the tier. i3 is entry-level, i5 is mainstream, and i7 and i9 are higher-performance.
- 8 is the generation. Newer generations are generally faster and more efficient.
- 350 is the model number within that generation.
- U is the suffix. U means low power, designed for thin and light laptops with good battery life.
From the 10th generation onwards, the generation number has two digits. For example, the i7-1185G7 is an 11th generation processor, and the i5-1245U is 12th generation.
Common Intel suffixes
- U: low power, best for battery life and everyday work
- P: balanced performance, found in some 12th and 13th generation laptops
- H: high performance, used in workstation and performance laptops
- G4 / G7: on some 10th and 11th generation chips, this indicates the graphics level. G7 has stronger graphics than G4.
Reading an AMD Ryzen processor name
Take the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U:
- Ryzen 5 is the tier, similar to Intel’s i5.
- PRO means it includes extra security and management features for business use.
- 5 (the first digit of 5650) is the series. Higher series are newer.
- U means low power, just like Intel.
Does the generation really matter?
Yes, but not as much as you might think. Generation matters most when it comes to:
- Windows 11 support: officially, Windows 11 requires an Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 series processor or newer.
- Multi-core performance: Intel’s 8th generation was a big jump for thin laptops, moving many U-series chips from two to four cores.
- Graphics and efficiency: newer generations usually have better built-in graphics and battery life.
For everyday use, a recent i5 or Ryzen 5 with 16GB of RAM and an SSD will often feel faster than an older i7 with less memory and a slow drive.
Our advice
Don’t choose a laptop on the processor alone. Look at the full picture: processor, RAM, storage, screen, and condition. If you’re unsure, our Buying Guides and support team can help.
