Updated at: 22-03-2023 - By: Leo Hall

Processors designed for use in mobile devices are different from those used in desktop computers. The similarities and distinctions between these two kinds of processors are discussed in detail here. Laptop computers use mobile CPUs, while desktop computers and devices like servers use desktop CPUs.

Most mobile CPUs are more compact, consume less power, and produce less heat than their desktop counterparts. This is because mobile devices do not require as powerful or efficient a cooling system as desktop computers do, as a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) means less heat is generated.

A laptop won’t function without a working cooling system, so be sure to keep that in mind when deciding on a CPU.

Even compared to desktop CPUs, mobile CPUs typically don’t generate enough heat to warrant an aftermarket cooler being installed. Whatever the case may be, don’t hesitate to get in touch with support if your device starts overheating.

In spite of their larger form factor, desktop CPUs typically provide superior performance per watt and per dollar. In addition, desktop CPUs are more modifiable, which is why they are preferred to mobile CPUs.

They provide more overclocking and cooling choices, but they need a sizable work surface to be properly installed.

If you need to upgrade your computer but don’t have room for a bulky tower, a mobile CPU can do the job just as well. For this upgrade to go off without a hitch, ensure that the motherboard is a Micro-ATX form factor and fits into the case.

Most laptops and other mobile devices today use mobile CPUs because they are not only more efficient, but also much cheaper than desktop CPUs. With this option, people can get the power they require without having to spend all their money at once.

If you need more power or just have extra room in your tower case, a desktop processor is a great option for an upgrade. Before installing additional components like CPU coolers, check to see if there is enough room on the motherboard to do so.

Similarity and Difference

How Are Mobile CPUs Different Than Desktop CPUs?

Mobile CPUs are built right into the motherboard or processor package, but desktop CPUs require their own dedicated enclosure. Mobile chipsets have fewer pins and operate at a lower voltage than desktop chipsets.

Mobile CPU vs Desktop CPU - What Is The Difference? [Simple Guide] - YouTube

This is due to the fact that many elements are typically located in close proximity to the CPU, increasing the risk of interference. Devices of this type can therefore save energy without sacrificing performance.

Both the clock speed and the production process for mobile CPUs are lower than those of desktop CPUs. In contrast, desktop central processing units (CPUs) run on higher-voltage operating systems and may have more pins for connectivity or overclocking than mobile chipsets.

This is because they can operate at higher speeds without being negatively affected by interference from neighboring components. As a result of these factors, desktop processors may need water cooling in some situations.

Power consumption, heat dissipation capabilities, RAM capabilities, overall size/weight, etc. are all areas where mobile and desktop CPUs diverge significantly. The data presented here should help you settle on the type of processor that best suits your needs.

Using a mobile CPU instead of a desktop one has the major drawback of being underpowered for some of the tasks you need it to perform.

How Are Mobile Chipsets Similar to Desktop CPUs?

There are benefits to using mobile chipsets as well. Due to the simplified production process, they are more reasonably priced. A laptop or tablet benefits from not needing an electrical outlet because of the size and weight difference between them and a standard wall outlet. This is a fantastic addition for travelers or people who are constantly on the move.

There are a number of issues specific to mobile chipsets. They don’t pack as much of a punch, so you won’t be able to run power-hungry software on them. When compared to desktop CPUs, there is also a significant gap in internal memory and storage, necessitating the use of peripherals like SD cards and hard drives to supplement the limited internal resources.

As a result, portable computers have more flexibility than desktop computers because they can be used anywhere there is an internet connection, including at home, in the office, at school, etc.

There is no discernible difference between the two types of processors in terms of how quickly they can carry out instructions. A mobile CPU-equipped laptop is just as fast for common office and internet tasks.

What Are The Advantages And The Disadvantages

Using A Desktop CPU Over A Mobile One?

The higher voltage levels found in desktop CPUs allow for more power, allowing them to outperform any mobile processor. This is because desktop central processing units (CPUs) are typically more potent than mobile CPUs, and have a higher performance threshold.

One clear benefit is that a user’s home PC can connect to the internet wirelessly from any location within range, eliminating the need to tether the device. A further advantage is increased safety, as information cannot be stolen without physical access.

Mobile central processing units (CPUs) have a number of benefits, one being that they use less power and generate less heat than their desktop counterparts. They have a low power consumption, so you can use them for a longer period of time without plugging them in or recharging them.

These processors can be purchased for as little as $150 on some websites, which is a huge savings compared to desktop processors. The inability to stay connected when away from your home or place of business due to a lack of WiFi would be the biggest drawback.

Mobile central processing units (CPUs) may not be as powerful as their desktop counterparts, but they will suffice for light to moderate tasks (such as accessing the internet, sending and receiving emails, and writing documents).

Laptops and tablets use mobile central processing units (CPUs), while desktops and other devices (such as servers) use desktop processors. The most noticeable benefit of using a desktop processor instead of a mobile one is the significantly increased performance afforded by the higher voltage levels and thus greater power they provide.

Due to their speed and durability, they are ideal for use in high-end gaming systems. Another perk is increased safety because it is much harder for an intruder to steal information from your computer unless they are physically close by.

When compared to desktop models, which can cost as much as $500 or more, portable computers are a more cost-effective option for many people. Their lower power consumption and longer battery life are the main reasons for this.

Using A Desktop CPU Over A Mobile One?

If you only need a computer occasionally or are on a tight budget, a desktop CPU may not be worth the extra money it would cost you.

Due to their bulkier nature and inability to be folded up as easily as laptops, desktop computers can be a bit more cumbersome to store. Given that they necessitate some free floor space, which isn’t always available in tight quarters like dorm rooms or studio apartments, they may not be a good fit.

When connected to another device via HDMI cable, they require an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to function properly. Buying all three at once can be more expensive than buying them separately.

Why Do Desktop CPUs Take Up More Space?

The central processing units (CPUs) in desktop computers are typically not as compact as those in laptops or other devices, so they require more physical space. When connected to another device via HDMI cable, they can only display on an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse; buying all three at once can be expensive.

Due to their bulkier nature compared to laptops, desktop computers may not be suited for use in cramped quarters like dorm rooms or studio apartments. Therefore, those who need a computer only occasionally or who are on a tighter financial budget should consider alternatives to desktop PCs.

How Do Desktop CPUs Differ From Mobile CPUs When It Comes To Price?

Desktop central processing units (CPUs) are typically much more expensive than mobile CPUs; therefore, those who only need a computer occasionally or are on a tight budget may not find it worthwhile to make the investment.

Costs can escalate for desktops if you’re planning on buying the monitor, keyboard, and mouse as a set rather than separately due to the larger size and additional accessories needed for proper functionality. Even if you buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse from the same manufacturer as your CPU, there’s no promise that they’ll work with your desktop PC. Consequently, additional costs may be incurred if these do not conform to your specifications.

Mobile central processing units are more cost-effective than desktop CPUs and don’t need any special peripherals to function properly within their host devices. With this simplicity, you never have to worry about your CPU not working properly because it isn’t paired with the monitor and keyboard you need.

Both desktop and portable computers have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should ultimately be made by the user based on his or her specific needs and the available space.

Best Mobile Processors: Top 10 High Performing Smartphones

1. Apple’s a13 Bionic Chip

Apple’s own A13 Bionic Chip integrates a CPU and GPU designed specifically for use in their devices. The acceleration of machine learning is introduced along with the Neural Engine. TSMC’s second-generation 7-nanometer process allows for smaller, more densely packed transistors that consume less power, and Apple is one of the first companies to use it.

Increasing the clock speed has no effect on the amount of power required, so it is both powerful and efficient.

The A13 Bionic Chip in the iPhone XS and XS Max is the same as the A11 in the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, and the A12 in the iPhone XR. In its introduction, Apple called the A12 the “smartest, most powerful chip ever in a smartphone,” thanks to its six processing cores and four graphics processing units. A11 has the same number of processor cores as A12, and like A12, these cores are optimized for different apps and tasks to improve battery life.

With these improvements, Apple has once again raised the bar for smartphone SoCs. But some Android devices still outperform Apple’s in terms of visual performance.

Mobile CPU VS Desktop CPU | The Actual Difference - ETechnoG

iPhone 11 Pro (Apple a11 Bionic Chip)

The iPhone 11 Pro is impressive not just because it has the most powerful processor available right now, but also because it has not one, but three ultra-wide and dynamic lenses that can capture photography-grade photos even in low light. It has a battery life of 10.5 hours and can be charged in a flash. It’s a little bulkier and heavier than most iPhones, but the design makes up for it. Look into Apple’s new iPhone 11 Pro right now!
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and get to use a phone that responds quickly.

Specifications:

  • RAM: 4GB
  • Holding capacity of 64/256/512GB
  • Energy capacity: 3046 mAh
  • Screen Size: 5.85-Inch OLED

iPhone 8 (Apple a11 Bionic Chip)

The price of the iPhone 8 has dropped now that newer models of Apple’s flagship smartphone have been released. Because it is still a part of iOS 13, you can rest assured that you can enjoy iPhone capabilities at a significantly reduced cost. Look into Apple’s iPhone 8 right now.
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and relish the benefits of a sprightly mobile device.

Specifications:

  • RAM: 2GB
  • 64/256GB Storage
  • Batteries with 1821 milliampere hours
  • Screen Size: 4.7 Inches

iPhone XR (Apple a12 Bionic Chip)

The iPhone XR, released in September 2018, is notable for its lack of a physical home button in favor of a swipe-based navigation system. It offers an attractive compromise between high-quality performance and low cost. Get more familiar with the iPhone XR right now!
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Specifications:

  • RAM: 3GB
  • 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
  • A 2942 mAh battery
  • LCD Screen Size: 6.1 Inches

2. Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G

Huawei’s most recent top-tier processor is the HiSilicon Kirin 990. With over a billion transistors packed into such a small chipset, it is the world’s first flagship 5G SoC powered by 7nm EUV2. The maximum download speed of 5G is 2.3 Gbps, and the average speed is 1.25 Gbps. The Kirin Gaming 2.0 was developed with high-definition visuals and lightning-fast responsiveness in mind. It also features blazingly fast memory storage for transferring files behind the scenes.

Huawei Mate 30 (HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G)

The front and back of the Huawei Mate 30 are both made of glass, while the device’s frame is made of metal. Being the first device to feature Kirin 990, the Huawei offers a lot of advantages. If you’re a regular user of Google’s services and Play Store, you’ll be disappointed to learn that they’re not included in this gadget. You should look into getting a Huawei Mate 30 right now.
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as well as take advantage of Huawei’s top features.

Specifications:

  • memory sizes of 6GB and 8GB
  • 128GB of space
  • 4200 mAh battery capacity
  • In-display size: 6.62 inches

Huawei P30 Pro (HiSilicon Kirin 980)

The camera on the Huawei P30 Pro is touted as having 3 times the optical zoom of its predecessors. Additionally appealing is its battery optimization strategy. Learn more about the Huawei P30 Pro right now.

Mobile CPU VS Desktop CPU | The Actual Difference - ETechnoG

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Specifications:

  • memory sizes of 6GB and 8GB
  • 128GB, 256GB, 512GB of storage
  • Power source: 4200 mAh
  • Screen Size: 6.47 Inches

3. Samsung’s Exynos 990

Samsung’s Exynos 990 flagship processor is among the best mobile processors with an AI processing capability. In particular when coupled with sophisticated imaging capabilities, it generates expert-level photographs that have been cleverly optimized. However, the ARM Mali G77 MP11 GPU ensures a smooth gaming experience with no stuttering.

Samsung Galaxy S10 (Exynos 9820)

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is perfect for the power user who also enjoys taking selfies thanks to its long-lasting battery, wireless charging, and triple-lens camera. Take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 .
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Specifications:

  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • With capacities of 128/512GB and 1TB, respectively, storage needs are easily met.
  • Energy capacity: 4100 mAh
  • Screen Size: 6.8 Inches

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (Exynos 9825)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 debuted on August 23, with a larger display and an optional S pen for a slightly higher price. Although, due to its fragile nature, you should exercise caution and refrain from dropping this expensive gadget. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is described below.
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Specifications:

  • RAM: 12GB
  • Space: 256/512GB
  • The battery capacity is 4300 mAh.
  • Screen Size: 6.8 Inches

4. Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G

The Snapdragon 865 5G, with its quad-core CPU and turbocharged GPU, has high expectations. Gigapixel-speed photography and desktop-class gaming are just two examples of what you could add. In addition to its Spectra 480 ISP, it also has the ability to produce high-end videos. It has an in-house Kryo 585 processor, which results in outstanding performance and long battery life.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Phones

  • ROG Phone 3 by Asus
  • Phone: Samsung Galaxy S11 Plus

Smartphones with the Snapdragon 865 processor are expected to include these two. The expected release date for the Samsung Galaxy S11 (or S20, depending on who you ask) is March 6, 2020. However, on March 12, 2020, ASUS is slated to release the ROG Phone 3.

Asus ROG Phone 2 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus)

The Asus ROG Phone 2, with its high-performance RAM, massive storage, and long-lasting battery capacity of up to 6000 mAh, lays claim to the title of best gaming device. If you don’t have this much juice in your battery, you won’t be able to play games without interruptions. If not, you should think about getting one of these solar-powered phone chargers. The maximum speed of the ROG Phone 2 is 2.96 GHz. Although those are all great qualities, the gaming phone’s side-charging design and front-facing speakers set it apart from the competition. If you’re looking for a new phone, the ASUS ROG Phone 2 is worth a look.
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Specifications:

  • Memory: 8GB/ 12GB
  • Numbers: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
  • Power supply: 6000 mAH
  • Visualization Size: 6.59 Inches

Nubia Red Magic 3s (Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus)

The Nubia Red Magic 3s, with its large 5000 mAh battery, is another premium gaming phone worth considering. The OLED display has a rapid refresh rate of 90 Hz. If you’re interested in the Nubia Red Magic 3s, you can view them here.
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Specifications:

  • RAM: 8GB/ 12GB
  • Having 128/256GB of storage space is convenient.
  • A 5000 mAh battery
  • Screen Size: 6.65 Inches

OnePlus 7 Pro (Qualcomm Snapdragon 855)

As expected, the OnePlus 7 Pro is a formidable competitor to the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series. Cool features include a rear-facing camera, fingerprint reader, and pop-up camera. Look for it now on Amazon.
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Specifications:

  • Random Access Memory Sizes (6GB, 8GB, and 12GB)
  • One Hundred Twenty Eight/Two Hundred Fifty Six Gigabytes of Storage
  • A 4000 mAh battery
  • Dimensions of the screen: 6.67 inches

5. MediaTek Dimensity

The MediaTek Dimensity is an advanced smartphone with cutting-edge hardware, network capabilities, and gaming features, including an octa-core processor. The high-end 5G chipset it uses allows for lightning-fast connections and full utilization of the 5G network.

Helio G90 Series

Check out the Helio G90 Series, which offers cutting-edge capabilities like an octa-core processor at a more reasonable price.

Choosing the Best Mobile Processor

You can narrow down your search for the best mobile processors by brand and series.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon is among the most powerful chipsets available. The fact that high-performing companies like Samsung, LG, and Motorola use it means that it consistently ranks among the best in benchmark tests.

In comparison to Snapdragon chips, which power phones like Vivo and Huawei, MediaTek Series is a strong alternative. It produces high-end processors at a reasonable price.

Flagship processors are only found in those devices that use them. For instance, Apple produces its A-series of processors, which range from the Apple A4 to the Apple A13 Bionic Chip, as well as other high-end models.

Top 5 Best CPUs

Best Value CPU: Intel Core i5-12400

Although AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600 and 3600 have been the best value all-around desktop CPUs for years, Intel has recently been able to easily outperform its archrival in this market. The Core i5-10400, from the previous generation, can be purchased for $155 at the moment, while the Core i5-11400, from the current generation, costs $185.

The Core i5-12400, based on the Alder Lake microarchitecture, is also excellent, and it can be purchased for $220 or the 12400F, which lacks integrated graphics, for $180. The availability of B660 motherboards is currently limited; however, we anticipate that some really great boards will become available for around $160. These are unrivaled if your budget for a central processing unit is less than $200.

As well, there is a plethora of high-quality LGA1200 motherboards available at affordable prices. While the Gigabyte Z590 UD AC retails for $180, the MSI B560M Pro-VDH WiFi retails for $120 and is a fantastic value board if you care about price. You can get a formidable two-processor setup for less than the cost of a 5600X if you add a 10400 or 11400 to it. The Core i5-10600KF is available for $210, and the Core i5-11600KF can be purchased for $230 if overclocking is something you’re interested in trying out. Past that, we’re getting up towards $300, which is where you’ll find the most expensive gaming CPUs.

In conclusion, the i5-12400F has quickly become our preferred budget CPU, and we look forward to the arrival of some great value B660 motherboards.

Best High-End Gaming CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF

If you want the most bang for your buck, look elsewhere; we’re more concerned with finding the best high-end gaming CPU without breaking the bank. Socket TR4 processors are not supported, so the Core i9-12900K and Ryzen 9 5950X are out. However, there are a plethora of CPUs to pick from, and Intel dominates the market.

The Core i7-10700F, at $285, or the 11700F, at $310, are both excellent bargains that will give you plenty of wiggle room in games for years to come. As the 10900KF costs $440, it is about 55% more expensive than the Core i7 equivalent for 25% more cores that you won’t need for gaming (though the extra L3 cache can be useful right now).

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 7 5800X, and, for the most demanding tasks, the Ryzen 9 5900X, all offer excellent performance. Unfortunately for them, Intel’s competing products are either more cost-effective or offer comparable performance, posing a serious challenge to AMD.

The Ryzen 7 5800X, for instance, is an excellent central processing unit (CPU) that costs only $400. The only drawback is that the Core i7-12700KF is a much better CPU overall in our opinion, often providing vastly superior productivity performance, marginally better gaming performance, and requiring no more effort to deal with in terms of cooling for the same price.

Simply put, the Core i7 is currently the undisputed king of high-end gaming, be it the 10700, 11700, or 12700.

Best Extreme Desktop CPU: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

If you need more processing power than 16 cores can provide, a third-generation Threadripper CPU is worth the price of a new car. Since AMD has not yet announced the Threadripper 5000 series, you are stuck with the mighty but limited Zen 2 processors like the 64-core 3990X, 32-core 3970X, and 24-core 3960X.

The Threadripper 3960X is the cheapest option, coming in at a whopping $1,650 for a whopping 24 Zen 2 cores in a single package. You can get the 32-core 3970X for $2,400, and if that sounds like about half as many cores as you’ll actually need, I’d like to introduce you to the 64-core, 128-thread 3990X for $4,970.

Briefly, until the next generation of desktop CPUs is released, a Threadripper is unquestionably the best option for the most demanding applications.

Mobile Phone vs Desktop Processors! - YouTube

Best Value for Productivity: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

The best mainstream desktop processors are Core i9 and Ryzen 9 tiers, respectively, for productivity and core-heavy workloads. There are two top-tier AMD processors, the 5900X and 5950X, that cost $500 and $700, respectively. Intel’s Core i9-12900K costs $620 and is the best processor in its price range.

The Ryzen 9 5900X is an excellent choice if you tend to err on the side of economy. Price-wise, it’s not too far off from the 12900K, though it is $90 more than the 12700K and competes with the i7 in terms of productivity. A good Z690 motherboard can cost up to $200, while a good B550 like the MSI B550M Pro-VDH WiFi can be had for only $120.

If you already have a good motherboard, the price difference between the 5900X and 12700K is negligible; therefore, you have a tough decision to make, but there is no clearly wrong answer. If I had to pick one, it would be Intel because their Z690 motherboard is superior to the B550 in terms of features and cost.

Assuming you want a solid motherboard when spending well over $500 on your CPU, the costs are roughly the same whether you go with the Ryzen 9 5950X ($700) or the Core i9 12900K ($620). To dominate in most of our productivity tests, the Core i9-12900K would need DDR5 memory, which is currently unavailable.

We believe the 5950X is the superior option in that case. The Ryzen 9 is superior because it requires much less effort to cool and produces significantly less wasteful heat.

Best Entry-Level CPU: Intel Core i3-10100

Before Zen 3’s release in November 2020, entry-level CPUs were AMD’s primary source of revenue. Since then, the Ryzen 5 5600G (at $290) and the 5600X (at $300) have been the cheapest CPUs available, both of which are underwhelming despite using the Zen 3 architecture. The odd first-, second-, or third-generation Ryzen processor can still be found at a discount, but it’s not worth the money.

Intel’s Core i3-10100F costs only $90, while the regular i3-10100 costs $125. Compare that to what AMD has to offer, and you’ll see just how much better this is. However, you can purchase a Core i7-10700F, a desktop CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads, for the same price as a 5600G.

Comparing the 10100F, a single-core CPU with a 2MB L3 cache, to the Athlon 3000G, a dual-core CPU with a 4MB L3 cache, is embarrassing for AMD.

Conclusion

Mobile central processing units (CPUs), as opposed to their desktop counterparts, are optimized for use in portable devices such as laptops and tablets. Although mobile chipsets and desktop processors share some similarities, the latter are far more powerful due to their size and power requirements.

Desktop processors are preferable to mobile chipsets of the same performance level if you want a CPU that will perform well at home as opposed to when you’re on the go.

Finding the best central processing unit (CPU) requires extensive study, what with there being so many alternatives. To verify that the CPU delivers the promised performance, we consult third-party benchmarks; this ensures that we receive an unbiased evaluation of the CPU’s efficiency, rather than one that is skewed in favor of the manufacturer’s marketing claims.

If we know the performance level and budget we can afford, we can start to narrow down our search for the best product based on factors like power consumption, overclocking capability, physical size, etc.

Those specs are what we use to narrow down the pool of possible CPUs for our motherboard or custom PC build. Consequently, this is a time-consuming and multi-step procedure, but we guarantee that you will receive a high-quality CPU in exchange for your investment.

This is based solely on the information at hand; breakthroughs in either area are possible in the near future. We will, of course, keep an eye out for any new information and report back to you.

If you’re in the market for a new central processing unit (CPU), we hope this buying guide has been informative.