If you want a fast laptop, the first thing you should think about is the processor. How fast is the processor? Can it handle resource-demanding software and run multiple functions?
The speed of your laptop processor determines the ability of your laptop to handle simple to complex tasks. The processor speed is measured using GHz units.
A high GHz means that the laptop can handle demanding software like Autodesk Investor, gaming, and video editing, while a low GHz means that the laptop can only handle light tasks like Word processing and browsing; it can’t handle heavy functions simultaneously.
Read on to learn more about how many GHz is good for a laptop, and everything you need to know about processor speed.
How Many GHz Is Good For a Laptop
A laptop that performs basic tasks like emailing, browsing, and studying can run smoothly on 2.4GHz with a dual-core processor. If you need a laptop to do heavy tasks like 4K streaming, a higher GHz of 3 and above is most appropriate with a quad-core processor.
How Many GHz For a Gaming Laptop?
A gaming laptop needs at least 3GHz and above to handle the resource-demanding functions. A good processor speed should be complemented by a good RAM (16GB or 32GB), 256GB SSD storage and above, and multiple fans or other cooling mechanism to prevent overheating.
What Is the Best Clock Speed For Video Editing?
Video editing is considered a high-demanding laptop task and needs high specs. The best GHz for video editing is 3.0GHz and above. A quad-core processor is reliable for video editing apps and programs.
Processor Core vs GHz
The processor Core and GHz/clock speed are separate features on your laptop. However, they work together to perform a unified function. If your laptop has a single processor Core, it receives instruction from one program and sends it to the clock speed to process the information. After processing, your laptop stores the information in the RAM only for a short while.
Processor Core VS Clock Speed
You might be wondering whether to get a quad-core with a lower GHz as opposed to getting a dual-core with a higher GHz. This decision comes down to what your main laptop tasks will be, and your budget.
A quad-core can receive instructions from multiple programs. If your laptop has a quad-core processor and clock speed of 1.5GHz, it will take more time to process multiple tasks. A quad-core processor is better off matched with high clock speed.
Dual-core processors can process instructions from two programs. This, paired with 2.4GHz or more is a good combination.
While having a quad-core processor with a high GHz of 3 and above is more expensive, this combination can handle any laptop task without lagging. Remember, this is best combined with a good RAM of 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB.
How To Know the Perfect Clock Speed For Your Laptop
Before buying your next laptop, you should consider the tasks you want to perform with the laptop. This will guide you on the laptop specifications to consider.
Here are the recommended clock speeds for different laptop functions:
- Gaming Laptop – 3.0GHz and above
- Daily browsing, emailing, and video streaming- 2.0GHz and above
- Video editing – 3.0GHz or more
If you need to perform high-end professional tasks such as Python programming, or research, 4GHz can handle such intensity. This should be paired with a quad-core processor, preferably 8 cores.
How Many GHz Is Ideal For a College Laptop?
Laptops for college students should be fast enough to handle most school projects, depending on the course they are enrolled in. On average, laptops with 2.4GHz, coupled with a good RAM, storage, and graphics make a good option for regular courses like Biology majors.
However, some college courses may demand more powerful laptop specs. Courses like Computer science, data science, deep learning, network engineering, etc. involve advanced software that requires at least 3.0GHz processor speeds.
If you enjoy gaming, Ableton Djing, music production, video editing, and other tasks, you should consider getting a more powerful laptop that can handle your school projects and your side projects.
FAQs
Does High GHz Make a Laptop Faster?
A high GHz makes a laptop faster. However, if the clock speed is not paired with a good processor and sufficient RAM it might not be as fast as expected.
Is There a Budget Laptop With High GHz?
High GHz comes at a high price. Most budget laptops will normally have medium to low GHz.
Conclusion
The GHz of a laptop or clock speed is a determinant of how reliable a laptop is. It determines how well the laptop can handle resource-hungry applications. For advanced software, consider getting a laptop with 3.0GHz and above.
If you choose a laptop with a high GHz and a quad-core processor, you can throw any task at the laptop without any lagging experiences. If you perform low-level to medium tasks like browsing and word processing, you may not need a laptop with high GHz; at least 2.4GHz and above may be enough for such tasks.