6 HX-series Intel Core i7 and i9 processor chips that make them a good stuffing for gaming laptops

1. Hybrid architecture

For modern games, the abundance and quality of cores is a kind of fetish. The Intel HX series processors have two more cores than the previous series of H and HK mobile processors – as many as 16. Half of them are productive, the remaining eight are energy efficient. The first ones are just responsible for the high-quality performance of difficult tasks: launching games with complex graphics, rendering, streaming, video editing. The latter are needed for simpler things, like working with documents or watching YouTube videos.

This architecture helps the computer to save energy even during a serious load – it will not heat up like a frying pan and the battery will last longer. Plus, the Intel HX series processors support up to 24 threads – this is the name of the dedicated areas inside the cores, which are able to function as independent computing centers. Their abundance significantly increases the number of parallel operations and speeds up the computer, in particular, the processing of demanding games. The HX-series processors are the first in the Intel Core mobile processor lineup to boast such performance. Previously, only desktop versions had such an architecture, for example, from the KS and F series.

2. Cool graphics support

The built-in graphics system in the processor is enough to simultaneously work with four monitors – this expands the possibilities for gaming and streaming. Probably, for this you will need to get adapters: you cannot find so many suitable connectors in laptops. But still, connecting an additional display to view comments from viewers of the broadcast or games on the big screen will be real. By the way, HX processors support image output with a resolution of up to 8K. With current versions of OpenGL and DirectX, they, like the older series, cope.

3. Maximum clock frequency – up to 5 GHz

The clock speed reflects the number of operations that the processor can perform per unit of time. This is an important indicator for both downloading games and for gaming itself. A higher frequency helps the processor process graphics faster and read signals from the mouse, keyboard or joystick – do not hesitate when every second counts.

In normal operation, the HX-series processors support a clock speed of 2.3 GHz. This is enough for undemanding games, but it will be modern with powerful graphics not enoughA: They require 3.5-4 GHz. For online games, it’s generally better to have 5 GHz so that the hardware can handle the constant stream of new information from the network. Especially for such cases, the HX series processors have a Turbo mode. With it, the Core i7 versions are capable of overclocking up to 4.70-4.80 GHz, and the Core i9 – up to 5 GHz. But this is not a new feature: similar acceleration was available in previous series of Intel mobile processors.

Another point: in order for the processor to work comfortably at the limit of its capabilities, another laptop filling is also important, in particular, a high-quality cooling system. If the fans and heat pipes can’t cope with heat removal, the processor will not be able to maintain the frequency at the maximum for a long time.

4. Large L3 cache

Cache is a fast memory from which the processor can get previously processed information without wasting time again looking for it in RAM or storage. This helps increase productivity.

The cache has three levels; the last one, L3, is the most voluminous. Its size is just more reflected in games: L1 and L2 caches are usually enough to run programs and surf the web. For comfortable gaming and running demanding games, 16-20 MB of L3 cache is enough, but in Intel Core i7 HX processors it is 25 MB, and in i9 – as much as 30 MB. Intel Smart Cache technology allows all cores to access L3 at the same time, which gives an additional performance boost. However, the cache size is not always renders noticeable impact on the game and is significant only in combination with the performance architecture and clock speed.

5. Support DDR5 RAM

Memory of the latest generation. She has several enhanced qualities. First, the high data transfer rate – Intel HX processors support DDR5 with a stream of up to 4800 megatransfers per second. Secondly, the increase in memory channels: in DDR4 there was one, in DDR5 there were two of them. More channels allows get information faster and increase efficiency. However, for game performance, these upgrades, according to tests, influenced slightly.

But DDR5 has another useful feature – operation from an integrated power supply system (PMIC). The previous generation was controlled by the motherboard. PMIC, on the other hand, optimizes power consumption and starts at a lower voltage.

6. Smart technology

There are many of them in the HX series processors, but most were present in previous models of mobile processors. For example, Smart Sound is responsible for high-quality sound transmission and voice processing without compromising performance and battery life. This is especially important for streaming and team games.

Hyper‑Threading enables per-core multi-threading, while Speed ​​Shift enables fast speed switching depending on the complexity of the task. It will not load web pages while working at maximum – this is useful for energy efficiency. Thermal control technologies keep the filling safe even during the hottest battles. And Intel Adaptix helps to tweak the system settings so that the laptop gives out maximum performance and graphics characteristics.