Laptops are so much more than a tool for traveling business professionals or those content to trade performance for portability. Today’s laptops don’t compromise at all, instead giving users versatile, powerful computing that meets a wide variety of lifestyles. One of the reasons today’s laptops can keep up with demands is the increasing capacity of modern processors. One prime example of this is an Intel® Core™ i7 laptop.
Learn about HP’s best laptops with i7 processors and why you should consider it the next time you shop.
What is the Intel Core i7 processor?
Intel Core i7 is a line of processors from Intel, ranging from 2 to 16 cores and offering up to 25MB Intel Smart Cache. Many of them also feature integrated graphics, such as Intel UHD Graphics and Intel Iris® Xe Graphics.
These high-performing processors are ideal for any type of PC, but especially laptops. They allow users to game, edit videos, and run other process-intensive tasks with the same speed and efficiency as a desktop PC – making an i7 laptop powerful enough for most on-the-go work.
The 12th generation of i7 processors (latest version as of August 2022) features hybrid architecture. This includes both performance cores (P-core) and efficient cores (E-core) managed by Intel Thread Director, so you can enjoy speed without overworking your computer.
What can you do with an Intel Core i7 processor?
Instead of asking what you can do with an Intel Core i7 laptop, it may be easier to ask what you can’t do with it. The processor makes many common applications a breeze, such as gaming, video streaming, and hosting web conferences. These processors work best when paired with similarly powerful components, which provides a fully “balanced computer.”
Balanced computers use components best suited for one another so that no one component is limited by another’s capacity. This prevents bottlenecking, which occurs when a processor may not run at full power because of an inferior graphics card, limited amount of RAM, or inadequate fan and cooling system.
With a properly balanced i7 Windows laptop, you can easily perform tasks like editing, animation, graphic design, and online gaming.
5 best laptops with the i7 processor
While there are many products to consider, we’ve narrowed down the best i7 laptops available from HP based on specs, budget, and other factors.
Windows 11 helps power this innovative Intel Core i7 laptop that transforms instantly from a notebook to a tablet to a tent formation for streamlined use in any setting. The HP ENVY x360 also boasts a 15.6-inch diagonal display brimming with important specs like Full High Definition (FHD), IPS, micro-edge WLED-backlit, and a touch screen. It works seamlessly with the included HP Rechargeable MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen, so you can get hands-on with your work.
Send photos and documents between devices with HP QuickDrop, and enjoy the Smart Sense optimization that adjusts system resources to match your usage. The privacy camera shutter key and mute mic button ensure no one else sees your video chats, and the Bang & Olufsen speakers create a powerful listening experience.
This customizable HP i7 processor laptop combines incredible value with standout specs. Get all of the best Windows 11 operating system perks, plus an integrated precision touchpad with multi-touch support to do more with fewer movements.
Choose between Natural Silver or Snowflake White case color, both of which come with a full-size keyboard and brilliant 15.6-inch diagonal screen in HD or FHD. You can also upgrade to a backlit keyboard so you can always keep an eye on your keystrokes.
For a more compact i7 Windows laptop option that still delivers on performance, check out the 13-inch HP ENVY laptop. It has all the goodies, like Windows 11 and a 13.3-inch diagonal FHD display with 178-degree viewing angles. With the 100% sRGB options and flicker-free backlighting, you can edit all of your photos, watch your favorite shows, and video chat without distractions.
The wide-vision HD webcam features a privacy shutter, and the mute mic button keeps conversations under wraps. It looks stunning, too, with a beautiful Natural Silver Aluminum color case.
Ports include 1 Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 headphone/microphone combo, and a micro SD card reader
Battery life of up to 13 hours and supports fast charge of up to 50% in 30 minutes
The touch-optional HP Pavilion laptop offers a bit of everything at a great price point. You get the reliability of Windows 11 and 5 color options to choose from: Natural Silver, Ceramic White, Fog Blue, Forest Teal, and Warm Gold. It also boasts a full-sized keyboard with optional backlighting and color schemes, and high-quality Bang & Olufsen speakers with HP Audio Boost.
There are many features you can upgrade on this Intel i7 Core laptop, including storage, screen resolution, and webcam, to truly make it your own.
Finally, when gaming is top of mind, you can’t go wrong with the HP OMEN laptop, featuring a robust i7 processor and graphics pairing, plus all the gaming extras you want in a competitive rig. It runs on the latest Windows 11 operating system and is full of ports and plugs (including Ethernet, which is essential for competitive online gaming.) The HP QuickDrop function lets you share files with a click between PCs and mobile devices, too, with WiFi 6E to get data sent faster and with fewer packet drops over lower latency channels.
With a 16-inch screen featuring 144 Hz FHD anti-glare capabilities and Eyesafe certification that meets low blue light requirements, you can see the gameplay in more detail while taking it easy on your eyes. Sound is amazing thanks to the Bang & Olufsen speakers, but even if you decide to plug in your favorite pair of headphones, the DTS: X® Ultra Technology gives you a rich audio experience with special tuning for full immersion in your game world.
Finally, the OMEN Gaming Hub helps you optimise performance, customise your lighting experience, and easily manage gaming resources. With the OMEN Tempest Cooling tech, overheating is a thing of the past, as well. These gaming laptops can manage in a way only desktops have done in previous generations.
Ports include: 1 Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 mini DisplayPort, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 headphone/microphone combo, and a micro-SD card reader
Long-life battery that lasts up to 7 hours and 30 minutes and supports fast charge of up to 50% in 30 minutes
Weighs 5 lbs
Why an Intel i7 processor laptop matters
Have you heard these myths about laptops? “They aren’t good enough for gaming.” “They overheat.” “You can’t get the power you need when you want it.”
These are all rumors of the past, because many of today’s laptops are portable powerhouses. Case in point: the Intel Core i7 laptop, a high-performing device that fits various needs, from the home office to eSports competitions.
When you equip your Intel i7 laptop with the right graphics card, RAM, and storage, you may truly be surprised at everything you can do. From playing the latest games to streaming Netflix series to cranking out spreadsheets, you’ll have unprecedented power you can easily take with you everywhere you go.
About the Author
Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author and public speaker. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
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