An AMD E1, which can still be found on some laptops, is one of the slowest processors you’ll find on any computer and are typically best avoided, even if your needs only consist of basic office work, email or web browsing. You shouldn’t be short-changed whichever you choose.Īn AMD E2, for example, will perform similarly to an Intel Celeron or Atom processor. The good news is that at the low-end of the market, both companies manage similar performance. Here you’ll find AMD A4, A6, A9 and A10 processors that’ll compete with Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 laptop chips. You’re more likely to find an Intel processor in a laptop than an AMD one, although if you’re shopping around for a machine at around £400 or less, you’ll find plenty of AMD choices.

Intel and AMD are the two main companies that make CPUs for laptops and desktops. Your choice of processor is the most important factor when considering how fast you need your computer to be and how much to spend. The CPU (short for 'central processing unit' and often simply referred to as a 'processor') is the brain behind everything your computer does. Whatever your budget, our lab tests reveal which models are worth your money and which aren't. This guide gives you a brief overview of the three brands, what they do and how they might impact your computer buying choices. These three companies produce the most important chips for the vast majority of laptops.

Intel graphics cards