mevinyavin's Thread of Random Randomness

[CountValentine]

So someone built a PC with a built in coffee maker...

Since PC's have a cup holder it makes sense.

[mevinyavin]

Laptop processors updated list with basic specs and my opinion on them. All processors were spotted in the wild this week. Ctrl-F to find yours.
Watts - 6W for budget laptops, 15W for basic work, 28W for thin-and-light power users, 35-45W for heavy work, 55W for monsters. Higher wattage usually also comes with more cores. Also, performance will suffer in models that do not have robust cooling, so a monster computer with a 35W processor will outperform a thin-and-light with a 55W processor (if the same core count).
Cores - AMD's cores are all normal, but Intel now includes a mix of P-cores (normal cores) and E-cores (lower-powered cores for background tasks, but also useful for tasks that require many cores - math, video conversion, and the like).
Date - first on the market
PCMark score (all core score/single core score) - average score for the processor when stressed to the utmost. The all-core score is useful for intense tasks, the single core score matters more and tends to be similar in modern processors. For basic office work to be fast, recommend 2 cores with more than 2500 each and a total score of at least 6000.
Scam warning - almost always a waste of money
The word 'better' refers to processors previously mentioned from the same year, not to processors previously on the list.
Almost always, the further down the list, the better you are IF the wattage is the same.

JUNK - the best of these outperformed by an i7 from the 4th generation
Celeron N3350 - 6W, 2 cores, budget processor from 2016 that still shows up in $100 laptops. Scam warning. 1106/800
Celeron N4000 -  6W, 2 cores, budget processor from 2018. Scam warning. 1421/1039
Celeron N4020 - 6W, 2 cores, budget processor from 2020. Scam warning. 1549/1148
Celeron N4500 - 6W, 2 cores, budget processor from 2021. Scam warning. 1972/1374
Celeron 7305 - 5 e-cores, budget processor from 2022. Scam warning. Note the dismal single-thread score. 2378/794
AMD 3020e - 6W, 2 cores, budget processor from 2020. Scam warning. 2451/1414
Celeron N4120 - 6W, 4 cores, better budget processor from 2020. Scam warning. 2476/1088
Pentium Silver N5030 - 6W, 4 cores, better budget processor from 2020. Scam warning. 2609/1259

These should be okay if you want to save money but not if a better processor (below) is the same price, especially because these processor will still come in computers with other compromises. The best of these surpass the 7th gen i7 but do not reach the 8th gen i5 due to the latter's increase in core count.
Pentium Silver N6000 / Celeron 5100 - 6W, 4 cores, better budget processors from 2021. Roughly equivalent to a 6th gen i5 though with less single-core performance. 3060/1412
Athlon Gold 7220U - 15W, 2 cores, budget processor launched Q2 2023 based on a watered-down Zen 2 (2020) chip. Performance akin to a 10th gen i3. 4753/2148
Intel N100/N200 - 6W, 4 core budget processors from Q1 2023. 5202-5555/1935-1960.
Pentium Gold 7505 - 15W, 2 cores, better budget processor from 2021. 5208/2266

Basic office processors - consider for regular office work though no future-proofing, if a processor further down the list doesn't cost less money.
i3-1115G4 - 15W, 2 core basic processor from 2020. Surpasses the 8th gen i7 with half the cores, so obviously a huge gain in single-thread performance. 6110/2648
i5-10310U - 15W, 4 core basic processor from 2020, but older tech than the above i3. Still on the market in older business laptops. 6403/2201
Ryzen 3 7320U AND Ryzen 5 7520U - 15W, 4 core basic processors from Q1 2023 but really a hyper-optimized Zen 2 (2020) chip with DDR5 support. Outperforms 10th gen i7s. Scam warning on the Ryzen 5 - it is still being sold for way more than it is worth, and you will find processors further down this list being sold for less. 9007-9363/2416-2505
Pentium Gold 8505 - 15W, 1 P-core and 4 E-cores, excellent budget processor from 2022. Punches above its weight in certain tasks (the P-core gets a 3301 score!) but should not be considered for more than any processors below. 9377/3301
i5-1140G7 - 15W 4 core, standard processor for business laptops but from 2021. 9484/2620
Ryzen 3 5300U - 15W 4-core basic processor from 2022 (Zen 3). 9699/2351
i5-1135G7 - 15W 4-core standard processor from 2020. 9825/2690
i5-1145G7 - 28W 4-core six-month update to the 1135G7 for businesses. Not worth it IMHO. 9866/2753
i3-N305 - 15W, 8 E-cores, super-budget processor from Q1 2023. The low single-thread score has me hesitant to recommend this one. Scam warning (shouldn't have been marketed as i3 IMHO). 10099/2232
i5-1155G7 AND i7-1165G7 - 28W and 15W resp., old 4 core standard processors, the latter from 2020 and the former from 2021 (probably rebrand). Scam warning - this processor no longer has the advantages that the i7 label implies so don't spend extra because of it. 10212-10282/2915-2822
i7-1195G7 - 28W 4 core, old performance processor from 2021 that did not age well. You often see this in old, high-end MSI laptops which are pretty nice but not worth what they cost. 10838/3031
Ryzen 3 7330U - 15W 4 core from Q1 2023. Excellent performance/battery to price ratio. This is an optimized Zen 3 processor (the 5300U from 2022) with support for DDR5. 10906/3005
i3-1215U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 4 E-cores, from 2022. The 12th gen had trouble with battery life (except in Grams and Galaxy Books) but got great performance. 11045/3336
Core 3 100U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 4 E-cores from Q1 2024. The second optimization of 12th gen processors further refined battery life without losing performance. 11049*/3525* *-low number of samples tested
i5-1230U - 9W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, from 2022. An i5 made to sip power in fanless models. Relatively low single-thread score. 11084/2778

Note that you can find the first of these in $300 laptops so don't consider any above processors at a higher price point.
i3-1315U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 4 E-cores from Q2 2023. First optimization of 12th gen's problems went a long way to improving battery life.
Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U - 15W 6-core from 2020. Scam warning. This is outclassed where you will find it sold - consider that its multi-core score is achieved only because of how many cores it has. 12743/2436
Ryzen 5 5500U - 15W 6-core from 2021. Common in the $300 range where it is still good bang-for-the-buck today, but don't spend more than that. 13064/2442
Ryzen 3 7440U - 28W 4 core from Q4 2023. A rare Zen 4 processor and usually overpriced. 13296/3186
i5-1235U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, 2022. Suffers from battery-life issues (except in Grams and Galaxy Books) but got great performance. 13484/3230
i5-1334U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q2 2023. 12th gen was optimized for battery life without losing performance. 13659/3490
i5-1240U - 29W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, 2022. A wattage-cranked 1235U. Avoid. 13745/3086
i7-1255U AND 1265U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, 2022. Suffers from battery-life issues (except in Grams and Galaxy Books) but got great performance. 13785-13953/3298-3226
Ryzen 5 5625U and PRO 5675U, 15W 6-cores, 2022. Compared to its Intel 12th gen competition, you took a small hit in performance but doubled your battery life. It doesn't fare as well against the more modern 13th gen. 14693-14961/2985-2886
i7-1355U - 15W, 15W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q2 2023. 12th gen was optimized for battery life without losing performance. 15191/3569
i5-1355U - 15W, 15W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q1 2023. Very close to the i7 above. 15427/3534
i5-11400H - 45W, 6 cores, 2021. Not recommended. 15743/3012
Ryzen 7 5700U - 15W, 8 cores, 2021. Great value when under $400.15858/2595
Core Ultra 7 155U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 10 E-cores. The second optimization of 12th gen processors further refined battery life without losing performance. 16206*/3526* *-low number of samples tested. Scam warning - not to be confused with the Core Ultra 7 155H. This is probably too expensive for what you get.
Ryzen 7 PRO 5875U - 15W, 8 core, 2022. 16248/2892
i5-1335U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q2 23. 12th gen was optimized for battery life without losing performance. 16269/3543
Ryzen 5 6600U, PRO 6650U, 7530U and 7535U - 15W/28W resp., 6 cores. 2022-2023. A first and then a second optimization of Zen 3 (2021 - compare to 5625U above). The 75s support DDR5. 16324-16792, 3089-3189.

To be continued

[mevinyavin]

Processors for power users - also decent future proofing

Ryzen 5 5600H - 45W, 6 core from 2021 (Zen 3). The high-wattage Zen 3s gave the best of both worlds at the time, with high sustained speeds when required and excellent battery life when not stressed. 17055/2952
i5-12450H - 45W, 4 P-cores and 4 E-cores, 2022. Oddly, its implementation in Acer Aspires still nets decent battery life for low-power use.
i5-1240P, i7-1260P - 28W, 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores (Note: identical scores for i5 and i7). Found its way into expensive thin and lights with middling results - less battery life than the previous generation though doubling performance (or better). Unless it is a great deal, get 13th gen or Core Ultra with your XPSs, GalaxyBook Pros, MSI Prestige, or LG Grams. 17245-17296/3288-3323
Core 5 120U, Core 7 150U, Core Ultra 5 125U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 8/10 E-cores but nearly identical processors from Q1 2024. The sample count is still low on these but you can consider them not particularly exciting. They'll do the job but are currently overpriced mostly. You are better off saving money if a Zen 3 is cheaper. 17413-17757/3469-3885
Ryzen 5 PRO 7535U - 28W, 6 cores. Zen 3+ (6000 series) refresh with higher wattage from Q1 24. Still very efficient in battery life. 17930/3296
Core Ultra 7 165U - 15W, 2 P-cores and 10 E-cores. Probably also overpriced and expect the score to go down. 18123/3597
Ryzen 5 PRO 7540U - 30W, 6 cores. Q3 2023. Zen 4 debut shows especially in the high single-thread score, and pricing seems to undercut Core 5/7's similar scores by $150. The non-PRO gets better scores. 18192/3560
Ryzen 7 5825U - 15W 8 cores, 2022. Refresh of AMD's best 15W Zen 3 processor. Scores so high because it was often implemented in computers with great cooling, allowing it to run at 3+ GHz for long periods (thus rivaling performance of 45W processors). Unlike Intel, AMD's 15W and 45W processors are identical except for clock speed settings (and cooling implemented). 18388/3059
Ryzen 5 7535HS - 35W 6 core, Q2 23. This is the higher-wattage version of 7535U above (Zen 3+), though in practice it is close to the PRO 7535U. That it matches an 8-core Zen 3 with two less cores is amazing. 18431/3190
Ryzen 7 7730U - 15W 8 core, Q1 23. The 5825U updated (Zen 3 second refresh) with DDR5 support. Stupendous value in $400 laptops. 18787/3073
i5-13420H - 45W, 4 P-cores and 4 E-cores, Q2 2023. Surprisingly efficient but not like Zen 3. 19005/3495
i5-1340P - 28W, 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q1 2023. If you can save money getting a premium laptop with this instead of Core Ultra H, you should be happy for the life of the computer. 19091/3547
Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H - 45W 6 core, Zen 3+, 2022. 19094/3203
Ryzen 5 7540U - 28W 6 cores, Zen 4, Q2 2023. Basically achieves 6650H performance with less power (and that single-thread score due to the newer tech). Also has better integrated graphics. Get it in the HP Pavilion Plus with 16GB RAM for $550 - metal build, battery life, and performance all in one. 19213/3722
Core Ultra 5 135U - 28W, 2 P-cores and 10 E-cores. Q1 2024. Score is an anomaly compared to its own generation. 19351/3501.
i7-1360P - 28W, 4 P cores and 8 E-cores. Q1 2023. More likely to see this in premium laptops but at this price, Core Ultra H is a better buy due to the generation leap in integrated graphics. Still, a good processor. 19465/3600

The next level
Ryzen 7 5800H, 5800HS, Ryzen 9 5900H - 35W (HS) / 45W (H) 8 cores Zen 3, 2021-2. The Ryzen 9 has better integrated graphics. All these are efficient when the processor is not being stressed. Scores are close because it's the same processor. 20171-21086/2977-3049
Ryzen 7 6800U, PRO 6800U - 28W 8 cores Zen 3+, 2022. Notable for a leap in integrated graphics more than processor capability. Also more efficient, somehow - they run at 28W yet match the previous entry. A rare processor spotted almost nowhere (for six months it was just the Swift Edge - a cool computer). 20646-20869/3212-2338
i5-12500H - 45W, 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores, 2022. Power it has, efficiency not so much, but a good deal for use on a desk is fine for those who need all that power. 21232/3483
Ryzen 7 7735U - a refreshed 6800U (see above) with DDR5 support. Q2 2023. 21372/3282
Core Ultra 5 125H - 28W, 4 P cores and 10 E-cores. First Meteor Lake (Q4 2023) hits hard with both power and efficiency, as well as greatly improved graphics (better in the CU7H). 21572/3569
Ryzen 5 7640U - 28W, 6 cores, Zen 4, Q3 2023. Scores probably an anomaly, but can't be worse than the 7540U above. 21592/3542
Ryzen 7 7736U - 28W, 8 cores, Zen 3++, Q1 23. Scores probably an anomaly - only four samples from this but I saw it in two HP laptops. (May be a custom processor. Overpriced IMHO.) 22195/3338
Ryzen 7 6800HS - 35W, 8 cores, high wattage version of 6800U above (2022). Mostly found downclocked in Zenbooks and upclocked in Zephyrus G14s. 22870/3208
Ryzen 5 7640HS - 54W, 6 cores, high wattage version of 7640U (7540U) above. In Zen 4, most processors seem to be running higher wattages, at the cost (based on reviews) of the efficiency that Zen 3 and 3+ had when doing low-powered tasks. 22983/3639
i5-13500H - 45W, 4 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q1 2023. Surprisingly efficient but not like Zen 3. 22976/3542
Ryzen 9 6900HS - 35W 8 core Zen 3+. A better 6800HS. 23705/3297
Core Ultra 5 135H - 28W, 4 P cores and 10 E-cores. First Meteor Lake (Q4 2023) hits hard with both power and efficiency, as well as greatly improved graphics (better in the CU7H). Upclocked 125H. 23765/3501
Ryzen 7 7735H/ 7735HS - 54W, 8 core Zen 3+ refresh (Q1 2023) of 6800H/HS, but far more common than the former. (Cheaper, too!) If you want efficiency, this is a better choice than Zen 4, but Core Ultra H is just as good and more powerful. 24196-24220/3312-3371
Core Ultra 7 155H - 28W, 6 P-cores, 10 E-cores, Q3 2023. This processor seems to have nailed the performance/efficiency/integrated graphics crown for the current generation. Some need more power, or more graphics, or more efficiency, but this is the best balance. Catch sales - it's been as low as $850 already. 24822/3543
Ryzen 9 6900HX - 45W 8 core (Zen 3+ 2022). Basically a super up-clocked 6800H. 24851/3443
Ryzen 7 7840U - 30W, 8 core Zen 4 (Q2 2023). Notable for integrated graphics surpassing the RTX 3050 in most metrics. A poor graphics professional could do worse than be stuck with this. It also surpasses the best Zen 3+ with less wattage. 24949/3594

Arbitrary break 
i5-13450HX - 55W, 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores. Q2 2023. Performance on a budget (these are often in laptops for less than $600). 25453/3578
Ryzen 7 8840U - a 7840U with AI (Q2 2024). 25646/3806
i7-13620H - 45W, 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores. Q1 2023. The 13450HX is probably an upclocked version of this, or a price-drop. But this is in better implementations so scores slightly better. 25815/3703
i7-12700H - 45W, 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, 2022. Gets here on raw power and no efficiency. A bargain price for someone using this at a desk? Grab it. See 13700H below. 26253/3593
Ryzen 5 7645HX - 55W, 6 cores, Zen 4 (Q1 2024). Probably better to get a Ryzen 7 than to settle for this. 26868/3915
i7-13700H - 45W, 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q1 2023. Much more efficient than 12th gen and with more power than the 155H. (Probably cheaper, too.) 27472/3665
Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS - 28W 8 core, Zen 4 (Q2 24) - a 7840HS plus AI. Score probably anomaly. 27510/3771
Core Ultra 7 165H and Core Ultra 9 185H - 28W/45W, 6 P-cores, 10 E-cores, Q4 2023. Rarer but higher clocked than the 155H, probably too much money. 28164-28236/3758-3780
Ryzen 7 7840H/ 7840HS - 54W, 8 core upclocked 7840U (Q3 2023). The integrated graphics also benefit from a higher clock. 28486-29027/3729-3793
i9-13900H - 45W, 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, Q1 2023. Sure, if as cheap as similar processors. 29238/3869
Ryzen 7 8845H/8845HS - 45W 8 core Zen 4+ (Q1 24). The 7840H/HS for a new generation. 29370-30037/3796-3880
Ryzen 9 7940H/7940HS - 54W 8 core Zen 4 (Q2 23). Upclocked 7840H/HS. The latter clears the 4000 single-thread mark. 30512-30710/3911-4028
Ryzen 9 8945H - 45W 8 core Zen 4+ (Q1 24). The 7940H for a new generation. 31671/4017
i5-14500HX - 55W, 6 P cores and 8 E cores, Q2 24. The 14th gen in laptops exists only in 55W form and with insane clock speeds for those who need power at all costs. (This is a 13th gen refresh and does not use the Meteor Lake tech found in Core Ultra H. But neither does Core 3/5/7 or Core Ultra U.) Even this low-core i5 gets insane scores. 32345/3760
Ryzen 7 7745HX - 55W 8 core (Q2 23) upclocked 7740H. 32816/3957

What did you say that you need this for, again?

i7-14650HX - 55W, 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores. Q1 2024. 38873/3871
i7-14700HX - 55W, 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores (!). Q4 2023. 37959/3805
i9-13900HX/ 13950HX - 55W, 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, Q1 2023. 44532-44662/4070-4159
Ryzen 9 7845HX - 55W, 12 cores, Zen 4 (Q1 23). 46085/3991
i9-14900HX - 55W, 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, Q1 2024. 46854/4293
Ryzen 9 7945HX - 55W, 16 cores, Zen 4 (Q1 23). 54938/4069