How to choose an AI-enabled CPU for gaming laptops

Posted on October 16, 2025 at 10:42 PM

How to choose an AI-enabled CPU for gaming laptops


To choose an AI-enabled CPU for a gaming laptop in 2025, focus on balancing AI-centric capabilities (like the Neural Processing Unit, or NPU), raw gaming performance, power efficiency, and platform compatibility.[1][2][3]

Key Considerations for AI-Enabled Gaming CPUs

  • Check for an integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) or an “AI Engine,” as this hardware accelerates AI gaming features, improves frame generation, and enhances real-time upscaling without taxing the CPU or GPU.[2][3]
  • Look for high TOPS (trillions of operations per second) in the NPU specs—current top CPUs like AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365/395 and Intel’s Core Ultra 9/7 series feature 40–50 TOPS, meeting or exceeding the Copilot+ PC requirements for Windows AI features.[3][2]
  • For best traditional gaming performance, prioritize CPUs with high core counts and clocks, plus support for PCIe 4.0 or above and DDR5 memory. Intel Ultra 9/7 HX-series and AMD Ryzen AI HX 370/365 are leading chips.[1][2]
  • Evaluate the laptop’s thermal and power profile. More efficient AI chips tend to deliver longer battery life and better sustained performance while gaming unplugged.[3]
  • Confirm compatibility with your favorite games, since some AI-assisted features or optimizations (like AI upscaling, frame interpolation, or Copilot+ features) may vary by GPU vendor or Windows version.[4][2]
  • Consider future-proofing. AI-assisted gaming is evolving rapidly, so a CPU with a current-gen NPU and firmware update support is ideal.

Top Choices & PCMag Advice

CPU Model NPU TOPS Gaming Performance Key Use Case
AMD Ryzen AI 9 395/365 50+ Excellent Advanced AI, long battery[2]
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 47 Excellent High-end gaming, AI tasks[2][3]
Ryzen AI 7 350 50 Strong Balanced AI and gaming[3]
  • PCMag’s step-by-step processor guide for 2025 highlights these models for gaming laptops that offer both leading-edge AI and outstanding framerates in demanding games.[1]
  • For a full breakdown, consult PCMag’s deep dives: “How to Choose the Best Laptop Processor in 2025,” “The Best Gaming Laptops We’ve Tested for 2025,” and “The Best CPUs We’ve Tested for Gaming in 2025”.[5][4][1]

By comparing the NPU specs, power efficiency, and traditional CPU/gaming traits, you can pick a laptop that serves both AI-driven workflows and delivers top-tier gaming performance.

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