If you’re running low on processing power, maybe it’s time to upgrade your i3 or i5 laptop to a Core i7 one instead.
As compared to an i3 or i5, Core i7 processors have more cores, due to which they can handle and execute different programs much more easily. You can multitask without worrying about your computer getting slow or stuck.
While Core i7 laptops are great and all, the problem can arise when it comes to actually finding them. But don’t worry. In this post, we’ll cover some of the basics of i7 laptops, and then we’ll list some that you can buy in 2024.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best Intel Core i7 laptops in 2024!
What Are Core-i7 Laptops?
Before we discuss the top seven Core i7 laptops you can buy in 2024, let’s take a look at what they actually are.
Core i7 is the second-fastest variant of the intel processors, coming in second to only the more recently released Core i9. Core i7 processors are capable of running a maximum of 12 threads and can have up to six cores.
Compared to the less powerful versions, the number of cores/threads supported by i7 processors is a significant upgrade, i.e., in contrast to the i3’s two cores/six threads and the i5’s four cores/eight threads.
The speed and performance you can get from an i7 laptop depend largely on the Generation to which it belongs. The latest Generation to be released by Intel was the 13th (Raptor Lake) generation.
Should I Buy A Core i7 Laptop?
It mainly depends on what you plan on using the laptop for. If you’re a casual user who wants to buy a laptop for occasionally checking email and using the internet every now and then, it’s neither worth it nor advisable for you to buy an i7. A Core i3 will be just fine.
But, if you are looking to put the laptop to some heavy professional use and if you have to run some processor-heavy software on a regular basis, then buying a Core i7 is not only recommended but necessary.
Are Core i7 Laptops Fast?
Yep, they are. With a Core i7, you will be able to smoothly run heavy and multiple programs at once without worrying about the machine freezing or slowing down.
Top 7 Intel Core i7 Laptops in 2024
Now that we’re done with the groundwork, let’s move on to look at some of the best core i7 laptops you can buy in 2024.
1. HP Pavilion 15 (2021) – Best Overall
Performance, utility, affordability, and looks…the HP Pavilion 15 gathers all the awesome features you can need in one place. From the elegant silver chassis to the large SSD storage, there’s little that this laptop leaves to be desired.
The HP Pavilion 15 comes with an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 512 gigs of SSD storage, and a whopping 16 gigabytes of RAM.
With this combination of specs, the Pavilion 15 can be excellent for normal office purposes or even rigorous professional use. You can run processor-heavy software and multitask all you want without worrying about the laptop getting slow or stuck.
Apart from the raw performance that you can get with the Pavilion 15, the other nice-to-haves make it all the more worth it. The laptop comes with a 15.6-inch screen size – which is neither too small (like the 14-inch machines) nor too big.
It has a full-size keyword with the num-pad included. As far as the slots and ports go, they’re diverse and numerous enough to meet basic usage needs without trouble.
Newer devices have a growing penchant for removing the much-needed 3.5mm headphone jack and even the HDMI slot (in some cases). But, with the HP Pavilion 15, you get both of these, along with a USB-C and two USB-A ports.
The Pavilion 15 boasts an 8-hour battery life with the HP fast charge bringing the level from 0% to 50% in just 45 minutes.
Why Is The Hp Pavilion 15 Great For Professional Use?
The HP Pavilion 15 is well-suited for professional use thanks to the impressive combination of memory, storage, and processing specs.
Equipped with a 512GB SSD, you can expect this to load and run your programs quickly and not give you trouble about running out of space. Added to the excellent storage are the memory and processor.
16 gigs of RAM are more than enough for most users. You can do some heavy multitasking without worrying about the laptop giving you a slow time.
Another great feature that makes the Pavilion 15 excellent for professional use is its portability. With the 15.6-inch display size, this laptop won’t be too cumbersome to carry around in a laptop bag. Plus, with the 8-hour battery time, you’ll also have to worry less about stopping and giving it a recharge.
Also read: Best RTX 3070 Graphics Cards
2. Acer Aspire Vero (i7 Version) – Runner Up
The Acer Aspire Vero can be a good option if you are looking to enjoy the performance of i7 processors, the snazzy gimmicks of Windows 11, and the quick, snappy feel of SSD storage, all on a budget. Considering the specs that you can get with the Aspire Vero, the ~$700 price tag is quite fair.
With the i7 bundle of the Aspire Vero, you get to enjoy an 11th Generation i7 processor, 16GBs of RAM, 512GBs of SSD storage, and a particularly ‘green’ chassis construction.
The ‘green’ construction that we’re referring to is basically the utilization of PCR materials for manufacturing. The keycaps and the chassis are made using post-consumer recycled materials.
The Aspire Vero also comes with a backlit keyboard and a useful combination of slots and ports at the side. There is a total of 3 USB Type-A slots as well as an HDMI and Type-C port.
Like the HP Pavilion 15, the Aspire Vero also comes with a full-sized keyboard and a 15.6-inch display size. Thanks to the easily removable back, the Vero is a customizable laptop that you can upgrade as per your need and requirement whenever you want.
3. Dell Latitude 5000 – Premium Pick
If you have a good amount of dough to spend on your laptop, the Dell Latitude 5000 is a good choice that you can go for. It comes with a range of impressive features as well as an elegant design, albeit with a heavy price tag.
With the Dell Latitude 5000, you can enjoy 256GB SSD storage along with 16GB of RAM. As compared to the other two products mentioned in numbers 1 and 2, the storage and memory of the Dell Latitude 5000 are somewhat less (i.e., 256GB instead of 512GB).
However, the price tag comes in at around $1,400, which is almost twice the amount you’d need to spend on the HP Pavilion 15 and the Aspire Vero.
But, the price is justified considering that, unlike the Vero and Pavilion 15, the Latitude 5000 comes with a 12th Generation processor instead of an 11th Gen.
The Latitude 5000 also comes with a useful assortment of ports and slots. Along with the USB and HDMI slots (and the headphone jack), the pleasantly-surprising addition is the micro-SD card reader at the side.
4. HP Elitebook 840 G8
If you are looking to buy a compact laptop for better portability, the HP Elitebook 840 G8 is an excellent product you can go for.
Like the others discussed on this list, the Elitebook 840 G8 also comes with an 11th Generation Core i7 processor coupled with 16GBs of RAM and 512GB SSD storage. However, the distinguishing feature of this device is the smaller size and the absence of a full-size keyboard.
Thanks to the compact profile, the Elitebook 840 G8 can be a great device for people who have to travel a lot and work on the go. Although the keyboard does not have the integrated num-pad, it does come with the ‘Page Up,’ ‘Delete,’ and ‘Home’ keys arranged neatly at the side.
Compared to the others discussed on this list, the Elitebook 840 G8 has a 14-inch display but with the same HD resolution, i.e., 1920 x 1080. The device also comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, which is another factor that makes it great for professional use.
5. ASUS Vivobook 15
The ASUS Vivobook 15 is yet another great laptop that provides good value for less money. It has a 12th Generation Core i7 processor, 8GBs of RAM, and 512GB-SSD storage.
Unlike some of the other products that we’ve listed here, the Vivobook 15 does fall short with regard to the in-built memory. But, considering the 12th Gen. processor and the other nifty nice-to-haves it provides, the ~$700 price tag (at the time of writing) is quite fair.
The Vivobook 15 features a sleek aesthetic design and has a display size of 15.6 inches. It comes with a full-sized keyboard and an in-built fingerprint scanner that you can use for quick sign-ins.
This laptop pays a lot of attention to the typing experience that it gives to the user. It is for this reason that we see the recessed key profiles, a 1.4mm key travel distance, and the backlighting behind the keyboard.
Another feature you can enjoy with the Vivobook 15 (and not with the others we’ve mentioned so far) is the privacy shield over the webcam. If you want to keep out the prying eyes from using your webcam to spy on you, you can just slide the cover over the cam. That way, even if someone does manage to access your webcam (which we hope doesn’t happen), they won’t be able to see anything.
Considering this laptop’s typing ease and excellent performance specs, it is an ideal product for professionals and business executives. It looks good, runs well, and feels good to type on.
6. Lenovo Ideapad 3 (2022)
Small and compact laptops are great, and all, but nothing beats the viewing experience of a generous 17.3-inch screen. If you want a laptop with a large display, excellent specs, and an outstanding design, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a good choice.
The Ideapad 3 is available in a whole lot of different versions and variants. The simplest variant that you can buy is the 12GB + 256GB SSD and the most high-end version is the 32GB + 1TB SSD.
The Lenovo Ideapad 3 i7 processor is an 11th Generation model, which can give users enough power to run multiple programs (and even some heavy ones) without worrying about the device getting slowed down.
The brushed metallic body and the gray, widely-spaced keycaps are excellent features that is universal and characteristic to almost every Ideapad model (that you can also enjoy with this particular machine). The smooth and sleek aesthetic chassis of the Ideapad 3 can be a deal-maker for a lot of buyers.
7. Dell Inspiron 15 (2022)
We’ve discussed a handful of different laptops in our list, but we haven’t touched on any device with touch-screen support. Having a touch-screen can be a necessity for some and a fun gimmick for others.
The Dell Inspiron 15 comes with an 11th Generation Core i7 processor and is available in various memory + storage variants. You can start off with the 16GB + 512GB SSD or go all the way to the 64GB + 2TB SSD version. Even with the most basic version, you get a hefty set of performance specs.
With the Dell Inspiron 15, you get the signature ‘Inspiron’ lid style, in which the top cover goes under the laptop to give way to the vents located beneath. This acts as an automatic stand, giving you a nice elevation for easy typing.
The Inspiron 15 also comes with a fair number of ports and slots on either side, including an SD card reader, an HDMI slot, and 3 x USB Type-A ports.
If you want to purchase a device for professional use in an office (or home office) setting, the Dell Inspiron 15 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking to buy a device for working on the go, you’d be better off with a different model.
The reason for that is simple. As we mentioned earlier, the “stand” mechanism enabled by lifting the lid is responsible for giving the laptop the room it needs for expelling hot air. In traveling conditions, the underside of the laptop is often pressed directly against a surface (i.e., your lap, a bag, a blanket, etc.).
Due to this, the heat-expelling mechanism is rendered impotent. This can result in the device overheating, which can have a detrimental effect on performance.
How To Choose The Best Core i7 Laptops In 2024?
In the list above, we’ve mentioned some good laptops that you can buy in 2024. We also described those that are good for portable use and office use etc.
If you’re not convinced to buy any of the products on our list, you can always choose your own. But before you look for a laptop, you must know what features you need to keep an eye out for.
People who aren’t very familiar with laptops can end up making an expensive mistake during their purchase by buying something that is of little (if any) use to them.
So, before we wrap this post up, we’re going to give you some pointers about buying a new Core i7 laptop for yourself in 2024. If you’re already confident in your expertise, you can just gloss over the following parts.
Take A Look At The Processor
One of the first things that you have to do when finding a laptop is looking at the processor it comes with. Now, since we’re talking about i7 laptops, you are automatically going to be looking for the ‘i7’ part. But, other than the version of the processor, you also have to look at the Generation.
This is something that we touched on earlier in this article. Basically, a newer generation means better features and performance from the chip. Nowadays, you want to set the bar for the 8th Generation at the minimum. If you want to work with Windows 11, this would be necessary since Windows 11 requires a Gen. 8 processor as a minimum requirement.
Select The Right Storage
When it comes to storage, there are two things that you have to be careful of:
- The size of the storage
- And the type of storage
As far as the size of storage goes, you have to decide that as per your particular need and requirement. If the work you’re looking to do on your laptop involves handling and storing a lot of large files, you should go for at least 512GB or 1TB.
But, if the work you need to do is light and not that serious (in terms of storage), you can opt for something lesser e.g., 256GB.
More important than the size of the in-built storage is the type. HDDs are great and all, but they don’t work very quickly. Almost every new laptop nowadays comes with SSD storage since they are exponentially faster.
HDDs are generally less expensive, and they don’t cost a lot, even if you go for a 1TB disk. On the other hand, SSDs are much more expensive, and they can cost you quite a bit if you want to go for even a 512GB version.
A good way to get the best of both, i.e., good storage space and speed, is to simply install an SSD and HDD side-by-side in the same chassis. Not all laptops may allow this, but if you do have the option to do it, you definitely should.
Memory
The greater your laptop’s memory, the greater the capacity to work with multiple processes at a time.
Nowadays, the minimum that you should look for is 8GB RAM. With this much RAM, you’ll be able to run your required programs without worrying about your device slowing down. This can be useful if you are in the habit of multitasking a lot using your web browser and/or other types of heavy software.
In most of the laptops that we discussed in our list above, the memory came in at 16 gigs.
Display
The display size is also something that you have to decide as per your need and requirement.
If you need to purchase a laptop for use while traveling or for working on the go, a smaller size, i.e., 14-inch, can be suitable. On the contrary, if you want a PC to use for your office work or in a home-office setting, a larger display can be handier.
Normally, you can be fine if you snag the middle line and go for a 15.6-inch machine. The benefit of this display size is that it’s neither too big nor too small. You can use it just fine on the go and even for normal professional use.
However, other than the size of the display, you also need to keep an eye out for the resolution. While the good old 1920 x 1080 resolution can be enough for most people, you may want to go even sharper if the work you’re looking to do involves a lot of fine details…and accuracy.
Pay Attention To The Connectivity Options
When we say ‘connectivity,’ we don’t mean to refer to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth since those exist in pretty much every laptop nowadays. Rather, we refer to the slots and ports for peripheral and storage devices.
While having a good combination of USD Type-A, Type-C, HDMI, and Displayport slots is good, you should also consider your specific requirements. For example, if you have a monitor that only supports HDMI, you should look for a laptop with an HDMI slot.
The same goes for the headphone jack. If you’re fond of using wired headphones or earphones, you may want to steer clear of the newer laptops that come without the standard 3.5mm jack. But, if you already have your eyes on such a laptop, you can always use Bluetooth-enabled earphones.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Core i7 laptop can be a good idea if you need one for heavy and extensive use. With a good processor, your laptop’s processes will run smoothly, and there won’t be any lags and hold-ups to disrupt your experience.
In the post above, we’ve mentioned some laptops in this category that you can easily buy in 2024, even if you’re looking to make a purchase on a budget. If you want to pick your own, you can go right ahead. However, be careful to look for the specs, qualities, and factors we’ve highlighted in the ‘Buying Guide’ part.
If you still feel a little confused about the specs, you can always take the help of a real-life expert.
