Choosing the Optimal Work Laptop with AMD Processor

Oct 09, 2024

Choosing the right work laptop is critical for maximizing productivity, and one of the most essential decisions revolves around selecting the right processor. AMD processors have gained a strong reputation in recent years, offering a range of high-performance options.

AMD Ryzen processors are based on Zen architecture, which is known for energy efficiency, superior performance per watt, and excellent multi-core capabilities. Ryzen™ processors have also integrated advanced technologies like Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT), which allows each core to handle multiple threads, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This is particularly useful for office employees who frequently use a range of applications simultaneously.

Understanding what AMD processors are capable of is critical when selecting a laptop for work. AMD processors excel at multitasking, particularly the Ryzen series, which comes in multiple core and thread configurations. For instance, a Ryzen™ 5 processor typically features 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Ryzen™ 7 and Ryzen™ 9 series offer up to 8 or 16 cores, respectively. This multi-core architecture is a major advantage for office employees who often run productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace), videoconferencing tools (e.g., Zoom or Teams), and other applications concurrently. With an AMD processor, you can have several apps open without sacrificing performance.

The most recent iteration of AMD Ryzen™ processors is the addition of Ryzen™ AI — a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), designed specifically to handle AI tasks.

AMD has gained a reputation for excelling in energy efficiency, especially with its Zen 3 and Zen 4 architectures. Laptops with AMD processors typically offer longer battery life, making them ideal for hybrid or remote employees who may need to move between locations or work away from power outlets for extended periods.

AMD’s laptop processors usually come with integrated Radeon™ graphics, which may outperform many competing integrated GPU solutions. For typical office tasks like videoconferencing, graphic design, or even light photo editing, an AMD processor with integrated Radeon™ graphics is more than capable.

The best AMD processor for you depends on your specific work tasks and usage scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of which AMD processor to select based on common work scenarios:

For Basic to Medium Workloads: Ryzen™ 5

For hybrid workers who frequently switch between multiple applications, engage in videoconferencing, or manage large datasets, as well as daily tasks such as internet browsing and running Microsoft Office Suite apps, an AMD Ryzen™ 5 processor offers a perfect balance of price and performance. The Ryzen™ 5 typically features 6 cores and 12 threads, providing ample power for running office productivity software, web browsers with multiple tabs, and collaboration tools simultaneously.

A good example would be the Ryzen™ 5 7535HS, which excels at providing a smooth multitasking experience without overtaxing your laptop's battery.

For Heavy-Duty Tasks and Professional Use: Ryzen™ 7 or Ryzen™ 9

If your work involves more demanding applications like video editing, coding, virtual machines, or running advanced analytical tools, you will need the extra power provided by Ryzen™ 7 or Ryzen™ 9 processors. Ryzen™ 7 processors generally feature 8 cores and 16 threads, while Ryzen™ 9 processors push that to 12 cores and 24 threads in some configurations.

For office professionals in roles such as software development, data analysis, or content creation, a Ryzen™ 7 or Ryzen™ 9 processor ensures your laptop can handle even the most demanding workloads. The Ryzen™ 9 HX 370, for example, is a high-performance processor that can tackle intensive computing tasks while maintaining energy efficiency.

While the processor is the heart of any laptop, there are other important factors to consider when selecting the best work laptop:

RAM

The amount of RAM your laptop has is critical, especially for multitasking. For basic office tasks, 8 GB of RAM may prove sufficient. However, for more intensive applications or multitasking, opting for 16 GB or even 32 GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience. If you’re on edge between two options, it’s highly recommended to go for the higher RAM amount.

Storage

A laptop equipped with a Solid State Drive (SSD) will provide much faster read/write speeds, compared to traditional hard drives. A minimum of 512 GB of SSD storage is recommended for office work, with 512 GB or higher preferable if you work with large files or data.

Battery Life

For hybrid workers who need to move between home, office, or coffee shops, battery life is crucial. AMD laptops have gained reputations for offering excellent battery life. Look for a laptop that provides at least 8 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Portability and Build Quality

If you frequently travel or move between locations, choosing a lightweight, durable laptop is important. Many ASUS laptops with AMD processors come in slim, portable designs, making them ideal for hybrid work environments.

Below are three top ASUS laptop picks, all powered by AMD.

ASUS Zenbook S 16

ASUS Zenbook S 16 is an ultra-stylish, ultraportable thin and light laptop perfect for professionals of all levels. Featuring a Ceraluminum™ cover and colorways inspired by nature, it looks and feels impressive.

It’s powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processors, offering excellent, top-notch processing power without compromising battery life. The thin (1.1 cm) and lightweight (1.5 kg) chassis houses a 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display with lifelike colors and eye care benefits.

ASUS Vivobook S 16

ASUS Vivobook S 16 is a sleek, minimalistic laptop designed for the everyday office heroes and hybrid workers. Featuring up to the cutting-edge AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor (but with more budget-friendly options available as well), this laptop is an affordable option opening the door to a world of high-performance processing and next-gen AI experiences. With a slim 1.39 cm profile, weighing 1.5 kg, and with up to a 14+ hour battery life, it’s designed for on-the-go convenience. The 16-inch display offers plenty of viewing space for uncompromised working convenience anywhere you are.

ASUS Vivobook S 14

ASUS Vivobook S 14 is the more compact version of the ASUS Vivobook S 16. It offers all the benefits of the above laptop, but with a smaller 14-inch screen size. This is a perfect option for those who value mobility all else, as it will fit into a vast majority of standard commuter bags, backpacks, and briefcases.