Quad-core processors have been around for some time now but only for desktop PCs. The latest technology from Intel, however, brings this order of computing to an entirely new arena – the mobile one. Despite its enormous clout, the new processor only uses 45 watts of power, which keeps battery consumption low, so you can keep going longer even without being plugged in.

But putting aside for a moment the benefits of being able to game on the move – which, let’s face it, you still can’t do with a state-of-the-art game for that long without a recharge – what mobile quad-core really has to offer the gamer is system portability. Tired of bringing your heavy desktop computer over to your favorite LAN events? Desktop rigs are not the easiest things to ship across town, let alone longer distances. Imagine how easy it would be to instead bring a laptop that has the processing oomph to deliver a heavyweight gaming experience without the burden that used to go with it.

The prestigious Intel Extreme Masters illustrates just what’s possible. The top gamers in World of Warcraft are playing for six figure sums on laptops powered by Intel technology.

Using a laptop for serious gaming has never before been as viable an option as it is today. Why? The new mobile quad-core processors consume much less power than their predecessors. The power supplied to a notebook is significantly lower than on a regular desktop PC, and that has an impact. Think about the car cigarette lighter you can use to power a notebook. Now imagine trying to use it to power a regular PC; it just won't have enough power. Laptop power supplies were simply unable to deliver the wattage required by previous generations of quad-core processor.

The new technology from Intel makes it possible, and at the same time opens the door to cutting edge gaming, as there are no longer any limits on the capabilities of your laptop CPU. E-sports have been waiting for laptops to come of age as gaming machines, so be a pro and use the tools!

Find out how to go mobile