@DanielleMorriss -

Compatibility with what, specifically? Since this is a Veeam Community site, I assume you’re wanting to run some kind of Veeam product?

We discussed running Veeam on workstation in a couple Community posts. You can review them below:

I was about to ask the same question Shane - compatible for what?  While there will be varying opinions on the subject it all depends on what you will use the laptop for - personal, business, gaming, etc.?

Most applications are compatible with the newer i7 processors so unsure exactly what you are asking for us to comment on.  I run an older Gen8 i7 on a Lenovo X1 Extreme Gen1 laptop which works fine and will be upgrading soon to a newer Dell laptop, but everything works.

So, if you need clarification for specific Veeam related software like the Agent then it will work fine.

A few things matter when picking a CPU and laptop.

• What is the workload. For email and browsing, you don’t need an I7. For gaming, sometimes an I5 with a higher clock speed is good if you don’t need the cores. It then depends on the specific game you are playing. For video/photo editing and multi tasking, more cores is important. This is where the I7 and I9 really thrive. Newer versions of OS’s and Software are better at using more cores. 
• Compatibility. I like to go with current or previous years model when I can to get longevity out of my computers. Buying new is a rare concern, unless you are running VERY old software.  Older CPUs may not want to install Windows 11 however. If you are planning to upgrade the CPU in your current laptop and therefore asking about hardware compatibility, you will need to know the current CPU model, or the socket type. 
• Budget. This is important. Don’t go broke buying something that will be outdated in a few years. (again, as I type on an over powered PC). If something runs a “little slow” it’s still running.  What you can afford is your personal choice.
• Upgrades. Depending on your use, Extra memory, M.2 NVMe storage, and GPU’s are available but not required.

For laptops I often consider things like battery life, or if I will be plugging in often. Things like touch screen really grow on you as well. Screen resolution is another thing that matters to me. Everyone has their own preferences.

Knowing what you plan to use it for is the important thing though to not over spend, or be disappointed with performance. A newer I7 is a great CPU. I’m using a 14700k on my PC right now and it is fast and powerful for everything. (Video editing, Audio editing, Gaming.)

When selecting an Intel Core i7 laptop, ensure it has sufficient RAM and a dedicated graphics card, especially if you plan to use it for heavy gaming. Look for models with efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating during intense gameplay sessions. Additionally, check for compatibility with high-performance peripherals and software to ensure a seamless gaming experience.