CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-14900HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-14900HX is a high-end 24-core/32-thread mobile processor for large gaming and workstation laptops, based on the Raptor Lake-HX Refresh architecture and offering very high single-thread and multi-thread performance for a mobile chip, with a 55 W base power and up to 157 W turbo power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-threaded performance for video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multi-tasking; comparable to lower-power desktop CPUs in short bursts.
Crushes multi-threaded productivity apps like Blender and Premiere Pro.
Gaming
Provides very high FPS in CPU-heavy titles and high-refresh 1440p gaming when paired with a high-end GPU, but is often GPU-bound at 4K and limited by laptop power/thermal throttling.
Top-tier gaming performance, especially when paired with high-end discrete GPUs.
Virtualization
Strong for running several VMs or containers on a laptop, with 32 threads and ample memory support, though sustained loads depend on laptop power limits.
Excellent for local VMs, though dual-channel memory is a slight bottleneck vs HEDT.
Efficiency
High performance-per-watt at low loads, but under multi-core turbo it draws significantly more power than typical mobile CPUs, impacting battery life and thermals.
Extremely power-hungry under load, requiring constant AC power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU; AI workloads run on CPU or iGPU.
- Good CPU-based inference performance for local LLMs and image models thanks to high clock and 32 threads.
- For serious local AI, a dedicated GPU or NPU-based platform is more efficient.
- Includes 13 TOPS NPU for basic AI tasks
- Primary AI compute relies on CPU and dGPU
- Combined Int8 TOPS up to 36
Content Creation
Gaming
- Very high single-core clocks and strong IPC deliver high FPS in most games.
- Best experienced with a high-end GPU (RTX 4080/4090 class) and good cooling.
- Performance is often GPU-bound at 4K; CPU differences matter more at 1440p/1080p high refresh.
- Power and thermal limits in some laptops can reduce boost clocks under combined CPU+GPU load.
- High single-core boost ensures high framerates
- Won't bottleneck RTX 4090 mobile GPUs
- Requires robust cooling to maintain boost clocks
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very high single-thread and multi-thread performance for a mobile CPU
- Up to 5.8 GHz on P-cores with strong IPC
- 24 cores / 32 threads handle heavy creator and multi-tasking workloads
- Supports both DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200 with up to 192 GB RAM
- 20 PCIe 5.0/4.0 lanes for high-end GPU and fast NVMe storage
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking (where OEM enables it)
Cons
- High power draw: 55 W base and up to 157 W turbo demands robust cooling
- Runs hot under sustained multi-core loads; laptop design is critical
- Integrated UHD Graphics is basic; not suitable for gaming without dGPU
- BGA socket means the CPU is not user-replaceable
- Efficiency is lower than newer Core Ultra HX parts under long multi-core loads
Pros
- Massive 24-core, 24-thread processing power
- Unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes for maximum expandability
- 5.5 GHz max turbo delivers elite single-thread performance
- Supports ECC memory for workstation reliability
Cons
- Extreme power consumption (up to 160W)
- Requires massive, heavy laptop chassis for cooling
- Inefficient for battery-powered use
- Integrated graphics (64EU) are weak compared to the CPU's potential
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i9-14900HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
High-End Mobile (Dragon Range)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13980HXRival
High-End Mobile (Raptor Lake-HX)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 275HXRival
High-End Mobile (Next-Gen HX)
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
High-End Mobile (Zen 4 Dragon Range)
- Apple M3 Max (16-core)Rival
High-Performance Mobile (ARM)
Fewer cores (20/28) but much better efficiency and lower cost; often sufficient for gaming and moderate creator workloads.
Compare head-to-headFocus on efficiency and AI; better battery life and lighter weight, though lower peak CPU performance than 14900HX.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370Alt
Newer Zen 5/RDNA 3.5 with strong efficiency and integrated AI; for next-gen laptops rather than raw desktop-replacement performance.
- Desktop Intel Core i7-14700K + ITXAlt
More performance and upgradeability if you can tolerate a small-form-factor desktop instead of a laptop.
Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 UltraRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
Nearly identical performance, often available at a lower price point.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
If portability is more important than raw power.
Slightly lower clocks but same core count for less money.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
One of the fastest mobile CPUs for raw compute and gaming, with excellent multi-thread performance and very high clocks, but power-hungry and highly dependent on laptop cooling and power limits.
Best for: High-end gaming or desktop-replacement laptop where you need maximum CPU performance and are okay with high power draw and heat.
Read the full reviewA brute-force mobile CPU that ignores power constraints to deliver true desktop performance, ideal for thick DTR laptops.
Best for: Investing in a laptop powered by the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is exclusively recommended for buyers looking at premium, thick-and-heavy gaming laptops or mobile workstations. If you are investing in a machine to replace a desktop for tasks like 3D animation, heavy code compilation, or competitive 4K gaming, this processor will deliver exceptional, tunable performance. Because it is unlocked, it offers a degree of future-proofing for enthusiasts willing to tweak power limits. However, you must ensure the laptop has a robust vapor chamber or multiple fans, as the 160W turbo draw generates substantial heat. Avoid this processor if you prioritize battery life or portability; it is inefficient for light tasks and will drain a battery rapidly. Furthermore, ensure the laptop pairs this CPU with a high-end discrete GPU (RTX 4080/4090 or equivalent) to avoid bottlenecks, as the 64EU integrated graphics are insufficient for the workloads this CPU is designed for.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i9-14900HX or Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i9-14900HX or Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus leads with a gaming performance score of 99/100 among Intel Core i9-14900HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
Do Intel Core i9-14900HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-14900HX: FCBGA1964 (BGA-1964), Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus: Intel BGA 2114), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-14900HX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-14900HX (44,060), Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.