CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX is a high-performance mobile processor featuring 14 cores, an unlocked multiplier, and 20 direct PCIe Gen 5 lanes, designed for enthusiast laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
14 strong cores handle multi-threaded creator workloads efficiently.
Crushes multi-threaded productivity apps like Blender and Premiere Pro.
Gaming
Paired with a discrete GPU, the high clock speeds and fast DDR5 memory provide top-tier mobile gaming.
Top-tier gaming performance, especially when paired with high-end discrete GPUs.
Virtualization
Solid performance for local VMs, aided by 20 PCIe lanes for fast storage.
Excellent for local VMs, though dual-channel memory is a slight bottleneck vs HEDT.
Efficiency
Poor battery life when unplugged due to the high 55W base power and lack of LP-E cores.
Extremely power-hungry under load, requiring constant AC power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Only 13 TOPS NPU, falling short of Copilot+ requirements
- Relies on discrete GPU for serious AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference is capable but slow
- 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
- High base clock prevents significant frequency drops during gaming
- Ideal pairing for RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Unlocked multiplier can squeeze out extra FPS
- 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
- Unlocked for enthusiast overclocking
- Massive 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- High 3.1 GHz base clock
- Strong single-core performance
- 24MB of L3 cache
Cons
- High power draw limits battery life
- Requires bulky laptop cooling solutions
- Weak 13 TOPS NPU
- Xe-LPG iGPU is outdated for gaming
- No Hyper-Threading
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 Ultra 5 245HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950HXRival
Next-Gen Enthusiast
Offers more cores and higher clocks if budget allows.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSAlt
Better battery life and AI performance if you don't need PCIe Gen 5.
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
The 245HX brings desktop-class features like an unlocked multiplier and vast PCIe connectivity to the mobile space, making it a powerhouse for thick-and-heavy enthusiast laptops.
Best for: Enthusiasts buying a thick gaming laptop who want to manually overclock.
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 Ultra 5 245HX 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 Ultra 5 245HX 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 Ultra 5 245HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
Do Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2114 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core Ultra 5 245HX (14 cores), Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (24 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.