CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is a high-performance mobile processor designed for enthusiast gaming laptops and portable workstations. Launched in early 2025, it is based on the Arrow Lake-HX architecture, featuring a robust 20-core configuration without Hyper-Threading. This setup includes 8 'Lion Cove' P-Cores and 12 'Skymont' E-Cores, operating across 20 threads. Manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process, the chip boasts a die size of 243 mm² and packs 17.8 billion transistors. It reaches impressive clock speeds, with a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and a maximum turbo of 5.2 GHz. The processor features an unlocked multiplier, a rare feature for mobile chips, allowing OEMs and extreme enthusiasts to push performance boundaries. With a base power of 55W and a maximum turbo power of 160W, it delivers desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor, paired with Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU and a 13 TOPS NPU.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Rivals desktop CPUs in multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench and Blender.
Crushes multi-threaded productivity apps like Blender and Premiere Pro.
Gaming
Exceptional gaming performance when paired with a high-end discrete GPU, limited only by power constraints.
Top-tier gaming performance, especially when paired with high-end discrete GPUs.
Virtualization
Excellent for running multiple VMs locally on a workstation laptop.
Excellent for local VMs, though dual-channel memory is a slight bottleneck vs HEDT.
Efficiency
Low efficiency at idle compared to standard H-series, designed for plugged-in performance.
Extremely power-hungry under load, requiring constant AC power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS
- Total platform AI is 33 TOPS
- Sufficient for basic background AI tasks but not heavy local LLMs
- 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 single-core boost clocks minimize bottlenecks
- Best paired with RTX 4080/4090 mobile GPUs
- Not intended for thin-and-light gaming
- 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
- Massive 20-core count
- Unlocked multiplier for mobile overclocking
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Excellent 5.2 GHz single-core boost
- Desktop-class performance
Cons
- High power consumption (160W turbo)
- Modest 13 TOPS NPU
- Requires massive cooling solution
- Poor battery life in laptops
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 7 255HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DRival
Mobile
Slightly higher base and boost clocks for similar price.
Compare head-to-headBetter choice for thin-and-light designs with good battery life.
Compare head-to-headPrevious generation, often available at a discount.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
More efficient alternative for moderate gaming.
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
A powerhouse mobile CPU offering unlocked overclocking and massive multi-core throughput for desktop replacements.
Best for: Desktop replacement gaming laptop
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 7 255HX 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 7 255HX 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 7 255HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
Do Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX 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 7 255HX (20 cores), Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (24 cores).