CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus is a refreshed iteration of the Arrow Lake-HX mobile processor family, scheduled for release in March 2026. Building upon the foundation of the 255HX, this 'Plus' variant offers slightly higher clock speeds while maintaining the same 20-core, 20-thread hybrid architecture. It features 8 'Lion Cove' P-Cores and 12 'Skymont' E-Cores, but boosts the maximum turbo frequency to 5.3 GHz. Manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process, the chip retains the 243 mm² die size and 17.8 billion transistor count. With a 55W base power and 160W turbo power, it targets the highest-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations. The package includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU and a 13 TOPS NPU. This refresh aims to provide a moderate performance bump to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving mobile enthusiast market, offering an unlocked multiplier for extreme tuning.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent sustained performance in heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Crushes multi-threaded productivity apps like Blender and Premiere Pro.
Gaming
Slight edge over 255HX in CPU-bound games due to 100MHz higher turbo.
Top-tier gaming performance, especially when paired with high-end discrete GPUs.
Virtualization
20 physical cores are ideal for parallel virtualization.
Excellent for local VMs, though dual-channel memory is a slight bottleneck vs HEDT.
Efficiency
Efficiency is secondary to raw performance, drawing up to 160W under load.
Extremely power-hungry under load, requiring constant AC power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- NPU 3 provides 13 TOPS
- Total platform AI is 33 TOPS
- Suitable for background blur and noise cancellation
- 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
- Higher clocks slightly reduce frame times
- Ideal for 240Hz+ gaming displays
- Requires top-tier discrete GPU pairing
- 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
- High 5.3 GHz turbo clock
- 20 physical cores for heavy workloads
- Unlocked multiplier
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes
- Excellent desktop replacement performance
Cons
- Minimal upgrade over 255HX
- Very high power draw (160W)
- Low NPU TOPS for 2026 standards
- Heavy and hot laptop requirements
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 270HX Plus
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX3DRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX PlusRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 9945HXRival
Mobile
Similar performance, possibly cheaper as stock clears.
Compare head-to-headPrevious gen, nearly identical performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter efficiency and AI performance for non-gaming tasks.
Compare head-to-head
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 solid refresh that squeezes more clock speed out of the Arrow Lake-HX die, maintaining its position as a top-tier mobile powerhouse.
Best for: Next-generation enthusiast 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 270HX Plus 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 270HX Plus 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 270HX Plus and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
Do Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus 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 270HX Plus (20 cores), Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (24 cores).