CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX is a high-performance mobile processor designed for enthusiast gaming laptops and portable workstations, offering a slightly more accessible entry point into the Arrow Lake-HX family. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, this processor features a robust 24-core hybrid architecture, combining 8 'Lion Cove' P-cores and 16 'Skymont' E-cores to deliver immense multi-threaded capabilities. While it shares the same core count as its 285HX sibling, the 275HX features slightly reduced clock speeds, with a base frequency of 2.7 GHz and a maximum turbo of 5.4 GHz. This minor reduction makes it highly attractive for system integrators looking to balance extreme performance with slightly more manageable thermal outputs. The chip operates at a 55W base TDP, scaling up to 160W during peak loads, and features an unlocked multiplier for enthusiasts. It comes equipped with 36MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR5-6400 memory. The inclusion of 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes ensures ample bandwidth for top-tier discrete GPUs and high-speed NVMe arrays. Paired with Arc Xe-LPG Graphics (64EU) for basic display outputs, the 275HX is a versatile powerhouse that brings desktop-class multitasking and rendering capabilities to mobile platforms, making it a smart choice for high-end gaming and creator laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles heavily threaded tasks with ease, losing only 1-2% to the 285HX.
Crushes multi-threaded productivity apps like Blender and Premiere Pro.
Gaming
Performs identically to the flagship in GPU-bound scenarios.
Top-tier gaming performance, especially when paired with high-end discrete GPUs.
Virtualization
Strong performance for local VMs, limited slightly by dual-channel memory.
Excellent for local VMs, though dual-channel memory is a slight bottleneck vs HEDT.
Efficiency
Power-hungry under load, requiring robust laptop cooling.
Extremely power-hungry under load, requiring constant AC power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 13 TOPS NPU included
- Total Int8 TOPS up to 36
- Relies heavily on CPU/dGPU for heavy AI
- 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
- 5.4 GHz turbo is plenty for high-refresh-rate gaming
- Won't bottleneck high-end mobile GPUs
- Overclockable to match higher-tier SKUs
- 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
- Excellent value for 24-core performance
- Unlocked multiplier allows matching flagship clocks
- 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes for maximum expandability
- 36MB L3 cache keeps cores fed
- ECC memory support
Cons
- High power consumption (160W turbo)
- Requires heavy, thick laptop chassis for cooling
- Poor battery life efficiency
- Weak integrated graphics relative to CPU power
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 9 275HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285HXRival
Mobile (DTR)
- Compare head-to-headApple M3 MaxRival
Mobile Workstation
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900HXAlt
A strong competitor for pure gaming performance.
A more budget-friendly option for mid-range gaming.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAlt
If portability and battery life are higher priorities.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3DAlt
Features 3D V-Cache for superior gaming cache.
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
Offers 95% of the flagship's performance for a better value, maintaining the massive 24-core layout and unlocked overclocking.
Best for: The Core Ultra 9 275HX is highly recommended for gamers and creators seeking near-flagship performance without paying the absolute premium for the highest-tier chips. If you are looking at a high-end gaming laptop and the 275HX option is significantly cheaper than the 285HX, it is often the smarter buy, as the 100MHz difference is negligible in real-world scenarios. It retains the unlocked multiplier, 24 cores, and 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, making it highly future-proof. However, like all HX chips, it requires a substantial cooling solution to manage its 160W turbo power, so prioritize laptops with robust thermal designs. Avoid this processor if you need a laptop for casual use or long battery life, as it is inefficient for light workloads. Pair it with a high-end GPU to get the most out of your investment.
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 9 275HX 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 9 275HX 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 9 275HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
Do Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 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.