The processors introduce architectural refinements, updated connectivity support and a new performance optimisation feature called the Intel Binary Optimization Tool, which the company says can improve performance in select workloads and games.
Performance improvements
Intel claims the Core Ultra 9 290HX Pluscan deliver up to 8 percent faster gaming performanceand up to 7 percent faster single-thread performancecompared with the previous-generation Core Ultra 9 285HXprocessor.
Users upgrading from older devices may see larger gains. Intel says the processor can deliver up to 62 percent faster gaming performanceand up to 30 percent faster single-thread performancewhen compared with the Intel Core i9-12900HX.
The processors also feature a die-to-die frequency improvement of up to 900MHz, which increases the speed of communication between the CPU and memory controller. Intel says this helps reduce latency and improve overall system performance in certain workloads.
Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus: specification table
| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus |
|---|---|---|
| CPU architecture | Lion Cove P-cores + Skymont E-cores | Lion Cove P-cores + Skymont E-cores |
| Total cores | 24 cores (8P + 16E) | 20 cores (8P + 12E) |
| Threads | 24 | 20 |
| Max turbo frequency | Up to 5.5 GHz | Up to 5.3 GHz |
| L3 cache | Up to 36MB Intel Smart Cache | Up to 36MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Integrated GPU | Xe LPG graphics | Xe LPG graphics |
| GPU cores | 4 Xe cores | 4 Xe cores |
| NPU performance | 13 TOPS | 13 TOPS |
| Memory support | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| AI accelerator | Integrated NPU | Integrated NPU |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt 4 integrated, Thunderbolt 5 support | Thunderbolt 4 integrated, Thunderbolt 5 support |
| Wireless support | Wi-Fi 6E integrated, Wi-Fi 7 capable | Wi-Fi 6E integrated, Wi-Fi 7 capable |
| Die-to-die frequency improvement | +900 MHz | +900 MHz |
| Overclocking tools | Intel XTU, XMP, APO support | Intel XTU, XMP, APO support |
Key platform highlights
The Core Ultra 200HX Plus platform includes several technologies designed for gaming laptops and high-performance systems.
The processors use Lion Cove performance cores and Skymont efficiency cores, combined with Xe LPG integrated graphics. They also include an integrated NPUdesigned to handle AI workloads directly on the device.
The platform supports DDR5-6400 memoryand includes Thunderbolt 4 integration with support for discrete Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Intel also highlights support for Intel Application Optimization (APO)and the Binary Optimization Tool, which can improve performance in certain games.
The processors also support Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)and Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU)for memory tuning and performance adjustments.
Availability
Laptops powered by the Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus serieswill be available from several OEM partners starting March 17, 2026, with additional devices launching later this year. Laptop manufacturers expected to release systems with the new processors include Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Razer, Origin, MAINGEAR, Puget and Mechrevo, including models such as Predator Helios laptops, ROG Strix SCAR 18, Alienware gaming laptops and Lenovo Legion systems.
