The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, the new flagship of the “Arrow Lake-HX Refresh” family, has recently been spotted inside the Acer Predator Helios 18 laptop.
This processor is the direct evolution of the current 285HX model. According to leaked information, it keeps the same 24-core and 24-thread configuration — featuring 8 performance cores (P-Cores) and 16 efficiency cores (E-Cores). Although the base architecture remains unchanged, the major upgrade lies in its clock speeds. This model is expected to surpass the 5.5 GHz mark of its predecessor, aiming to deliver top-tier single-thread performance and improved results in demanding gaming scenarios.
The processor includes 36 MB of L3 cache, 12 MB of L2 cache, and an integrated GPU built on Xe architecture. As for power consumption, it’s estimated to retain a base TDP of 55W, scaling up to 160W in maximum performance mode.
Performance and Technical Improvements
The leaked benchmark results on Geekbench reveal that the processor was tested on an Acer Predator Helios laptop equipped with 64 GB of RAM. While the scores appear to come from an early prototype running limited clock speeds, the listing confirms that manufacturers are already preparing systems based on Intel’s refreshed lineup.
The improved clock speeds and cache configuration suggest that Intel’s 290HX Plus will be a solid upgrade for gamers, professionals, and enthusiasts looking for maximum power efficiency and thermal control in high-end laptops.
Intel did not officially showcase these models during CES 2026, focusing instead on the upcoming “Panther Lake” architecture. However, the company’s official response — encouraging users to “stay tuned” — hints that the launch of the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, along with the rest of the 200S/HX Plus series, is imminent.
