We’ve heard rumors of an “Arrow Lake” CPU refresh for laptops since late last year. Last week, Intel disclosed details about updates to desktop versions of this generation of chips, unveiling three new desktop processors with architectural and software changes under the family name Core Ultra 200S Plus.
Now, it’s the laptops’ turn.
Intel’s next-generation Core Ultra 200HX Plus mobile-CPU series is here, built for high-performance gaming laptops, content-creation machines, and mobile workstations. With the launch, Intel is adding two new chip models to the brand’s Core Ultra 200HX family. (“HX” is Intel’s high-performance classification for CPUs designed for power-user laptops.)
The new announcements include a top-end Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, accompanied by a Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus. According to Intel, both are “optimized for advanced gaming, streaming, content creation, and workstation use.”
(Credit: Intel)
Meet the Core Ultra 200HX Plus Line
Intel says the new Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is up to 8% faster for gaming performance than the previous Core Ultra 9 285HX “Arrow Lake” model, and 7% faster when comparing single-thread performance. If you’re upgrading from an older device, you’ll see a bigger boost, with Intel claiming up to 62% faster performance than the Core i9-12900HX, which launched in 2022.
(Credit: Intel)
Other upgrades include a die-to-die frequency boost of 900MHz across both models, enabling higher speeds linking the CPU and memory controller. This link upgrade essentially means lower latency across the system. Intel claims this should contribute to better overall gaming performance.
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(Credit: Intel)
Each model also supports Intel’s new Binary Optimization Tool, which it says will improve workload optimization, enabling better performance across the board. Binary Optimization also features in the desktop 200S Plus chips announced last week, and is a software solution that Intel expects to factor into all future chip launches, enhancing workloads from content creation to gaming.
(Credit: Intel)
The 200HX Plus chips also bring support for advanced connectivity features such as Intel Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Thunderbolt 5. The chip maker says the last feature will give you up to 80Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth for transferring larger files or daisy-chaining multiple accessories with your computer.
The 200HX Plus CPUs slot into a lineup of what’s now eight Arrow Lake HX 200-class chips, with the new additions slotting into the flagship top slot and the fourth-down in the line. You’ll note no major upticks in base clocks, boost clocks, or core counts; the main hardware change is the link frequency increase.
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(Credit: Intel)
Coming Soon to a Power Laptop Near You
The new chips are appearing in laptops from today, and releases should continue throughout the rest of this year. New Alienware models, including the Alienware 16 Area-51, 18 Area-51, and 16X Aurora models, are up first and should start selling today.
Other upcoming devices featuring the chips include Acer models (Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, Predator Helios Neo 16 AI, and Predator Helios Neo 18 AI), as well as the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and Colorful iGame M16 Origo.
Three planned HP products with the 200HX Plus chips include the HyperX Omen 15, HyperX Omen 16, and HyperX Omen Max 16, while Lenovo has four options in its Legion and Legion Pro lines (Legion 5i and 7i, alongside the Legion Pro 5i and 7i). Other laptop makers that will feature 200HX Plus-based systems include Maingear, Mechrevo, MSI, Origin, Puget Systems, and Razer.
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