The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is one of the most powerful mobile processors available for 2026 gaming laptops and desktop-replacement notebooks. It is built for users who want maximum CPU performance for high-end gaming, streaming, 3D work, video editing, AI-assisted workflows, and heavy multitasking.
Intel lists the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus as a 24-core mobile processor with 8 performance cores, 16 efficiency cores, 24 threads, 36MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 5.5GHz max turbo frequency, and up to 160W maximum turbo power. That makes it a serious enthusiast-class laptop CPU, especially when paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 laptop graphics.
Below is the current buying guide for Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus laptops available through Amazon or Amazon marketplace listings.
Quick Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus Laptops on Amazon
| Laptop | Display | GPU | RAM / Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G835LWG-DB96 | 18-inch 4K 240Hz Mini LED / Nebula HDR | RTX 5080 | 32GB / 1TB | Premium 18-inch gaming and creator work |
| ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615LW-AB96 | 16-inch 2.5K 240Hz Nebula HDR | RTX 5080 | 32GB / 1TB | Best 16-inch ASUS performance laptop |
| ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LR-DB96 | 18-inch 2.5K 300Hz | RTX 5070 Ti | 32GB / 1TB | Large-screen esports and value performance |
| Alienware 16X Aurora AC16251 | 16-inch WQXGA OLED 240Hz | RTX 5070 | 32GB / 1TB | Premium 16-inch Alienware design |
| Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250 | 18-inch WQXGA 300Hz | RTX 5080 | 32GB / 2TB | Mainstream-brand desktop replacement |
| MSI Titan 18 HX A2WJ-1258US | 18-inch UHD+ Mini LED | RTX 5090 | 128GB / 6TB | Maximum specs and workstation-class use |
| Eluktronics HYDROC 16 G2R | 16-inch QHD 300Hz Mini LED 1000-nit HDR | RTX 5090 | 64GB / 2TB | Liquid-cooled performance and creator workloads |
1. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G835LWG-DB96
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 is the most premium ASUS option in this list. It combines an 18-inch ROG Nebula HDR 4K 240Hz display, Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics, 32GB DDR5 memory, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and Windows 11 Home.
This is the model to consider if you want a flagship ASUS gaming laptop with a sharper 4K-class display instead of a lower-resolution esports-first panel. It makes the most sense for gamers who also edit videos, work with high-resolution content, or want a premium HDR screen for movies and single-player games.
ASUS officially launched the 2026 ROG Strix lineup with the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and high-end RTX 50-series laptop GPUs, positioning these machines for enthusiast gaming and creator workloads.
Buy it if: you want a large, premium ASUS gaming laptop with RTX 5080 power and a high-end HDR display.
Skip it if: you mainly play competitive esports and would rather have a lower-resolution 300Hz panel.
2. ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615LW-AB96
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is the best pick for buyers who want high-end ASUS performance in a more manageable 16-inch size. The listed configuration includes a 16-inch ROG Nebula HDR 2.5K 240Hz display, Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and Windows 11 Home.
Compared with the Scar 18, the Strix G16 is easier to place on a desk, easier to carry, and still powerful enough for 1440p gaming, streaming, and creator workloads. ASUS lists the 2026 ROG Strix G16 platform with up to the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and up to RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with a 175W max TGP.
Buy it if: you want the best balance of portability, RTX 5080 performance, and premium ASUS gaming features.
Skip it if: you want the biggest screen possible or need RTX 5090-class graphics.
3. ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LR-DB96
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LR-DB96 is a strong large-screen gaming laptop for users who want an 18-inch display but do not necessarily need RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 pricing. The listed configuration includes Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, an 18-inch 2.5K 300Hz display, and Windows 11.
This is one of the most interesting options for competitive gamers because the 18-inch 2.5K 300Hz screen gives you a large canvas and very high refresh rate. ASUS lists the 2026 ROG Strix G18 with up to Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and up to RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU with a 140W max TGP.
Buy it if: you want an 18-inch ASUS laptop with strong gaming performance and a fast 300Hz panel.
Skip it if: you need maximum GPU power for 4K gaming, 3D rendering, or heavy AI workflows.
4. Alienware 16X Aurora AC16251
The Alienware 16X Aurora is the compact Alienware option in this list. The listed Amazon configuration includes a 16-inch WQXGA OLED 240Hz display, Intel Core 9 290HX Plus, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, Windows 11 Home, and onsite service.
This laptop is not the most powerful GPU option here, but it may be one of the most attractive choices for buyers who care about build quality, display quality, support, and a more refined design. Recent reporting on Dell’s refreshed Alienware lineup notes that the 16X Aurora moved into Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus territory with upgraded display options, including OLED on some 16-inch models.
Buy it if: you want an Alienware 16-inch laptop with a premium display and balanced gaming performance.
Skip it if: you want RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 performance.
5. Alienware 18 Area-51 AA18250
The Alienware 18 Area-51 is the big desktop-replacement Alienware model. The listed Amazon configuration includes an 18-inch WQXGA 300Hz display, Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 5080 graphics, Windows 11 Home, and Liquid Teal color.
This is the Alienware to buy if you want the large-screen experience, better cooling headroom, and a premium chassis from a mainstream brand. Dell’s own Alienware 18 Area-51 page lists configurations with the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 18-inch WQXGA 300Hz display, DDR5 memory, PCIe Gen5 storage, and RTX 50-series graphics. Amazon also shows an Alienware 18 Area-51 listing with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5080 graphics.
Buy it if: you want a high-end Alienware desktop replacement with RTX 5080 power.
Skip it if: you need something portable or want the absolute highest RTX 5090 configuration.
6. MSI Titan 18 HX A2WJ-1258US
The MSI Titan 18 HX A2WJ-1258US is the most extreme traditional gaming laptop in this list. The listed configuration includes Intel Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 128GB RAM, 6TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, an 18-inch UHD+ Mini LED display, and Windows 11 Pro.
This is overkill for most gamers, but that is exactly the point. It is built for users who want a near-desktop workstation inside a laptop form factor. Amazon lists an MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2WJ-1258US variant with Intel Ultra 9-290HX, RTX 5090, Mini LED display, Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and Windows 11 Pro.
Buy it if: you want the highest-end RTX 5090 laptop experience with huge RAM and storage.
Skip it if: you care about portability, battery life, or value.
7. Eluktronics HYDROC 16 G2R RTX 5090
The Eluktronics HYDROC 16 G2R is the most performance-focused 16-inch laptop on this list. The listed Amazon configuration includes Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5090 graphics, a 16-inch QHD 300Hz Mini LED 1000-nit HDR display, Wi-Fi 7, Windows 11 Pro, 64GB RAM, and 2TB storage.
This model is especially interesting because Eluktronics offers high-performance configurations and external liquid-cooling support on the HYDROC line. Eluktronics’ own configuration page lists the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with RTX 5090 as an available processor and graphics option, and Amazon listings also show HYDROC 16 G2R RTX 5090 configurations with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and 300Hz Mini LED display.
Buy it if: you want maximum 16-inch performance, RTX 5090 graphics, and liquid-cooling potential.
Skip it if: you prefer a mainstream brand with broader retail support like ASUS, Dell Alienware, or MSI.
Which Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus Laptop Should You Buy?
For most high-end gamers, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615LW-AB96 is the best balanced choice because it gives you a 16-inch 2.5K 240Hz display, RTX 5080 graphics, and a more manageable size than the 18-inch desktop replacements.
For big-screen gaming, the Alienware 18 Area-51 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 are the strongest mainstream options. Choose Alienware if you prefer Dell’s design, onsite service, and Area-51 styling. Choose the Scar 18 if you want the premium ASUS ROG display and gaming ecosystem.
For maximum raw specs, the MSI Titan 18 HX A2WJ-1258US is the most extreme option thanks to RTX 5090 graphics, huge memory, huge storage, and an 18-inch Mini LED display.
For performance enthusiasts who like boutique machines, the Eluktronics HYDROC 16 G2R is the most unique option because it combines a 16-inch form factor with RTX 5090 power and liquid-cooling support.
For value within this ultra-premium category, the ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LR-DB96 may be the smartest large-screen pick because the RTX 5070 Ti is still powerful, and the 18-inch 2.5K 300Hz panel is excellent for competitive gaming.
Buying Tips Before Ordering from Amazon
Before buying any Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus laptop from Amazon, check the processor name carefully in the product title, bullet points, and technical details. Some similar listings may use older Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX or 285HX processors, which are not the same as the 290HX Plus.
Also confirm the GPU version, because RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 laptops can have very different performance levels. The same laptop family may be sold in multiple configurations, so do not rely only on the model name.
Check the display type as well. Mini LED, OLED, 2.5K, 4K, 240Hz, and 300Hz panels are all very different. If you play competitive games, refresh rate matters more. If you edit video or play cinematic single-player games, brightness, HDR, contrast, and resolution matter more.
Finally, check seller, warranty, return policy, and whether the listing is sold by Amazon, the brand, or a third-party marketplace seller. These laptops are expensive, so warranty clarity is just as important as specs.
Final Verdict
The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus laptop category is built for serious buyers. These are not casual gaming laptops. They are premium gaming and workstation-class machines designed for people who want the fastest mobile CPU performance paired with high-end RTX 50-series graphics.
If you want the safest all-around pick, choose the ASUS ROG Strix G16 RTX 5080. If you want the best Alienware desktop replacement, choose the Alienware 18 Area-51 RTX 5080. If you want the most powerful machine on the list, choose the MSI Titan 18 HX RTX 5090 or Eluktronics HYDROC 16 G2R RTX 5090.
For buyers who want high-end performance without jumping to the highest GPU tier, the ASUS ROG Strix G18 RTX 5070 Ti is one of the most practical choices.