Intel’s next-generation desktop processors are closer to reality, and early benchmarks reveal the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus is delivering substantial performance gains over its predecessor. Tested on an ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard with 64GB of DDR5-6800 memory, the chip achieved a single-core score of 3,535 and a multicore score of 25,106 in Geekbench 6—a roughly 10.5% and 11.3% improvement over the Core Ultra 9 285K’s typical results of 3,200 and 22,560, respectively.
These figures place the 290K Plus at the top of Intel’s consumer CPU rankings, though the gains stem not from architectural changes but from refined clock speeds. While retaining the same 24-core configuration (8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores), the new model pushes efficiency cores to a 4.8 GHz boost—up 200 MHz—and performance cores to an additional 100 MHz on both turbo and thermal velocity boost. During testing, the chip peaked at 5.7 GHz, suggesting aggressive frequency scaling under optimized conditions.
The 290K Plus also preserves the same power limits as its predecessor: a base PL1 of 125W and a PL2 of 250W. This means users upgrading from the 285K won’t need additional cooling, though real-world power draw will depend on workload and motherboard efficiency.
A Drop-in Upgrade with a Performance Edge
Unlike previous generational leaps that required new sockets, Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh maintains compatibility with the existing LGA 1851 platform. This means current Z890 motherboards will support the upgrade without requiring a full system overhaul—a critical factor for enthusiasts and power users. However, the refresh is expected to arrive in March or April, with Intel remaining tight-lipped on final specifications and release dates.
While these benchmarks are promising, they represent pre-release conditions. Final performance will depend on driver optimization, real-world workloads, and potential thermal throttling. Gamers and content creators should expect detailed third-party reviews before making upgrade decisions.
Who Benefits?
The Core Ultra 9 290K Plus appears tailored for high-end desktop users—those running demanding workloads like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, or high-refresh gaming. The 10% performance bump over the 285K translates to faster compilation times, smoother multitasking, and potentially better frame rates in CPU-bound titles. However, the cost remains unclear; early leaks suggest a premium price, which could limit adoption to those already invested in Intel’s ecosystem.
For now, the 290K Plus stands as Intel’s fastest consumer CPU, but its long-term value will hinge on how well it competes with AMD’s upcoming offerings—and whether the performance gains justify the upgrade cost.
