Intel’s latest Core Ultra 9 290K Plus isn’t just another incremental update—it’s a performance leap that could redefine the upper echelon of desktop CPUs before the next-gen Nova Lake-S transition. Leaked benchmarks show a 10% improvement in single-threaded tasks and an 11% gain in multi-core performance over the existing 285K, positioning it as the fastest Arrow Lake refresh yet. But whether that translates to real-world gains for gamers—or just a stronger foothold in productivity—remains to be seen.
The 290K Plus retains the same 24-core, 24-thread architecture as its predecessor, but with higher clock speeds and a tighter grip on DDR5-7200 memory support. Its 5.8GHz boost clock (up from 5.7GHz) and 250W TDP suggest Intel is doubling down on power efficiency without sacrificing raw performance. Yet, for gamers, the news is less clear: AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D still holds a 4% single-thread lead and a 13% multi-core advantage, thanks to its 3D V-Cache technology.
Key Upgrades: What’s Actually Changing?
- Performance: 3535 (ST) / 25,106 (MT) in Geekbench 6—up from 3456/24,610 on the original 290K.
- Clock Speeds: Base (P-core): 3.7GHz → unchanged; Boost (P-core): 5.7GHz → 5.8GHz; E-core boost: 4.6GHz → 4.8GHz.
- Memory: DDR5-6400 (285K) → DDR5-7200 (290K Plus), enabling faster kit compatibility.
- Cache: 36MB L3 / 40MB L2 (identical to 285K).
- Power: 125W/250W TDP (same as 285K, but likely optimized for sustained workloads).
- Pricing: $589 (285K’s price unconfirmed, but likely similar).
For power users, the upgrades matter. The 11% multi-core jump could mean faster rendering, AI workloads, and content creation—especially when paired with 32GB DDR5-7200 RAM. But for gamers, the story is less straightforward. While the 290K Plus may close the gap in raw compute tasks, AMD’s 3D V-Cache chips (like the 9950X3D) still deliver better gaming FPS in most titles. Intel’s focus here appears to be on productivity and high-end workloads, not necessarily dethroning AMD in esports benchmarks.
Who Should Upgrade?
The 290K Plus isn’t a revolutionary leap—it’s a polished refinement aimed at users who need maximum multi-threaded performance and can handle a $589+ investment. If you’re running 32GB DDR5-7200 RAM and pushing rendering, AI, or server-like workloads, the upgrade could be worth it. However, if you’re a gamer relying on AMD’s 3D V-Cache advantage, the gains may not justify the switch—especially with Nova Lake-S looming and a new socket (LGA 1954) on the horizon.
For now, the 290K Plus feels like Intel’s last hurrah for Arrow Lake-S, a way to clear out 800-series motherboard inventory before the next transition. With prices still unconfirmed for most models and Nova Lake-S expected later this year, this refresh may be more about staying relevant than redefining performance leadership.
Expect more leaks as launch nears, but one thing is clear: Intel isn’t slowing down—even if AMD still holds the gaming crown.
