Intel’s upcoming flagship laptop processor, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, has surfaced in a Geekbench 6 listing, confirming that Arrow Lake Refresh HX processors are already being tested inside real gaming laptops. The benchmark entry is tied to an Acer Predator system, providing the clearest indication so far that Intel’s next high-performance mobile CPUs are nearing launch.
The Geekbench listing identifies the system as Acer Predator PHN18-I71, running Windows 11 Pro and powered by the unreleased Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. While Intel has not officially announced this processor, its appearance in an OEM laptop strongly suggests that validation and internal testing are already underway, a phase that typically precedes commercial availability.
According to the benchmark data, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus features a 24-core configuration, consisting of 8 Performance cores and 16 Efficiency cores. This matches the core layout of Intel’s current HX-series flagships but positions the new chip above the existing Core Ultra 9 285HX in Intel’s mobile lineup. The processor is clearly associated with the Arrow Lake Refresh family, confirming that this is an upgraded iteration rather than a new architecture.
The listing also reports boost clock speeds reaching around 5.4 GHz. However, the benchmark does not include complete performance scores, indicating that the test was likely interrupted or incomplete.
Early Geekbench leaks frequently show partial results, and these figures should not be treated as final performance numbers. Even so, the presence of the chip itself confirms that the processor is functional and already being evaluated in a shipping-class laptop.
The HX branding is a crucial detail. Intel’s HX-series processors are designed for large, high-power laptops and are effectively desktop-class CPUs adapted for mobile platforms. These chips operate at significantly higher power limits than standard laptop processors and require advanced cooling solutions, which is why they are typically found in premium gaming laptops and mobile workstations.
The leak also sheds light on Intel’s broader mobile strategy following CES 2026. At the event, Intel focused heavily on Panther Lake processors aimed at thin-and-light laptops and efficiency-focused designs. Notably, Arrow Lake Refresh processors were not formally introduced. The emergence of the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus suggests Intel is intentionally separating its mobile platforms, with Panther Lake targeting efficiency and Arrow Lake Refresh HX serving users who prioritize maximum CPU performance.
Acer’s involvement is consistent with past trends. The Predator lineup has frequently been among the first to adopt Intel’s top-tier mobile processors, especially HX-series parts. These laptops feature large chassis, high power budgets, and robust thermal designs, making them ideal platforms for processors like the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
For gamers, streamers, and content creators, this development points to a new generation of high-end gaming laptops arriving in 2026. Systems equipped with Arrow Lake Refresh HX processors are expected to deliver strong multi-core performance for modern games, live streaming, and demanding creative workloads such as video editing and 3D rendering.
At this stage, Intel has not confirmed official specifications, pricing, or a launch timeline for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, and Acer has not announced specific Predator models featuring the chip. However, the appearance of the processor in a Geekbench listing linked to a real Acer laptop strongly indicates that formal announcements may not be far away.
As additional benchmarks and OEM disclosures emerge, a clearer picture of Arrow Lake Refresh HX performance and availability is expected to take shape in the coming months.
Sources: Geekbench via Videocardz
