New Alienware 16 with Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is crazy fast, but it comes with consequences

Just when you thought Intel couldn't introduce a CPU faster than the Core Ultra 9 branding, a new series has come along this year aptly named "Core Ultra 9 Plus" to push performance even higher for enthusiasts. Dell's Alienware 16 is one of the first laptops to sport the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus as the new highest trim level over last year's top-of-the-line Core Ultra 9 275HX configuration. How much of a performance boost can potential owners expect with the new processor option?

As shown by our comparison charts below, the new 2026 Alienware 16 with Core Ultra 9 Plus can be up to 25 percent faster than the old 2025 Alienware 16 with the regular Core Ultra 9. The extra performance puts the new Intel CPU more in line with the competing Ryzen 9 9955HX3D as found on some competing models like the MSI Raider A18 or Schenker XMG neo 16.

Unfortunately, the extra performance doesn't come free. Since the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is built on the same underlying Arrow Lake architecture as the Core Ultra 9 275HX, the Core Ultra 9 Plus is essentially an overclocked Core Ultra 9 275HX meaning it achieves faster performance mainly through higher power consumption and heat. Indeed, the new Alienware 16 can be up to 25 percent more demanding than the 2025 Alienware 16 when running CPU-heavy tasks or benchmarks like Prime95.

More benchmarks and comparisons can be found on our full review of the Alienware 16.