Uncovering the Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus: A Flagship CPU That Never Made It to UK Shores

The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus was set to be the crown jewel of the Core Ultra 200S Plus ‘Arrow Lake Refresh’ family, boasting 24 cores and 24 threads. However, it seems this chip was destined for the scrapheap. Recent benchmarks have shed light on why Intel decided to axe this flagship CPU.

As it turns out, the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus would have performed similarly to the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, which is available in the UK for £299. This raised questions about the necessity of the 290K Plus, especially considering its likely higher price point.

The Core Ultra 9 290K Plus was expected to retain the same configuration as the Core Ultra 9 285K, with clock speeds that would have put it in direct competition with its lower-numbered counterpart. However, with the 270K Plus already offering impressive performance, it’s clear that Intel didn’t see a need to release another, similar chip.

For UK users, this means that the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus remains a top choice for those seeking a high-performance CPU. With its 24 cores and 24 threads, this chip is well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modelling.

In terms of specifications, the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus would have featured the same 24 cores and 24 threads as the 285K, but with slightly higher clock speeds. However, as mentioned earlier, this would have put it in direct competition with the 270K Plus, which offers similar performance at a lower price point.

Intel’s decision to scrap the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus may have been a wise one, as it allows the company to focus on other, more innovative projects. For UK users, this means that the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus will remain a top choice for those seeking a high-performance CPU.

As we analyse the benchmarks, it becomes clear that the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus would have struggled to differentiate itself from the 270K Plus. With the UK market already saturated with high-performance CPUs, it’s likely that Intel didn’t see a need to release another, similar chip.

The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is available in the UK for £299, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance CPU. With its impressive specifications and competitive pricing, it’s clear that this chip will remain a top choice for UK users.

In conclusion, the Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus may have been a flagship CPU in theory, but in practice, it would have struggled to find its place in the UK market. With the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus already offering impressive performance, it’s clear that Intel made the right decision in scrapping the 290K Plus.