Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus vs Intel Processor U303L Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and the Intel Processor U303L occupy completely different performance tiers. The recorded data shows that the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a comprehensive set of benchmark scores, while the U303L has no recorded benchmark entries in the database. This means the head-to-head comparison relies entirely on the Core Ultra 9's measured results and the U303L's absence of data.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus delivers 5,981 points in Cinebench R15 multi-core, 21,198 points in Cinebench R20 multi-core, and 39,684 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core. In single-core tests, it scores 340 in Cinebench R15, 2,992 in Cinebench R20, and 2,356 in Cinebench R23. These numbers place the processor in the 95th percentile of all CPUs tracked in the database, with an average benchmark score of 79,574.

The U303L has an average benchmark score of 0 and sits in the 50th percentile, indicating that no performance measurements are available for it. The database does not list any head-to-head benchmark results between these two processors, nor does it record a win count for either side. Therefore, the quantitative comparison is one-sided: the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has measurable performance data, and the U303L does not.

Looking at the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus's nearest rivals provides context for its performance level. It is 0.3% ahead of the Intel Core i9-14900KF in average score, 0.6% ahead of the Intel Core i9-14900K, 0.6% behind the AMD EPYC 7413, and 1.4% behind the Intel Xeon w5-2565X. These narrow deltas indicate that the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus performs at the level of high-end desktop and server processors from recent generations, despite being a mobile part.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus also shows strong results in PassMark tests. It scores 658,724 in data compression, 50,008 in data encryption, 51,290 in extended instructions, 519 in prime number finding, 201,773 in floating point math, 164,839 in integer math, 59,439 in multithread performance, 3,387 in physics, 80,327 in random string sorting, and 4,951 in single-thread performance. The multithread and integer math scores are particularly high, reflecting the processor's 24 cores and 24 threads.

Where Each One Wins

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus wins every category where benchmark data exists, because the U303L has no recorded scores. The database shows the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus as a high-performance mobile processor, while the U303L is listed as a mobile processor with no performance measurements.

In multi-core workloads, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus clearly excels. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 39,684 is more than six times its single-core score of 2,356, indicating strong parallel scaling across its 24 cores. The PassMark multithread score of 59,439 compared to the single-thread score of 4,951 shows a similar ratio, suggesting the processor handles heavily threaded tasks such as rendering, compilation, and scientific computing with high efficiency.

In single-core tasks, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus still delivers strong results, with a 5.50 GHz boost clock supporting a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2,356 and a PassMark single-thread score of 4,951. The 95th percentile ranking confirms that even single-threaded performance is above the vast majority of CPUs in the database.

The U303L, by contrast, has no wins in any category because the database contains no benchmark scores for it. Its specifications do indicate a much lower performance ceiling: 5 cores, 6 threads, a 1.20 GHz base clock, and a 2.60 GHz boost clock. These numbers are far below the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus's 24 cores, 24 threads, 2.70 GHz base clock, and 5.50 GHz boost clock. The U303L also has a 15 W TDP compared to the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus's 55 W TDP, which limits sustained performance.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus shows particular strength in data compression and encryption workloads. Its PassMark data compression score of 658,724 and data encryption score of 50,008 indicate that it handles these tasks with high throughput, which matters for file archiving, database operations, and secure communications. The extended instructions score of 51,290 suggests robust SIMD and vector processing capabilities.

The Verdict

The data makes the choice clear for performance-oriented workloads. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is the only one of these two processors with any recorded benchmark results, and those results place it in the 95th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Processor U303L has no benchmark entries and an average score of 0, so it cannot be recommended for any task where measured performance matters.

For multi-core applications such as video rendering, 3D modeling, software compilation, and data processing, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus delivers scores that rival desktop processors like the Core i9-14900K and Core i9-14900KF, coming within 0.6% and 0.3% of those parts respectively. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 39,684 is a strong indicator of sustained all-core performance.

For single-core tasks such as gaming, web browsing, and office productivity, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus still leads, with a boost clock of 5.50 GHz and a PassMark single-thread score of 4,951. The U303L's 2.60 GHz boost clock is less than half of that, and its 5 cores and 6 threads are a fraction of the Core Ultra 9's 24 cores and 24 threads.

The U303L does have one advantage in the recorded specifications: power consumption. Its 15 W TDP is significantly lower than the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus's 55 W TDP, which means it is designed for battery-conscious mobile devices. However, the database contains no performance data for the U303L, so any analysis of its efficiency must remain qualitative. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus targets a different market segment entirely, with its 55 W TDP and 3 nm process node indicating a focus on maximum performance.

Users who need a processor with proven, measured high-end performance should choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. Users who need a low-power mobile processor with modest specifications may consider the U303L, but they should be aware that the database shows no benchmark results for it.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus scores 39,684 in Cinebench R23 multi-core. The Intel Processor U303L has no recorded Cinebench R23 score in the database.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has 24 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Processor U303L has 5 cores and 6 threads.

Q: How does the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus compare to its nearest rivals?

A: It is 0.3% ahead of the Intel Core i9-14900KF, 0.6% ahead of the Intel Core i9-14900K, 0.6% behind the AMD EPYC 7413, and 1.4% behind the Intel Xeon w5-2565X in average benchmark score.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a TDP of 55 W. The Intel Processor U303L has a TDP of 15 W.

Q: Does the U303L have any benchmark results in the database?

A: No, the Intel Processor U303L has no benchmark scores recorded. Its average benchmark score is 0, and it has no nearest rivals listed.

Q: What is the percentile ranking of each processor?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus ranks in the 95th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Processor U303L ranks in the 50th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from completely different Intel architectures and manufacturing processes. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus belongs to the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses the Arrow Lake-HX Refresh codename, built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC. It integrates 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die. The Intel Processor U303L uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename, built on a 10 nm process node at Intel. The database does not list transistor count or die size for the U303L.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a 24-core, 24-thread configuration with 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The U303L has a 5-core, 6-thread configuration with 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Both processors use dual-channel memory buses, but the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supports only DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while the U303L supports both DDR4 and DDR5 with no bandwidth figure recorded in the database.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units, while the U303L uses UHD Graphics with 96 execution units. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supports ECC memory, but the U303L does not. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a 5.50 GHz boost clock and a 2.70 GHz base clock, while the U303L has a 2.60 GHz boost clock and a 1.20 GHz base clock.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, and the U303L does not have an unlocked multiplier. The two processors use different sockets: the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses Intel BGA 2114, and the U303L uses Intel Socket 1700. The PCIe connectivity also differs, with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supporting Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only) and the U303L supporting Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Specification Differences

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has 24 cores and 24 threads, while the U303L has 5 cores and 6 threads. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The U303L has a base clock of 1.20 GHz and a boost clock of 2.60 GHz.

The TDP values are 55 W for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and 15 W for the U303L. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supports ECC memory, while the U303L does not. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has an unlocked multiplier, while the U303L does not.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus is built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC, while the U303L is built on a 10 nm process node at Intel. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has a launch date of March 16, 2026, while the U303L has a launch date of April 7, 2024. The U303L has a launch MSRP of $285, while the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus supports DDR5 memory only, with dual-channel configuration and 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. The U303L supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, with no bandwidth figure listed. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus uses Intel BGA 2114 socket, while the U303L uses Intel Socket 1700. PCIe support is Gen 5 with 20 lanes for the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the U303L.