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| The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus gaming CPU is no longer on Intel's timeline. |
A flagship gaming processor that had already been leaked and benchmarked is now unlikely to ever hit store shelves, according to a new report.
If you’ve been tracking the rumors for Intel’s next-generation desktop CPUs, you might have been waiting for a chip called the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus. Touted as the flagship of the upcoming Arrow Lake Refresh lineup, it promised a notable performance bump for high-end gaming rigs. But now, it appears this chip has been quietly shelved before it was ever officially announced.
The news comes from a detailed report by the tech outlet VideoCardz, which states that Intel has decided against launching the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus. This isn't a classic product cancellation—the chip was never formally unveiled—but rather a strategic reversal after the company had already distributed samples to partners.
You can read the full, detailed report on VideoCardz’s website.
Too Much of a Good Thing? Intel’s Product Overlap Problem
So, why would Intel pull the plug on a seemingly promising flagship? According to the report, the decision stems from internal product placement concerns.
The issue is one of specification crowding. The upcoming Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is already expected to feature a 24-core configuration. This puts it in direct contention with both the existing Core Ultra 9 285K and the rumored 290K Plus. With three CPUs all potentially offering the same core count, Intel's lineup risked becoming confusing and overly saturated with near-identical options.
"*Since the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is already expected to boast a 24-core setup similar to the existing 285K and the rumored 290K Plus, Intel ultimately decided that there was far too much product overlap,*" the report notes.
For gamers and PC builders, this means one fewer choice at the very top end, but it also suggests Intel is aiming to streamline its offerings to create clearer distinctions between its SKUs.
What We’re Losing: The 290K Plus Promise
The now-scrapped 290K Plus wasn't just a re-badge. Leaks had hinted at meaningful improvements that made it an enticing prospect for enthusiasts.
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| Previously leaked product listing for the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus CPU indicated higher boost clocks. |
Most notably, the chip was rumored to feature a Thermal Velocity Boost clock speed roughly 100 MHz higher than its siblings. This seemingly modest boost was believed to be a key factor behind the approximate 10% performance uplift observed in leaked benchmark runs. In the competitive world of high-FPS gaming and content creation, a 10% gain is a significant generational jump, making the 290K Plus's departure notable for performance seekers.
Looking Ahead: Nova Lake is on the Horizon
While the disappearance of the 290K Plus may disappoint some enthusiasts, the broader roadmap for Intel fans remains promising. The report confirms that the rest of the Core Ultra 200K Plus (Arrow Lake Refresh) lineup, including the 270K and 250K models, is still on track.
Furthermore, attention is already shifting to what comes next. Intel’s next major architecture, Nova Lake, is reportedly on schedule for a release later this year. This suggests that the decision to trim the Arrow Lake Refresh lineup may be partly influenced by a desire to clear the deck for a more substantial performance leap with Nova Lake.
For gamers loyal to Team Blue, the long-term outlook is still bright. The shelving of a single SKU, even a flagship, is often a sign of strategic refinement rather than retreat. As always, the final word will come from Intel itself when it officially unveils its full desktop plans for the year.
Source: VideoCardz