Tag: Core Ultra 9

  • Acer Swift 16 AI Review: Stunning OLED and Great Value

    Acer Swift 16 AI Review: Stunning OLED and Great Value

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Acer Swift 16 AI features a standout 16-inch OLED screen with deep blacks, bright colors, and crisp resolution, ideal for creative tasks and video watching.
    2. The laptop is powered by the Core Ultra 9 288V processor, but various configurations are available, ranging from Core Ultra 5 226V to Core Ultra 9 288V, priced between €1,200 and €1,700.
    3. Higher-priced models are not always the best choice; the Core Ultra 7 258V delivers comparable performance to the Core Ultra 9 at a lower cost.
    4. Budget-conscious shoppers can find value by opting for models without features like a touchscreen and considering configurations around €1,350.
    5. Expanding internal storage with a second NVMe SSD is a cost-effective option, as SSDs can be purchased for around $60 on Amazon.


    The Acer Swift 16 AI stands out mainly due to its impressive 16-inch OLED screen. This display truly grabs attention with its deep blacks, bright colors, and crisp resolution, making it excellent for both creative tasks and watching videos. A key question arises: is it necessary to always go for the most expensive version, or is there a smarter, more affordable option available?

    Performance Insights

    The model we examined is powered by the robust Core Ultra 9 288V, which excels in tasks that require heavy artificial intelligence processing. However, when we take a detailed look at the European market, we see there are many different configurations. As of May 2025, the Swift 16 AI OLED laptop is priced between €1,200 and €1,700 and includes processors from the Core Ultra 5 226V to the Core Ultra 9 288V. The good news is that there are options for those who are mindful of their budgets.

    Smart Choices for Shoppers

    Interestingly, the highest-end model isn’t always the best option. The lower-priced variants are part of the least expensive laptops equipped with Lunar Lake technology. Our recent tests have shown that the Core Ultra 9 doesn’t significantly outperform the Core Ultra 7 258V. We’ve already pointed this out in our first take on Intel’s Lunar Lake processors.

    For shoppers focused on saving money, it’s easier to find a model that fits their needs. For instance, if someone doesn’t require a touchscreen and chooses the Core Ultra 7 258V, they can buy the 16-inch Acer laptop for approximately €1,350. This is much cheaper than the premium versions and offers great value, in our view. Additionally, getting a second NVMe SSD to boost the internal storage could also be a wise financial move. The flagship model we looked at features 2 SSDs, totaling 2TB of space. Depending on the speed needed, SSDs can be purchased for around $60 on Amazon.

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  • Intel Arrow Lake HX Processors Unveiled at CES 2025 for Laptops

    Intel Arrow Lake HX Processors Unveiled at CES 2025 for Laptops

    Intel has unveiled its premium Arrow Lake-HX processors at CES 2025. These chips, just like the ones before them, are designed for high-performance laptops and will consume a significant amount of power. An earlier leak hinted at the arrival of six models this time. Intel has announced that laptops equipped with Arrow Lake-HX CPUs are expected to be available in “Late Q1, 2024”.

    Streamlined Lineup

    The Arrow Lake HX series presents a more organized structure compared to past generations, featuring two models each of Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 5. Intel has also adjusted the turbo wattage from 55 Watts to 57 Watts, which may lead to improved PL1 and PL2 values under heavy loads.

    Specs and Features

    The lineup includes the Core Ultra 9 285HX, Core Ultra 9 275HX, Core Ultra 7 265HX, Core Ultra 7 255HX, Core Ultra 5 245HX, and Core Ultra 5 235HX. All these models are equipped with a 4 EU Intel Arc integrated GPU that supports eDP 1.4, DP 2.1, and HDMI 2.1 standards.

    In terms of memory, the processors can handle up to 96 GB of DDR5-6400 or 64 GB of LPDDR5X-8400 RAM. They also support the new LPCAMM2 standard. Each model is outfitted with 4 PCIe Gen5 lanes, 4 PCIe Gen4 lanes for SSDs, and can accommodate up to two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, along with a separate Thunderbolt 5.0 port, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.