The next generation of Intel Core processors is here. I9 laptops allow users to unlock speeds never before possible. If you are looking to invest in a semi-mobile gaming set up or need to upgrade your remote work laptop, this is a great year to do so. All the major players in the world of portable computers have introduced their i9 processor laptop options, along with some other incredible innovations.
Intel has yet again created one of the world’s fastest computer processors, the Core i9. Speed is the biggest difference from the i7, which was the biggest difference from the i5. Intel has continued to build on its processors every generation. An i9 laptop is perfect for running programs that require a ton of bandwidth like online gaming. These Intel Core i9 laptops will allow you to run Counter Strike while live streaming on Twitch and playing YouTube in the background with 20 tabs open without a glitch.
Also read: Best Gaming Laptop Under $1500
The biggest change Intel made from the i7 to the Core i9 processor is Hyperthreading. This creates two processing threads for every physical core. An i9 laptop with the new processor will have more cores, higher clock, and more cache than previous generations.
We choose these models to represent the top names in computer manufacturing. All have been designed for gaming, live streaming, or running complex software programs. An i9 laptop is powerful, these machines aren’t meant for merely running Microsoft Word while streaming from YouTube. If you need a workhorse these 6 Core i9 Laptops will get the job done without any lag.
Top 10 Intel i9 Powered Laptops
Photo | Title | Screen Size | Our Review | Price | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Dell XPS 15 | 15.6" | $1,399.00 | Amazon | |
![]() |
ASUS ROG Strix Scar | 15.6" | Amazon | ||
![]() |
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo | 15.6" | $5,598.00 | Amazon | |
![]() |
MSI GE75 Raider | 17.3" | $4,999.00 | Amazon | |
![]() |
Dell XPS 17 | 17.3" | $1,415.76 | Amazon | |
![]() |
Apple MacBook Pro | 16" | Amazon | ||
![]() |
Lenovo ThinkPad P15 | 15.6" | $3,799.00 | Amazon | |
![]() |
New Impressive Area-51m R2 | 17.3" | Amazon | ||
![]() |
ASUS ProArt Studiobook | 15.6" | $11,870.65 | Amazon |
Our Top 3 Picks – Intel i9 Laptops
#1. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
All the i9 laptops on this list are incredible machines. They are all some of the fastest computers ever created. However, as far as innovation goes outside the core i9, none are competing with ASUS.
You may remember the last generation of ASUS laptops with ScreenPad. The trackpad is essentially turned into a touchscreen to add functionality. This generation, ASUS could be changing the design of laptops forever.
PROS
The ScreenPad Plus. ASUS has extended the screen onto the keyboard! Switching the keyboard with where the trackpad once was. The trackpad has been replaced by a 4k NanoEdge touch screen monitor spanning the entire length of the keyboard.
ScreenPad has evolved into rethinking how laptops are used. The ScreenPad Plus allows users to switch through apps, extend their display, navigate windows, and draw just above your keyboard.
CONS
The ScreenPad Plus. This change may be too much for users that are happy with the traditional laptop setup. While this laptop with i9 is reasonably priced, it still is a major investment. Going with a completely new laptop design is risky.
If you prefer the trackpad the ZenBook isn’t for you. This i9 laptop requires a mouse. Also, having the keyboard closer to the user may certainly take some getting used to.
We admire the innovation but would have to try this product for a few months to have an idea of how well the extended touchscreen will affect workflow. This is not the choice for gaming. We can imagine that professionals using a stylus will enjoy having a touchscreen perpendicular to the screen to draw on.
- ScreenPad Plus: 14 inch 4K matte touchscreen, giving your endless way to optimize your multitasking experience by extending the screen or split windows and apps on both displays
- 15.6 inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display
- Latest 9th generation Intel Core i9-9980HK Quad Core Processor (16M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz) with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Detachable palm rest and ASUS active stylus pen included
- Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD with 32GB DDR4 RAM
#2. Dell XPS 15
Dell has been making the XPS 15s for a few years now. The line is considered one of the most reliable and cost-effective on the market. But if you are looking for an i9 processor laptop, the Dell XPS falling in the median price point. Dell has been making great products for decades, this is still a great choice.
PROS
This generation of XPS 15 is getting an OLED display. OLED pixels are self-illuminating creating brighter whites and darker blacks. The new technology also allows for a wider viewing angle than LED monitors.
The Dell XPS 15 with the Intel Core i9 processor also features an impressive battery life. Users can enjoy incredibly fast computing power unplugged for over 8 hours, the longest battery life of all our i9 laptops besides the MacBook. While this is not anything to brag about when it comes to battery life. Relative to the other i9 laptops it is quite impressive.
Dell listened to the complaints and fixed the webcam for the i9 laptop. It sits on the top of the monitor (the only place that is logical) instead of the bottom of the bezel like previous models.
CONS
Dell’s designs are known for being basic and sometimes a bit outdated. The XPS 15 combines carbon fiber and aluminum on this design to try to get past this label. While this is a nice touch, the i9 laptop still looks like an laptop from 2019. Furthermore, don’t expect to be impressed with the sound. The audio on this i9 laptop is the worst in-class.
#3. MacBook Pro
The new i9 laptop from Apple is the most powerful laptop ever created by the technology giant/lifestyle brand. The reasons people love Apple products are also the reason why people hate them. This is the last product collab we will see with the two iconic American tech companies. Apple has switched using its processors as of late 2020.
For devout members who are hesitant to try processors made by Apple, this is the end of the road.
PROS
For those already connected to the Apple ecosystem, this machine is going to function as the epicenter of communication, work, and entertainment. The most powerful MacBook to date also has the best display, sound, and SSD storage of all Apple laptops.
CONS
For those without an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Air Pods, and Apple Car in their future, integrating with the MacBook is going to be difficult. It’s doable but the lack of ports and special chargers and cords is going to drive you crazy. Purchasing this i9 laptop is a commitment for those who are
16GB of RAM is also a problem. Apple products are more expensive for the ‘cool’ factor and functionality across other devices. This i9 laptop is reasonably priced compared to the other options, but you sacrifice RAM. This is one area that may not be worth trading for the cool factor. The 32GB option is going to run you over three grand.
Things to Consider When Buying an i9 Laptop
Buying a premium laptop is an investment. If you are working remotely, this is your livelihood, if you are using it for gaming, it’s your life (only joking, sort of). For the next couple of years, this is it.
Choosing the right i9 laptop requires a clear goal. What are you going to use this machine for? All are pretty well suited for gaming thanks to the Intel Core i9 Processor. If you are looking to use it for editing video, render 3D scenes, or other tasks that require multiple threads of processing, you won’t be disappointed.
These i9 laptops are incredibly powerful machines. They are meant to be used for running complex software. You are wasting your money if you buy an i9 laptop and stream Netflix and check your email. The i7 and i5 processors have plenty of computing power to handle simple tasks. This is a list of workhorses.
For gamers who live stream, the increase in the juice will be heaven-sent. This much computing power will have no problem streaming to Twitch or Mixer while you game. Even using an i9 for solely gaming could be overkill.
The i9 Laptop Winner
All of these i9 laptops are impressive, premium options. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices on this list. That being said here is the laptop that stood out to us.
Best Value: Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
The Asus is a great deal for under 3k. This i9 laptop is complete with all the features of the rest of the list, is fully capable of handling anything you can throw at it and is quite affordable. The design is very nice as well, overall this is a great looking and powerful laptop.
The innovation of these i9 laptops is incredible. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these options!