The Best Intel Core Ultra Laptops for Gaming, Productivity and More

As a tech enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio truly stands out among the crowd. With its sleek design, impressive specs, and innovative AI-driven system settings, it’s not just a laptop – it’s a game-changer.

Intel has introduced a lineup of processors for notebooks named the Core Ultra series, which offer enhanced energy efficiency, extended battery life, and advanced graphics capabilities. Compared to Intel’s desktop-level Core i5/i7/i9 processors, these processors may not be as powerful; however, their increased efficiency results in laptops that are slimmer, lighter, and more portable without sacrificing performance.

The Core Ultra series includes four main chips – Core Ultra 3, Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra 9. As with the desktop series, the Core Ultra 3 processors are the entry-level models while the Core Ultra 5 SKUs are more mid-tier offerings. The Core Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 are the high-performing chips in the series. There are different models with various core counts and clock speeds. This means there are quite a few Intel Core Ultra laptops on the market to choose from, and this guide will help you make the right decision.

Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Intel Core Ultra Laptops in 2024

Despite not being the most powerful laptop built on an Intel Core Ultra platform, the MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO excels in various aspects that make it a well-rounded and robust device. As its name implies, it adheres to Intel’s EVO certification standards, which focus on the laptop’s form factor and efficiency. Furthermore, with its 16-inch screen size, there is ample workspace for tackling diverse tasks.

The MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO boasts a Core Ultra 7 155H processor, equipped with sixteen cores – six performance cores (P-cores), eight efficiency cores (E-cores), and two low power efficient cores (LP-cores). This laptop is also outfitted with 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a massive 2TB NVMe storage. The graphics are managed by integrated Intel Arc Graphics, which makes the device energy-efficient. However, since it doesn’t have a dedicated gaming GPU, it might not be ideal for users seeking a gaming laptop exclusively powered by a Core Ultra processor.

As a delighted admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement about the MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO! This beauty boasts a stunning 16-inch OLED display with a 3840×2400 resolution and an impressive 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. You might expect such high performance to come at the cost of bulkiness, but this sleek machine is only 19mm thin and a manageable 1.5 kg in weight.

As an enthusiast, I can confidently say that the MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO is a versatile powerhouse offering exceptional value, particularly during sales.

Gaming on an Intel Core Ultra powered laptop without a dedicated GPU is still very possible thanks to the integrated Arc graphics in the H-series of Core Ultra chips. However, for the optimal gaming experience, having a dedicated GPU is recommended and that’s where the Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 comes in. This gaming laptop is a beast powered by the Core Ultra 9 185H processor that has 16 cores and 22 threads with the cores split into the same configuration as the Core Ultra 7 155H.

As a long-time gamer and tech enthusiast, I must say that the specifications of this device really catch my eye. With its 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB NVMe storage, it offers ample space to store games, run multiple applications simultaneously, and ensure smooth performance. The 16-inch IPS panel with a 3200×2000 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate is simply stunning, making every visual aspect of my favorite games come alive.

The Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 isn’t a sleek and compact device, as it houses potent hardware components that require adequate cooling. Consequently, it boasts a 20mm thick chassis, which accommodates various connectivity options such as four USB ports, an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a microSD card slot, among others.

In terms of gaming, the Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 stands out as a top-tier laptop equipped with powerful Intel Core processors.

The ideal productivity setup either involves a large screen with a lot of screen real-estate or having multiple monitors, both of which were impossible to achieve with laptops until the release of dual screen laptops, and ASUS was one of the first brands to jump on that bandwagon. Precisely because of that, the 2024 model of the Zenbook Duo stands as the best Intel Core Ultra laptop for productivity.

The ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406 boasts a unique two-screen layout that comes with a detachable keyboard. This versatile design offers several usage options. You can use it like a conventional laptop by positioning the keyboard on the top screen, or turn it into a dual-monitor setup by arranging the screens vertically while connecting the keyboard wirelessly. If you prefer a large tablet, simply remove the keyboard altogether. Additionally, you can set up both displays horizontally for a traditional dual-screen experience.

At its core, this productivity powerhouse is fueled by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, boasting a hefty 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a swift 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD for storage. However, you won’t find a dedicated GPU within, as fitting and cooling one in this sleek convertible design would be quite a challenge. Instead, it boasts two 14-inch OLED screens with touchscreen capability, offering a resolution of 2880×1800, a rapid 120Hz refresh rate, quick 0.2ms response time, brightness peaking at 500 nits in HDR mode, and precise factory calibration for color accuracy.

Featuring a flexible design and reliable capabilities, the ASUS Zenbook Duas UX8406 stands out as an ideal choice for those who value productivity.

Finding a budget-friendly yet reliable laptop for everyday use has become less of a challenge with the introduction of Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Evo certification. For those shopping on a tight budget, the Acer Swift Go 14 might just be the ideal choice. This laptop, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and Intel Arc graphics, can handle all your daily tasks smoothly and even allows for light gaming.

As someone who has been using laptops for over a decade now, I can confidently say that this device ticks all the right boxes for a budget laptop. The 14-inch IPS touchscreen display with its 1920×1200 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and 16:10 aspect ratio is more than enough for my everyday needs, making it perfect for work, streaming videos, or even light gaming.

The Acer Swift Go 14 laptop boasts a 65Wh battery, which might appear modest considering specifications alone. However, this battery supports a 1200p screen operating at 60Hz, implying that it should provide sufficient power for an entire workday, provided the tasks in question aren’t too demanding. Additionally, this device is compact and lightweight due to its Evo certification, making it only 14mm thick and weighing a mere 1.3 kg.

If you value portability, the Dell XPS 13 is the perfect laptop choice for you. It boasts a compact design with a 13-inch screen and a sleek chassis that doesn’t protrude much beyond the display. This results in a stylish keyboard layout that stretches from one edge to another. The slim bezels surrounding the display help preserve its compact size.

The Dell XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch 1920x1200p display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 7466MHz, and a 1TB PCIe SSD. Because of its compact form factor, Dell has only managed to fit a 55Wh battery that charges via the 65W USB Type-C charger. The connectivity options are fairly limited here with only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, of which one will be occupied when charging.

In spite of certain disadvantages, the Dell XPS 13 truly stands out due to its sleek design and Platinum finish. Its keyboard sports a backlight, and it also features a fingerprint reader. The laptop’s thickness measures only 15.3mm at its maximum point and weighs a mere 1.19 kg. This device showcases Dell’s exceptional craftsmanship with a CNC-machined aluminum body that offers a premium look and feel. Additionally, there is a variant of the XPS 13 available with a brighter OLED screen, though it comes at a higher price point.

Individuals seeking top-tier performance, a stylish design with a spacious screen, and are not budget-restricted should explore the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio. It boasts the power of the Core Ultra 9 185H CPU and the graphics prowess of the Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU with 12GB GDDR6 VRAM. Additionally, it comes equipped with a hefty 64GB (32GBx2) DDR5 RAM and a generous 1TB storage capacity. The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio leverages AI technology to optimize various system settings based on usage scenarios, resulting in improved battery efficiency for extended battery life and enhanced component durability.

On this model, you’ll find a Mini-LED display that measures 16 inches with an impressive resolution of 3840×2400 pixels. It boasts a rapid refresh rate of 120Hz and supports HDR 1000 for a truly immersive viewing experience.

The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio is an exceptional device for media consumption, boasting a high-resolution, high-contrast display, and an advanced audio setup powered by Nahimic 3 technology. This setup includes two 2W speakers and four 2W woofers. Additionally, MSI provides two color choices for this laptop: black or blue. Both versions feature a SteelSeries keyboard with customizable per-key RGB lighting.

Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Intel Core Ultra Laptop

There are a few things you should take into consideration before making the purchase decision:

Chip series

The Intel Core Ultra lineup has four major categories; Core Ultra 3, 5, 7, and 9. If you want a performance-focused device, stick with the Core Ultra 7 or Ultra 9 models. For everyone else, a Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 3 laptop will suffice. These laptops are relatively thinner and lightweight compared to the typical Intel Core i-series laptops. They are also relatively cheaper.

Use Case

If you’re looking for a new laptop primarily for gaming, prioritize models that have a dedicated graphics processor, ideally one with an RTX 4060 GPU or superior version. The Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 is a fantastic pick for gamers, boasting the RTX 4070 GPU which can handle most games at high frame rates. On the other hand, if you’re more focused on productivity, the ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406 (2024) could be an excellent match with its dual-displays and various usable orientations.

Budget

Intel Core Ultra-powered laptops tend to be priced lower than AMD Ryzen 7000 series or 14th Gen Intel Core processors, focusing more on efficiency rather than raw power. You can easily find budget-friendly daily performers under $1000, such as the Acer Swift Go 14. On the other hand, if you’re looking for premium options, there are high-end models like the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio with advanced graphics and a top-tier Mini-LED display, priced above $3000.

FAQ

Q: What is the Intel Ultra series?

The Intel Core Ultra series is a lineup of processors that feature 3D performance hybrid architecture which brings together two core microarchitectures on a single chip. These are laptop or mobile chips that target efficiency using AI and the three dedicated CPU, GPU, and NPU engines.

Q: Is the Ultra 7 better than the i7?

When it comes to sheer task-completing prowess, the Intel Core i7 stands out as it’s both mighty and resourceful. On the other hand, the Core Ultra 7 shines by being energy-efficient and incorporating AI technology to optimize its performance.

2024-08-18 22:06