Intel released the first i9 processor in 2018, attempting to cater to high-output seekers who craved better boosts and speedier overall performance. The company has come a long way from the i9–9900K. Processors from the X series now come with as many as 18 cores.
Here’s why you need to consider an i9 CPU
The Intel i9 line of processors has several upfront advantages over its predecessors. You get many more cores, better frequencies, and even more cache. If you have used an i5 or i7 CPU before, getting an i9 will deliver much better performance for gaming, multimedia editing, and multitasking. An i9 can be just the thing you need if your day-to-day needs revolve around performance-intensive jobs like 3D modeling, video production, etc.
Remember this before getting an i9 machine
An i9 processor will use up more power. It mandates an optimized heat dissipation mechanism. Fortunately, Intel is working on this as its lineup of i9 CPUs ages. You will do well to buy a machine that employs new-age cooling techniques like vapor chambers and aero blade fans.
You should also consider if you require a discrete graphics card. Many i9 CPUs come with graphics built into the chip. This option makes sense if you do not need an additional GPU. However, gamers will need – and crave – the latest graphics for dazzling new effects and the wins of artificial intelligence.
The amount of over-clocking possible is also a key consideration. CPUs from the i7 and i9 series often have close cores and clock speeds. For instance, the maximum boost for the Intel Core i7 stands at 5.20GHz – very close to the 5.60GHz delivered by the Intel Core i9. It is why you should also assess the other advantages of i9, such as the optional higher thermal design power (TDP) that can help sustain the clock speeds.
The 11 Best Intel Core i9 Laptop in 2023
Getting an i9 is a big decision. You will be paying a price premium; it is difficult to find a decent powerhouse for less than $1500. If you are wondering whether to upgrade from an i7, be prepared for greater power consumption and fan noise.
But you will witness distinct advantages in multitasking performance, multimedia editing, gaming, and resource-hoarding business activities like working on multiple spreadsheets. Many prominent laptop makers, such as ASUS, Dell, MSI, etc., have now integrated i9 processors into their lineups. Prepare to be spoilt for choice – as long as you have the cash.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Core i9-13980HX Gaming Laptop
- MUX Switch for improved performance
- Brilliant display features
- Sustainable heat management
- Lower refresh rate than some competitors
- Heavy design
ASUS remains a reliable and affordable gaming brand with a range that embraces the latest developments. The 16″ ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) gaming laptop brings you the performance of an Intel Core i9-13980HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics.
It has a refresh rate of 165Hz and a 100% sRGB color gamut. The display features stand out here: Dolby Vision, a screen-to-body ratio of 90%, and adaptive sync for seamless in-game transitions and special effects. This laptop uses liquid metal on the CPU to facilitate cooling, with a third intake fan.
You will appreciate Wi-Fi 6E if you are into online gaming – the connectivity is smoother and faster. Another performance-enhancing feature is the MUX Switch. It enables routing your frames directly to the screen, upping the overall performance by 5-10%.
MSI Stealth 17 Studio i9-13900H Gaming Laptop
- Optimal refresh rate
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Long-lasting battery life
- Expensive
- Heavyweight
- Average audio output
At $2,799, the MSI Stealth 17 Studio isn’t exactly cheap. But the 17.3″ QHD laptop is a fantastic choice for gamers. This Intel Core i9-13900H machine has 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics, and a refresh rate of 240Hz. A 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Dynaudio sound guarantee immersive A/V experiences that justify the steep price tag. You also get per-key RGB lighting to add that extra jazz to your entertainment den.
Plus: MSI prioritizes heat management like a true-blue multimedia device, complete with dual fans and multiple heat pipes (Cooler Boost Trinity+). It is a highly secure machine equipped with facial and fingerprint recognition. A durable 99.9Whr battery, Wi-Fi 6E, and Thunderbolt 4 keep you connected on the move.
Cheapest 13th Gen. i9 Gaming Laptop: ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)
- Inexpensive
- Good performance for high-speed gaming
- High refresh rate
- Heavy build
- Competitors often offer higher-res displays
Who would have thought you could find an Intel Core i9 laptop for less than $2,000? The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) costs approximately $1,700 but provides top-of-the-rung specs like RTX 4050 graphics and a 240Hz refresh rate. Inside the processing chamber are 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. The 16″ WQXGA screen has a 100% DCI-P3 color spectrum and adheres to Pantone validation for accurate, realistic rendition. ASUS even includes a MUX Switch to amp things up amid intense gameplay.
This affordable but high-performing computer is compatible with Wi-Fi 6E – a bonus for online gaming fans. It is not portable at over 6lbs, but that attractive price tag can clinch the deal for budget watchers.
Alienware x16 i9-13900HK Gaming Laptop
- High refresh rate
- Premium and comfortable look and feel
- Stylish stadium shape with new lighting effects
- Larger, updated keyboard
- Very expensive
- The design may not appeal to all audiences
Most professional gamers trust Alienware to deliver unmatched performance and audio-visuals. The latest Alienware x16 gaming laptop costs $3,099.99. It gets powered by an Intel Core i9-13900HK processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics. This gaming beast boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and a response time of 3ms. NVIDIA G-SYNC ensures that you make the most of recent AAA titles.
The display front is awe-inspiring per usual: a 100% DCI-P3 color spectrum and all-new stadium lighting with Micro-LED. The laptop even offers three new lighting effects to up the ante in your arena. This Alienware looks as premium as ever, with a glorious two-tone finish, V-rail edges, and a spacious palm rest. We also adore the AlienFX touchpad with its large workspace, integrated scrolling, and personalized lighting.
Razer Blade 16 Intel Core i9-13950HX Laptop
- Brilliant performance with 175W TGP
- Best response time under 3ms
- Multiple ports for gaming on the go
- Light, sleek, and luxurious build
- Low refresh rate with an FHD display
- Mediocre battery life
The all-new RAZER BLADE 16 is a complete winner destined to scintillate gamers worldwide. Not only does it have a high-performing 13th Gen. Intel Core i9 HX CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics, but it also has a response time of under 3ms. The most startling improvement over the previous models is the full TGP of 175W.
You can opt for a UHD+ or an FHD+ resolution with refresh rates of 120Hz and 240Hz. This machine offers a vast color range of 100% DCI-P3 and a vivid brightness of 1000 nits.
Although a 16″ device, the company has designed it to fit the dimensions of 15″. The anodized, matte-black finish is another striking addition, perfect for anyone who wants a head-turner. You will also find numerous ports incorporated for on-the-go gaming: Thunderbolt 4, a USB Type-C, USB Type A, and HDMI.
Alienware m18 Core i9 18-inch Gaming Laptop
- Excellent performance
- Expansive and immersive 18" display
- Gorgeous mechanical keyboard
- Pricey
- The weight limits portability
Dell has come up with fascinating launches this year, and we can’t help but be excited. The Alienware m18 gaming laptop runs on a superior 13th Generation Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics. The 18″ QHD+ display with NVIDIA G-SYNC has a refresh rate of 165Hz and a swift 3ms response time. The color gamut is wide and satisfying: 100% DCI-P3. This newest Alienware costs $2,899.99 – rather steep as usual but well worth the buck.
The mechanical keyboard is one of the most attractive features of this device. Dell has designed it meticulously with stainless-steel switches, a key-travel distance of 1.8mm, and a keystroke lifecycle of 15 million. The touchpad is also larger, making your multimedia sessions much more comfortable.
Razer Blade 18 Core i9-13950HX + RTX 4090 Laptop
- Suitable for gaming and content creation
- Comfortable upgradability
- Compact charger and efficient power usage
- The keyboard is average and somewhat uncomfortable
- Bulky design with limited mobility
Giving many other laptops in its league a run for their money is the RAZER BLADE 18 – an ultra-powerful new release from the brand. It draws its power from a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics. This machine offers full TGP (120W) and vapor chamber cooling for sustainable performance during intensive CPU usage.
It is an upgradeable machine – up to 8TB storage and 5600Mhz RAM – which helps manage your expectations and budget. Another bonus of this gaming monster is its compact charger with a high power output – more play time for you with less hassle.
Razer employs the Ada Lovelace architecture and Max-Q for a magnificent performance jump. This system is a fine choice for multimedia creation. You can use NVIDIA Omniverse to fuel your projects and experience THX Spatial Audio for detail-oriented work.
Alienware m16 13th gen. Core i9 Gaming Laptop
- Superb refresh rate
- Topnotch gaming performance
- Convenient keyboard with customization options
- The chunky design is not for everyone
- Hefty price tag
This 13th-generation i9 laptop will cost you a pretty penny (around $3000), but the features are mind-blowing. The Alienware m16 has a 16″ QHD+ monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. As expected, the 13th Gen. Intel Core i9-13900HX is fast and efficient; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics deliver an engaging gaming experience each time. Moreover, the Ada Lovelace architecture enhances the overall experience with more intuitive AI, ray tracing, and efficient power management.
Sleek design standards are a significant plus for Alienware, and this laptop continues its legacy. This stunning device also has ports aplenty: Type C, Type A, HDMI, you name it. You can select a mechanical keyboard with anti-ghosting and integrated scrolling.
High-Performance i9 Gaming Laptop: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2023)
- Brilliant gaming performance
- Bright, vivid, and detailed display
- Gaming-friendly keyboard
- Expensive
- Too heavy to be portable for daily use
- The trackpad could be better designed
Performance is the topmost priority for the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2023), priced at $3,749.00. This 16″ Intel Core i9 laptop offers 32GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and RTX 4090 graphics – a veritable combination for spectacular gameplay. A MUX Switch ramps the performance significantly (up to 10%). Fortunately, ASUS ensures sustainability with liquid metal cooling and an additional intake fan for heat management.
The display (QHD HDR) is also tantalizing: a 240Hz refresh rate and a brightness of 1100 nits. The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut (Pantone validated) makes an incredible difference for detailing – even the minutest element doesn’t escape your notice.
This gaming laptop has multiple connections, like Wi-Fi 6E, to facilitate online gaming and collaboration with team members. The keyboard with a 2mm key-travel distance and special hotkeys is particularly helpful.
4K i9 Gaming Laptop: MSI Titan GT77 17.3″ UHD 144Hz Mini LED
- Excellent performance with high-end specs
- Effective cooling
- Good sound quality
- Brilliant mechanical keyboard
- Expensive
- Bulky and clunky build
- An average refresh rate of 144Hz
You have to experience the joys of 4K gaming firsthand. Only then can you believe in the splendor. The MSI Titan GT77 17.3″ UHD 144Hz Mini LED costs $4,299.00. But if it fits your budget, this Intel Core i9 powerhouse is undeniably worth it. It has 64GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and an RTX 4080 graphics card – specs sure to blow your mind.
The UHD display has 100% DCI-P3 color and a refresh rate of 144Hz. The latter is admittedly lower than some other options but still perfectly enjoyable for many gamers. A nice touch is Dynaudio sound for clear, pleasing audio output.
MSI ensures the availability of connections – a Thunderbolt 4, USB-Type C – and a durable 99.9Whr battery for long-term use. It even has a mechanical keyboard with terrific tactile reception. The thermal management is satisfactory and in line with the premium performance.
Bonus: Acer Predator Triton 17 X Gaming/Creator Laptop
Conclusion
We recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 if money is not a deterrent and you need an i9 laptop that outperforms most of its rivals. If your pivotal interest lies in gaming, you should explore an offering like the MSI Stealth 17 or the ASUS ROG Strix G16. They deliver mega bonuses for gamers, like adaptive sync and fast response time.
The pricing bucket can be a hurdle if upgrading from an i5 or i7. Consider if you will use the improvement in speed and efficiency. For instance, esports players tangibly benefit from gaming on a more powerful machine with a better boost and effective heat management. Creative professionals will do well to seek discrete graphics, a high refresh rate, and superior sound.
It has been a while since Intel released the i9-13900HK series of processors that delivers up to 5.4GHz max turbo frequency. The Intel Core i9-13980HX can reach up to 5.6GHz. Extreme performance is now possible for anyone who demands it and is willing to pay what it takes.
