Best Intel Core i9 Processor Laptops in 2023

Updated on January 8, 2023
best i9 laptops

As time goes on, software and video games become more demanding. One of the most important factors when it comes to computer requirements are speed and power. There is an ever-increasing demand for those who buy laptops for intense tasks like video or music editing, or the fastest gaming laptop money will buy. 

Laptops with excellent processors and cores usually solves this demand.

A core is a processor within the chip itself, and each core adds more power to the overall CPU, being able to handle more intensive data task.

Needless to say, a 6 core or higher i9 computer is blazing fast and can handle an enormous amount of data.

If you’re looking for these features then the Intel i9 computer chip is your answer.

To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best intel core i9 laptops available on the market (so far). We’ve also made categories for each of these laptops so that you’ll be able to choose the best laptop that suits your needs.

Recommendations for June 2023 

Best Intel Core I9 Laptops In 2023

ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 – 4K Resolution

ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 Laptop, 15.6” UHD 4K...
f you want an i9 processor but are on a budget then ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 is probably the right computer for you. Many people who do intensive video editing report it is very fast, although you cannot expand the RAM in the computer.

A budget-conscious i9 laptop with many features such as a touchpad screen, an adaptive screen allowing you to create shortcuts with a simple tap.

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 seems to handle most but the extreme requirements for functions such as video editing, with its single biggest drawback being the 16 gigabytes of Ram it comes with are soldered into the motherboard so you cannot add additional memory.

Also, the battery life is limited to around 5 hours, but this is offset somewhat by a quick charging function, allowing you to go from zero to 60 percent in under 50 minutes.

At a price of around $2300, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 is the least expensive in our roundup, and the vast majority of customer feedback is positive.

Computers with i9 machines do get warm, so the dual-fan is appreciated. And the 4k screen is crisp and crystal clear. You can also use the screen pad to easily use the display in dual-mode.

Recommended Configuration For ASUS ZenBook Pro 15

CPU: Intel 8th Gen Core i9 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 | RAM: 16 GB RAM | Screen: 15.6 inches 1920 x 1080 Maximum Resolution | Storage: 512 GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Professional | Battery Life: Up to 5 hours | Weight: 4 lbs

Gigabyte AERO 15 – 1 TB SSD

Gigabyte AERO 15
This is one sweet machine if you know what you are doing. And perhaps is as close to an Apple Product as you can get in a Windows Machine. However,  customers experience problems and are forced to reinstall windows, and wrestle with other firmware problems. So this is not a machine recommended for computer beginners.

A well-designed machine with a finely crafted display, plenty of RAM, great graphics and sound, and overall, a real beast of a machine.

In it’s best state of configuration, there is almost none better in an i9 laptop, and the two-year warranty can’t be beaten. But it’s not a beginners machine.

People spend hours reinstalling Windows, and fine-tuning the machines. Those who do rave about their machines. Those who do not, complain they should have bought another laptop.

Recommended Configuration For Gigabyte AERO 15

CPU:  Intel Core i9-8950HK Processor (2.9 GHz to 4.8 GHz) | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 (8GB) | RAM: 32 GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6 inches 1920 x 1880 Maximum Display Resolution | Storage: 1TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Professional high-end | Battery Life: 8 hours | Weight: 4.4  lbs

Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Amazing All Around

Apple MacBook Pro 16
The MacBook Pro 16 is a direct upgrade of the MacBook Pro 15 and it’s probably one of the best intel core i9 laptops out there . It’s bigger and better and features better overall initial specs. It’s highly configurable at purchase allowing you to choose a lower-end laptop for business use or a higher-end one if you want to do some gaming or editing.

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 is a sight to behold as it features new and improved features that its predecessor, the Apple MacBook Pro 15 lacked. One of the notable changes is its switch from the butterfly keyboard to the magic keyboard.

The laptop is also highly configurable allowing you to choose storage as low as 512 GB to as high as 6 TB, the same can be said for its RAM as well as it ranges from 16 GB to 64 GB RAM.

Macs, in general, are expensive so be prepared to spend an exuberant amount of money to purchase the MacBook Pro 16, expect to spend at least $2400 when purchasing this laptop.

Another thing to consider is that it cannot be upgraded once bought, so think carefully of the specs you want during your purchase.

Recommended Configuration For Apple MacBook Pro 16

CPU: 2.3GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: Configurable: from 16 GB to 64 GB RAM | Screen: 3072×1920 native resolution, 16.0-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: Configurable: from 512 GB to 8TB | Operating System: macOS Catalina | Battery Life: 11 hours | Weight: 4.3 lbs

ROG Mothership GZ700 – Unparalleled Gaming

ROG Mothership GZ700
The ROG Mothership boasts impressive specs that are overkill for most games on the market. It also contains tons of features that improve your gaming performance, with features like improved cooling features for next-generation  Intel Wi-Fi that fight lag and busy network connections.

ROG Mothership is one of the best i9 gaming laptops out there. It features an impressive 64 GB DDR4 RAM that allows you to smoothly play any game currently available on the market right now. 

It isn’t lacking in the storage department either since it can store large amounts of data with its 1.5 Terabyte SSD. Its fans have anti-dust capabilities, efficiently built to keep going and lower the temperature of the laptop even when running demanding programs. 

It also features Next-gen Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) which increases network  throughput by 40%

This offers higher performance and efficiency, allowing it to run smoothly over busy networks. Playing has never been the same with its 4K monitor that shows high-resolution graphics with smooth FPS with a refresh rate of 144 Hz.

The audio is also high-res as well with its premium ESS Sabre HiFi DAC that allows for smart audio amplification. ROG Mothership is the ultimate portable gaming machine up to date.

Recommended Configuration For ROG Mothership GZ700

CPU: 5 GHz Core i9 8950HK | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | RAM: 64 GB DDR4 |  Screen: 17.3 inches with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution | Storage: 1.5 TB Flash Memory Solid State | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro | Battery Life: up to 5 hours | Weight: 10.58 lbs

Dell XPS 15 9570  – UHD Touchscreen

Dell XPS 15 9570
The Dell XPS 15 is sleek, stylish and powerful. However, customers either love it or hate it. There’s plenty of chatter over the internet that the performance of the i9 on this computer isn’t as good as other machines. It also comes with a UHD touchscreen which makes it really convenient.

We loved the sleekness of this machine, and had no problems with it whatsoever. It seemed to handle everything that I threw at it with ease, and the graphics are stunning. It also has a 4K display UHD touchscreen which makes it easier to navigate through your files. 

That said, power-users, and there are plenty, complain the machine is not really that much and upgrade from cheaper i7 processors, so despite having excellent performance, we rated the Dell XPS 15 9570 as the best alternative on our list.

Recommended Configuration For Dell XPS 15 9570 

CPU:  Intel Core i9-8950HK (2.90 GHz to 4.8 GHz | Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050 4GB | RAM: 32GB DDR4 | Screen: 15.6-Inch 1920 x 1080 Maximum Resolution | Storage: 1 TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro | Battery Life:  up to 6 hours | Weight: 4.4 lbs

Alienware 17 R5 – Long Gaming Battery

Alienware 17 R5
Gaming laptops aren’t known for their battery life. Most of them run out of battery within an hour or two which makes them very unreliable when it comes to other tasks aside from gaming. The Alienware 17 R5 i9-8950HK solves this problem allowing you to use a high end gaming laptop without worrying about it dying out within an hour.

The Alienware 17 R5 i9-8950HK is a beast of a machine boasting a powerful processor paired with 32 GB of RAM. This allows you to play most video games currently on the market.

It  also features impressive visuals reaching up to 2560 x 1440 pixels of resolution. If you pair this with its 17.3 inch display, then it will take your gaming experience to the next level.

It features a long battery life when it comes to gaming laptop standards. This essentially allows you to play demanding games outdoors while enjoying the great outdoors. It’s perfect for students playing on campus grounds or doing homework while waiting for class.

Recommended Configuration For Alienware 17 R5

CPU: 2.9GHz Intel Core i9-8950HK | Graphics: NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1080 8GB DDR5X | RAM: 32GB RAM | Screen: 17.3 inches, 2560 x 1440 resolution | Storage: 256GB SSD+1TB HDD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 3 to 4 hours | Weight: 9.74 lbs

ASUS ROG G703 – Powerful i9 CPU

ASUS ROG G703
The ASUS ROG G703GX-XB96K boasts impressive processing speed and response time. Its not surprising since it uses the  9th gen Intel Core i9-9980HK processor which is one of the best processors in the market right now. Check this laptop if you have a thing for speed.

The ASUS ROG G703GX-XB96K is at the top of its game as it uses its overpowered processor to run games smoothly, render videos quickly, and do basic processes efficiently. 

Its 8th-Gen unlocked Intel Core i9-8950HK is one of the best processors ever made making this laptop one of the best i9 laptops out there.

It also features the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 8GB GDDR6  that allows for top-tier performance as well as a better overall user experience.

Alienware Area 51M – Impressive Cooling

Alienware Dell Area 51M Laptop, 17.3" FHD...
One of the biggest problems with gaming laptops is that they get so hot that they can hurt you if you’re not careful. The Dell Alienware Area 51M Laptop is almost alien in design with its effective cooling design. It features two exhausts and two air intakes that blow out heat like a rocket engine

The Dell Alienware Area 51M Laptop is one of the best gaming laptops currently on the market. It features a new 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900K processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 that allows for performance that’s out of this world.

It also allows for overclocking with its turbo boost allowing it to reach up to 5.0GHz. The laptop is also stylish to boot with its blue touchpad and backlight; it looks like a UFO giving you that signature Alienware look.

What makes this laptop truly stand out is its effective cooling system. It features a giant fan that effectively removes heat with its  two exhaust outlets and two air intakes, removing the problem of overheating entirely.

The fans are obnoxiously loud though, so that’s something to consider when buying this laptop.

Recommended Configuration For Alienware Area 51M

CPU: 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900K | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | RAM: 32GB RAM | Screen: 17.3 inches, 1920 x 1080 | Storage: 2 X 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive (R0) + 1TB (+8GB SSHD) Hybrid Drive | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: up to 2 hours | Weight: 15 lbs

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 – Mobile Workstation

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX58
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is the best laptop on this list when it comes to working while on the go. It only weighs 5.5 pounds thanks to its thin lightweight design. Additionally, the laptop has an impressive  battery life allowing you to work while travelling for a long time.

If you’re the type who travels the globe a lot then theAsus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is perfect for you. It weighs only  5.15 pounds, allowing you to move around without being hindered.

It also has a strong processor paired with a good graphic card which is perfect if your job involves editing videos or using CPU demanding programs. 

It has 1 TB SSD which is good for storing media files as well as for playing high-end games. Lastly, it has over 32 GB of RAM which allows you to multitask and get things done faster.

All in all, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is an amazing workhorse of a computer and its ideal for travelling content creators.

Recommended Configuration For Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581

CPU: Intel Core i9-9980HK| Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | RAM: 32GB RAM| Screen: 15.6 inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display |Storage: 1 TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro | Battery Life: 5 hours | Weight: 5.50 lbs

MSI GE75 Raider – Ultra Powerful Specs

MSI GE75 Raider
All the laptops on this list are by definition, “powerful”. The i9 processor is simply the latest CPU technology  that features a lot of power at the cost of being sold at a premium rate. The MSI GE75 Raider is a good example of this with its 10th generation Intel Core i9-10980HK processor. With this, you’ll be able to run  any program made today and even programs after a few years as well.

The laptops on this list are a league of their own in terms of power and specs when you compare it to other laptops. This is because having an i9 processor is really a big deal, this explains why a lot of premium gaming laptops have an i9 and why all the laptops on this list can be used for gaming.

With that being said, one laptop stands above all of them when it comes to specs alone. We’re talking about the MSI GE75 Raider which boasts the latest 10th gen  Intel Core i9-10980HK, its definitely the most powerful processor on this list. And this is the sole reason why its the most powerful laptop on the list as well.

But aside from the processor, its other specs are no joke either. It has a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 which is also the most powerful GPU on the list as well. It has a standard 32 GB of RAM, a large 1 TB SSD storage, and it has an amazing 17 inch FHD display! The MSI GE75 Raider simply towers above the rest.

Recommended Configuration For MSI GE75 Raider

CPU: Intel Core i9-10980HK | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080| RAM: 32 GB RAM | Screen: 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) | Storage: 1 TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 1 hour  | Weight: 5.25 lbs

Picking The Best Intel Core I9 Laptops In 2023

The Intel i9 chip is billed as the fastest chip on earth, primarily because of its multi-core technology. A computer with an i9 chip is, however, not cheap, but for those who need it for their graphics, video editing, programming or gaming use, sometimes the best is a minimum requirement.

Display Size And Quality

Wouldn’t it be a shame if you had these  extremely powerful processors for running games and handling powerful programs but you can’t see a damn thing?

Well that’s why you should also consider the laptops display and resolution in mind. Now, all of the laptops on this list have an FHD resolution or higher so you really won’t have trouble with their display.

But if you do find an i9 laptop on the market with a below FHD display (1920 x 1080 pixels), then you should consider avoiding it because its a waste of a perfectly good processor if the display just brings it down.

Remember that these are high-end laptops, and whether they are used for gaming, or intensive, video editing and productions work, you want a crisp, neatly styled and built computer display.

RAM And Performance

Performance wise, you know that i9 laptops tend to come with amazing specs as well. There are older generations of i9 processors like the 8th gen processors you see on this list. But this really isn’t a problem because 8th gen i9 processors are generally more powerful than the latest 10th gen i3 and i5 processors. While they are usually on par with 10th gen i7 CPUs.

With that being said Gen 9 processors are simply a cut above the other Intel Gen series  that’s not an i9. And Gen 10 processors are simply overkill and provide you with the best processing power money can buy.

What you should focus on instead is the RAM. Most i9s have a RAM of 16 GB which is pretty high for a laptop but you should probably go for 32 GB or more if you want to utilize your processor to the fullest.

Having a powerful processor and enough RAM to push a high-resolution screen and perform tasks such as video editing quickly are the reason people buy a laptop with i9 processors.

Storage

Whether for gaming or video editing, you need plenty of storage space. The laptops we reviewed ranged in storage capacity from 512 gigabytes to 2 terabytes. People advise that you should go for an SSD but that’s not a problem with i9 laptops on the market.

This is because most if not all i9 laptops come with an SSD because it would be problematic if a slow HDD was to be paired with a powerful i9 processor.

With that being said, try to go for 1 TB or higher since you’ll probably be using this laptop to run big programs and AAA titles that honestly take up a lot of space.  So its best to be prepared.

Battery Life

Being able to work remotely is an important consideration in a $2000 plus laptop. Some of our laptops have outstanding ratings in this category while others are more power hungry.

Intel Core i9 laptops tend to have shorter battery lives which is why finding a laptop with at least 4 hours of battery life is a boon for i9 laptops.  If you’re looking to work while on the move, we suggest getting a Macbook because their i9 laptop can last up to 11 hours long.

USB Ports

Connectivity to other peripherals is important. Some, like the Apple Macbook Pro 15 requires you to use newer technology while others offer a combination.

Customer Feedback

You could drive yourself to the nuthouse reading reviews and trying to establish benchmarks for an i9 laptop. Unless you are a technical wizard, most of this you won’t understand. As laptop’s with an i9 processor are still relatively rare, we paid attention to customer reviews for feedback on performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else do I need to know about i9 laptops?

An i9 laptop is not a substitute for a dedicated desktop. The machines are clocked differently, and you will notice a definite slow down in power-data use programs. They are nice to have item, but really, a desktop is probably the way to go if you do heavy tasks all the time.

Does i9 cores mean they’re better at games?

The performance of an i9 processor can be noticeable for games, but typically it offers only a 10 percent advantage over buying a computer with i9 capability. An i9 laptop can get really warm as well when running high end games, so make sure that any laptop you buy has adequate cooling functions, ideally with two cooling fans.

Is overclocking an i9 processor a good idea?

An overclocked processor runs at faster speeds and allows for better processing power overall. However overclocking has its drawbacks like higher power consumption and risk of overheating. So you can overclock your i9 processor but in most cases, it’s powerful enough to run most applications,  so in most cases you don’t need to do it.

Should I get a laptop with a core i9 processor if I’m only doing basic tasks?

No. The core i9 was designed to take on cpu intensive tasks and processes. Most laptops with a core i9 processor usually come with high specs as well, so they usually have powerful graphic cards and other hardware to boost overall performance. It’s a little overkill and you shouldn’t get a core i9 if all you do is browse the net or do office work.

Are i9 laptops worth it?

I9 laptops are at the forefront of what a laptop is capable of doing. They can handle programs better, faster, and smoother than other Intel Core processors out there. Which is why a lot of high-end gaming laptops use an i9 processor. They simply give a faster and a more competitive gaming experience.

Now with that being said, if you’re not using your i9 laptop to run resource intensive programs or the latest AAA games, then we believe it’s not worth it. Laptops that have an i9 processor are really expensive and for some people they cost months of their salary.

They’re too expensive and pretty much overkill for most everyday programs. Simply put, they’re worth it if you want an unparalleled gaming experience or if you run very powerful programs. But other than that, they’re simply a waste of money.

Is i9 better than i7?

The Intel Core i9 is among the fastest processors on the market and it certainly is the fastest in the Intel Core series.

So yes, i9 processors are simply more powerful than i7 processors. Now some i7 processors might be more powerful than some older i9 models but generally speaking i9s are better in terms of processing power.

However faster may not necessarily be better. Core i9 processors tend to be really expensive and they consume a lot of power. Laptops that have i9 processors usually have shorter battery lives than their i7 counterparts.

Article by:
Kenny Trinh
While he’s not editing articles on the latest tech trends, he likes to discuss business and entrepreneur. His writing has been featured in national publications such as Forbes, RD, Yahoo Finance, HackerNoon among others.

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