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| The ThinkBook 16p G6 comes in a two-tone finish. |
The popular workstation laptop now offers desktop-class processing power and significantly more graphics memory
When we first reviewed the Lenovo ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 back in December 2025, we were genuinely impressed by its balance of performance and portability. Our review unit, equipped with the Core Ultra 7 255HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU pushing up to 115 watts, delivered solid performance for creative professionals and power users alike. But Lenovo isn't resting on its laurels. Nearly a year after its initial launch, the company has quietly updated the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 with some seriously enticing new configuration options that could make this already capable workstation a true desktop replacement.
Flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus Arrives
The most exciting addition to the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 lineup is undoubtedly the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. This 24-core powerhouse typically finds its home in high-end gaming laptops designed to handle the most demanding workloads. We're talking about machines like the Razer Blade 18 2026, which remains one of the most formidable gaming laptops on the market, the MSI Raider 16 Max HX, and the Alienware 16X Aurora – the latter currently available for $3,459 on Amazon.
According to our internal benchmarks, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus should provide a substantial performance uplift compared to both the Core Ultra 7 255HX and even the higher-tier Core Ultra 9 275HX. For creative professionals working with 4K video editing, 3D rendering, or complex data analysis, this processor upgrade could translate to significant time savings and smoother workflow experiences.
A More Accessible Option Emerges
Interestingly, Lenovo has also introduced a more budget-friendly processor option with the Core Ultra 7 251HX. Positioned as one of the slower entries in Intel's Arrow Lake HX family, this 18-core processor sits comfortably between the existing Core Ultra 5 235HX and Core Ultra 7 255HX in the performance hierarchy. While it's not going to break any records, it represents a strategic move by Lenovo to offer more price points for the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6.
For context, our preliminary testing suggests the Core Ultra 7 251HX trails the flagship Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus by over 20% in multi-core workloads. That's a significant gap, but for users whose workflows don't demand maximum multi-threaded performance, the 251HX could represent excellent value without sacrificing the overall platform experience.
Graphics Upgrade Delivers 50% More VRAM
Perhaps even more significant than the processor updates is the addition of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 12GB to the configuration options. This new GPU option brings 50% more video memory compared to the RTX 5060, which could prove invaluable for certain games and graphics-intensive applications.
Capped at a 115W total graphics power (TGP) to maintain thermal and power constraints within the ThinkBook's chassis, the RTX 5070 should handle 1440p gaming with ease and make light work of video editing, 3D modeling, and AI workloads. The extra 4GB of VRAM over the RTX 5060 means larger textures, more complex scenes, and higher resolution content can be handled without the performance stuttering that occurs when graphics memory fills up.
Familiar Features Remain Intact
While the internal components are getting fresh options, Lenovo has kept the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6's impressive foundation unchanged. The laptop still features a stunning 165Hz IPS display with a native resolution of 3.2K, providing crisp visuals and smooth motion for both work and entertainment. The 85Wh battery returns, promising all-day productivity for most users, and the dual M.2 2280 slots offer ample storage expansion possibilities.
Memory support remains generous with up to 64GB of RAM, ensuring the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 can handle even the most memory-hungry applications without breaking a sweat. Whether you're running multiple virtual machines, editing massive RAW photo libraries, or working with complex 3D scenes, the ThinkBook appears ready for the challenge.
The MSI Raider 16 Max HX has long been considered the gold standard for desktop-class performance in a portable form factor, and with these new configuration options, the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 is positioning itself as a serious competitor in that space.
What We Don't Know Yet
Unfortunately, Lenovo has remained tight-lipped about pricing and availability for these new configurations. Given the premium nature of the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5070, we expect these upgraded models to command a significant premium over the existing configurations. However, the introduction of the Core Ultra 7 251HX suggests Lenovo is also working to make the platform more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Final Thoughts
The decision to refresh the ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 with these new processor and graphics options demonstrates Lenovo's commitment to keeping its professional laptop lineup competitive in a rapidly evolving market. While the platform itself is over a year old, these new components breathe fresh life into what was already an impressive machine.
For creative professionals, data scientists, and power users who need serious performance in a professional-looking package, the updated ThinkBook 16p Gen 6 with Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5070 could be the ideal solution. The combination of desktop-class processing power, ample graphics memory, and professional aesthetics makes this laptop a compelling alternative to bulkier gaming laptops that offer similar performance.
We'll be sure to get one of these updated configurations into our lab for comprehensive testing as soon as they become available. Until then, these specifications suggest Lenovo has created something special with this mid-cycle refresh.
What do you think about the updated ThinkBook 16p Gen 6? Would the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5070 configuration be enough to make you consider this over a dedicated gaming laptop? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Performance claims are based on internal benchmarking of similar processor and GPU configurations. Actual performance may vary depending on thermal implementation, workload, and other factors.
Source : Lenovo
