We have combed through the latest marketing blast from Intel to separate the noise from the raw performance. The focus this season is clear: efficiency at the low end and high-wattage power for gamers.
Here is the breakdown of the specific deals worth your attention right now.
Entry Level & Students
For those who need a machine that boots fast and handles web tasks without stuttering, the N100 platform is the new king of budget silicon.
- HP 15.6 Inch Laptop (Intel N100)
- $399.99 at Best Buy
- Why it matters: This chip replaces the sluggish budget CPUs of the past. It offers genuine usability for under $400.
- Acer Chromebook Plus 16 Inch (Core i3)
- $599.99 at Best Buy
- Why it matters: ChromeOS flies on a Core i3. Perfect for a zero maintenance machine for family or school.
Gaming & High Performance
This is the sweet spot for gaming and high peformance. These machines use the H Series chips, meaning they are built for sustained high clock speeds and gaming workloads.
- MSI THIN 15.6 Inch (Core 5 210H)
- $1,299.99 at Staples
- The Verdict: A solid entry point for 1080p gaming. The Core 5 210H is a capable 8 core chip that handles modern titles well.
- ASUS TUF Gaming F16 (Core 5 210H)
- $1,599.99 at Amazon Canada
- The Verdict: The TUF chassis typically offers better cooling than the MSI Thin, allowing the CPU to boost higher for longer.
- Acer Nitro V 15 (Core i7 13620H)
- $1,599.99 at Memory Express
- The Verdict: You get more cores here with the i7. If you stream or edit video while gaming, this is the better buy over the Core 5 options.
Premium AI & Ultrabooks
These laptops feature the new Core Ultra chips (Meteor Lake), which include the NPU for AI tasks and significantly stronger integrated graphics.
- HP Omnibook 5 Flip 14 Inch (Core 5 120U)
- $1,199.99 at Staples
- Use Case: A flexible 2 in 1 for artists and note takers.
- Lenovo Slim 7i (Core Ultra 7)
- $1,699.99 at Best Buy
- Use Case: Serious productivity in a thin chassis. The Core Ultra 7 is a battery life champion.
- ASUS Zenbook S 14 (Core Ultra 7)
- $2,199.99 at Best Buy
- Use Case: The luxury pick. Premium build quality meeting premium silicon.
- Acer Predator Helios Neo (Core Ultra 9)
- $2,199.99 at Canada Computers
- Use Case: A true desktop replacement. The Core Ultra 9 is the fastest mobile silicon in this lineup.
The Bonus: Free Games
Do not forget to factor in the software value. Intel is bundling a free copy of Battlefield 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, or Civilization VII with qualifying Core Ultra H or HX laptops. That is effectively an extra $90 in value if you planned to buy one of these titles.
To participate you must purchase a qualifying product(s) from a participating seller no later than January 31, 2026 or as otherwise indicated by the participating seller, create an Intel® single sign on account (which requires a phone number for account verification and access), enter a valid Master Key no later than March 15, 2026
Check the links above for live pricing as stock fluctuates daily.
