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What’s the difference between the HP 90A and HP 90X?

The HP 90 Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge have two versions to choose from. So, what are the main differences between the HP 90A and HP 90X?

You can find out in this comparison guide between the two replacement printer cartridges.

Quick Summary

When compared to the HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge, the HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge is able to print out nearly 2 and ½ times more pages.

So, while the HP 90X costs more upfront, you will get better value out of the high yield version as it won’t need to be replaced as often as the HP 90A.

The two versions are identical when it comes to temperature and humidity ranges. The HP 90A is built with slightly more recycled materials than the HP 90X, however.

HP 90A vs. HP 90X Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the HP 90 cartridges below.

HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (CE390A)HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (CE390X)
What's in the BoxHP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge

Recycling Guide
HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge

Recycling Guide
Package Dimensions15.39 in x 7.60 in x 11.81 in15.39 in x 7.60 in x 12.87 in
Package WeightAround 5.43 lbs.Around 7.33 lbs.
Print TechnologyLaserLaser
Compatible PrintersHP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601n CE989A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M603n CE994A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M603dn CE995A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602n CE991A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602x CE993A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602dn CE992A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601dn CE990A#BGJ
HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601n CE989A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M603n CE994A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M603dn CE995A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602n CE991A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602x CE993A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602dn CE992A#BGJ

HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601dn CE990A#BGJ
Page Yield for Black and White PagesAround 10,000 pagesAround 24,000 pages
Operating Temperature Range50°F to 90.5°F50°F to 90.5°F
Storage Temperature Range-4°F to 104°F-4°F to 104°F
Operating Humidity Range20% to 80% RH20% to 80% RH
Storage Humidity Range10% to 90% RH10% to 90% RH
Recycled Content in Cartridge16%15%
PricingCheck price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)

What’s in the Box

Along with the toner cartridge, each of the HP90 versions also comes with a recycling guide.

You can find a breakdown of the content included in each retail box below:

HP 90A:

  • HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge
  • Recycling Guide

HP 90X:

  • HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge
  • Recycling Guide

Package Dimensions

The package for the X version of the HP 90 is taller than the A version.

You can take a look at the measurements for both boxes below:

  • HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 15.39 in x 7.60 in x 11.81 in
  • HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 15.39 in x 7.60 in x 12.87 in

Package Weight

The X variant of the 90 cartridge is also heavier when compared to the A variant.

You can check out the approximate weight for the two packages below:

  • HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 5.43 lbs.
  • HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 7.33 lbs.

Print Technology

The HP 90A and HP 90X utilize laser as the printing technology.

Compatible Printers

The HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge and HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge are compatible with the following printers:

  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601n CE989A#BGJ
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M603n CE994A#BGJ
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M603dn CE995A#BGJ
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602n CE991A#BGJ
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602x CE993A#BGJ
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602dn CE992A#BGJ
  • HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601dn CE990A#BGJ

Page Yield for Black and White Pages

Page yield measures the capacity of the HP 90 cartridge in terms of the number of pages it is capable of printing out before it needs to be replaced.

Based on internal testing done by HP, the HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge is able to print around 14,000 more black and white pages than the HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge.

In terms of percentages, the X version of the toner cartridge has a 140% yield advantage over the A version.

The tests were conducted using the ISO/IEC 19752 methodology.

You can find the page yields for the two products below:

  • HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 10,000 pages
  • HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 24,000 pages

Operating Temperature Range

The A and X variants of the HP 90 have the same operating temperature range of 50°F to 90.5°F.

Storage Temperature Range

The HP 90A and HP 90X are also identical when it comes to storage temperature range as both can be stored within -4°F to 104°F.

Operating Humidity Range

The two 90 cartridges in this versus showdown have an operating humidity range of 20% to 80% RH.

Storage Humidity Range

The A and X versions of the HP 90 also have the same storage humidity range of 10% to 90% RH.

Recycled Content in Cartridge

The HP 90A is slightly more environmentally friendly when compared to the HP 90X when it comes to recycled content being used in each cartridge.

You can find the recycled content percentages below:

  • HP 90A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 16%
  • HP 90X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 15%

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