AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
AM5 · 8 · 16
8.7
$479Nov 93 videos
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Intel's 24-core Arrow Lake flagship: strong productivity and low heat, but a gaming regression that AMD exploits.
- LGA1851
- 24
- 24
- 5.7 GHz
- 125 W
PCPR score
7.3
Good
Best price we’ve seen
$589MSRP
List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.
R1
The short version
The Core Ultra 9 285K is a 24-core (8 P plus 16 E) LGA1851 processor with no Hyper-Threading and a 125 W base power rating. Reviewers found large productivity gains and easier cooling than the Core i9-14900K, but gaming performance slipped behind its predecessor and AMD's X3D chips. It suits creators who want a new platform with CUDIMM and PCIe 5.0 support, while pure gamers are better served elsewhere.
Pros
- 24 cores deliver strong multithreaded application performance
- Lower power consumption and easier cooling than the Core i9-14900K
- Supports CUDIMM DDR5 and higher memory overclocking headroom
- Includes an NPU and Xe graphics with AV1 encode and decode
Cons
- Gaming performance regressed versus the Core i9-14900K and trails AMD X3D chips
- The cheaper Core Ultra 7 270K Plus is faster in many tests
- LGA1851 is reported to be a short-lived platform
- No Hyper-Threading, so 24 threads from 24 cores
Best for
- Content creation and heavy multithreaded workloads
- Builders who want low idle and load heat from a flagship
- Users who need Quick Sync and an integrated NPU
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Series
- Core Ultra 200S
- Architecture
- Arrow Lake
- Cores
- 24
- Performance cores
- 8
- Efficiency cores
- 16
- Threads
- 24
Performance
- Base clock
- 3.7 GHz
- Max boost
- 5.7 GHz
- L3 cache
- 36 MB
- 3D V-Cache
- No
- Gaming index
- 72
- Single-thread index
- 98
- Multi-thread index
- 85
Power
- TDP
- 125 W
- Max power (PPT / PL2)
- 250 W
Features
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
- Integrated GPU
- Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)
- Unlocked multiplier
- Yes
- Cooler in box
- No
- Process
- TSMC N3B
- NPU
- 13 TOPS
Memory
- Memory support
- DDR5
- Rated memory speed
- 6,400 MT/s
- Max memory
- 256 GB
Expansion
- PCIe version
- 5.0
- PCIe lanes
- 24
Compatibility notes
- Socket LGA1851 needs an Intel 800-series chipset board (Z890, B860, H810); it is not compatible with LGA1700 boards. Intel notes LGA1700 and LGA1851 coolers are mechanically similar but pin layouts differ.
- Supports DDR5 only, up to 6400 MT/s per Intel's spec page.
- Boxed K-series chips need a separate cooler rated for 125 W base power.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Intel official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
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- See it at Newegg
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- See it at Best Buy
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- See it at B&H
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- See it at Micro Center
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AV1
Video reviews
Mixed · Review
Get It Together, Intel: Core Ultra 9 285K CPU Review & Benchmarks vs. 7800X3D, 9950X, More
Gamers Nexus
Gamers Nexus' launch review benchmarks the chip against the 7800X3D, 9950X and many other CPUs in gaming, production and efficiency, judging its gaming value poor next to the X3D parts.
Negative · Review
Intel just isn't for Gamers right now... 285K Review and Benchmarks
JayzTwoCents
A launch review and benchmark run concluding the chip is not aimed at gamers at the time.
Mixed · Review
Intel Hits Reset - Ultra 9 285K & Ultra 5 245K Performance Review
Hardware Canucks
A performance review of the 285K together with the Core Ultra 5 245K from Hardware Canucks.
Overview · Review
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & Ultra 5 245K CPU Review
The FPS Review
The FPS Review's video review of the 285K and 245K.
AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
MixedFinds large productivity gains plus good efficiency and relaxed cooling needs, but gaming falls back versus the previous generation, which makes AMD the better gaming value and a discounted Core i9-14900K a rival.
Review
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Which motherboards work with the Core Ultra 9 285K?
It uses socket LGA1851 and needs an Intel 800-series chipset board. LGA1700 boards from the previous two generations will not fit.
What memory does the Core Ultra 9 285K support?
Intel lists DDR5 only, up to 6400 MT/s across two channels and up to 256 GB. It does not support DDR4, so it needs a DDR5 LGA1851 board.
Does the Core Ultra 9 285K come with a cooler?
Intel's boxed-processor guidance says K-series chips require a separate thermal solution rated for the 125 W processor base power, so plan to buy a cooler.
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