AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a powerhouse for gamers and creators alike, but the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K takes the premium crown with its staggering 24 cores and 5.7 GHz boost clock. If you're looking for top-tier performance, the 285K is the no-brainer choice with its impressive specs, especially in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. In my testing, the Ryzen 9 5900X shines with its exceptional multi-core performance thanks to its 12 cores and 70MB cache, making it ideal for rendering and compiling. However, it lacks an upgrade path as the AM4 socket is reaching its end of life, while the Intel 285K offers modern connectivity with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, making it a future-proof option for 2026 and beyond.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(13,275)Amazon | ★4.6(512)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Vermeer) | Core Ultra 200S Series (Arrow Lake-S) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | Socket LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 12 Cores / 24 Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 24 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz Base / Up to 4.8 GHz Boost | P-Core: 3.7 / 5.5 GHz; E-Core: 3.2 / 4.6 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.7 GHz (TVB) |
Cache L2 L3 | 6 MB L2 + 64 MB L3 (70 MB Total) | 40 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (76 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 105 W | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 142 W (PPT) | 250 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Core Complex) / GlobalFoundries 12nm (I/O Die) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC/IO Tiles) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: Yes (Unbuffered UDIMM; requires mobo support) | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W880 chipset required) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~102.4 GB/s @ 6400 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 4.0 (Requires B550 or X570 chipset) | PCIe 5.0 (x20 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 24 Total (20 Gen5 + 4 Gen4 Direct to CPU) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 300 – 2000 MHz, Xe-LPG Architecture) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | Intel 64, AVX2, VNNI, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.2; NPU: Intel AI Boost (13 TOPS) |
Cooler Included | No (High-end air or liquid cooler recommended) | No (360mm+ Liquid Cooler highly recommended) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Dual-CCD design provides massive multi-core throughput. Requires a B550/X570 motherboard for PCIe 4.0 speeds. No integrated graphics. | First flagship Intel desktop CPU to drop Hyper-Threading (24 threads total vs 32 on 14900K). Higher thermal limit (105°C) by design. Requires LGA1851 motherboard (Z890). |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required for older chipsets) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, W880) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional multi-core performance for rendering and compiling
- • High gaming performance due to Zen 3 architecture and large cache
- • Cost-effective 'flagship' performance using affordable AM4 motherboards
✗ Cons:
- • No upgrade path to newer generations (AM4 is end-of-life for new architectures)
- • Runs hotter than single-CCD chips; requires substantial cooling
- • No integrated graphics
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly improved power efficiency compared to 14th Gen
- • Lower operating temperatures in gaming workloads
- • Modern platform connectivity: Integrated Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, and more PCIe 5.0 lanes
✗ Cons:
- • Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces performance in some specific multi-threaded apps
- • Requires new LGA1851 motherboard (no backward compatibility)
- • Gaming performance is often similar to or slightly behind the i9-14900K
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is the better buy for most people - its 24 cores and 5.7 GHz boost clock crush the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X if: you want exceptional multi-core performance for rendering, you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, or you don't mind the lack of an upgrade path.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K if: you need the latest tech with PCIe 5.0, you prioritize gaming performance with higher boost clocks, or you plan to future-proof your setup with DDR5 support.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X excels if you value exceptional multi-core performance for rendering and compiling. Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is better if you prioritize significantly improved power efficiency compared to 14th gen. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.