AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the flagship processor, delivering unrivaled gaming and productivity with 16 cores and a boost clock of 5.7 GHz. Meanwhile, the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K, with its 24 cores, offers significant power efficiency and lower temperatures, making it a strong contender for gaming and multitasking. Based on my testing, the real-world implications of these specs make a big difference in performance. When you look at the core count, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D's 16 cores might seem like a limitation compared to the Intel’s 24 cores. However, the Ryzen's architecture allows it to excel in gaming, thanks to its 3D V-Cache technology. If you're focused on gaming, the Ryzen's 16 cores deliver excellent performance, but for heavy multitasking or productivity tasks, the Intel's extra cores can be more beneficial. The decision can often hinge on whether you prioritize gaming performance or multitasking capabilities.
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AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,282)Amazon | ★4.6(512)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000 Series with 3D V-Cache) | Core Ultra 200S Series (Arrow Lake-S) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) | Socket LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 16 Cores / 32 Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 24 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.7 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 | 16 MB L2 + 128 MB L3 (144 MB Total) | 40 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (76 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 120 W | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 162 W (PPT) | 250 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC 5nm FinFET (CCD with V-Cache & Standard CCD) / 6nm (I/O Die) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC/IO Tiles) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC 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 ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~102.4 GB/s @ 6400 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 (x20 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) |
Pcie Lanes | 28 Total (24 Usable for Graphics/Storage) | 24 Total (20 Gen5 + 4 Gen4 Direct to CPU) |
Igpu | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 Cores, 2200 MHz) | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 300 – 2000 MHz, Xe-LPG Architecture) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, 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 (Liquid cooler recommended) | No (360mm+ Liquid Cooler highly recommended) |
Max Temp | 89°C (192°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Asymmetric chiplet design: one CCD has 3D V-Cache (lower freq, gaming focus), one standard CCD (higher freq, productivity focus). OS scheduler driver required for optimal performance. | 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 | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, W880) |
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AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
✓ Pros:
- • Uncompromising performance: Top-tier gaming (V-Cache) + massive productivity (16 cores)
- • Extremely power efficient for a 16-core flagship (120W TDP)
- • Future-proof AM5 platform with PCIe 5.0 support
✗ Cons:
- • High price point
- • Requires specific chipset drivers/Game Mode for optimal core scheduling
- • Lower thermal limit (89°C) compared to non-X3D version (95°C)
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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
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Which one is better?
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the better buy for most people - its 16 cores and 5.7 GHz boost clock crush the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in gaming scenarios. That said, grab the Intel if you need more cores for multitasking - it's built for handling heavy workloads with its 24 cores.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D if: you prioritize top-tier gaming performance, you want excellent power efficiency with 120W TDP, or you prefer a future-proof AM5 platform.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K if: you need more cores for heavy multitasking, you want lower operating temperatures in gaming, or you plan to use the latest features like PCIe 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4.
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 7950X3D excels if you value uncompromising performance: top-tier gaming (v-cache) + massive productivity (16 cores). 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.
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