Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core i5-12400F
Get the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K unless you need to save money. The numbers tell the story: you get 24 cores running at a base clock of 3.7 GHz, which means serious power for gaming and content creation. In real-world use, the Ultra 9's max turbo power of 250W crushes the i5-12400F's 117W, offering better performance in demanding tasks.
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Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core i5-12400F
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core i5-12400F
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core i5-12400F
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K | Intel Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(512)Amazon | ★4.8(2,855)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Core Ultra 200S Series (Arrow Lake-S) | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
Cores Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 24 Threads | 6 Cores (6 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 12 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.7 / 5.5 GHz; E-Core: 3.2 / 4.6 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.7 GHz (TVB) | 2.5 GHz Base / Up to 4.4 GHz Max Turbo |
Cache L2 L3 | 40 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (76 MB Total) | 18 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 7.5 MB L2 |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 65 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 250 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 117 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC/IO Tiles) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W880 chipset required) | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~102.4 GB/s @ 6400 MT/s) | 76.8 GB/s |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 (x20 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Gen5 + 4 Gen4 Direct to CPU) | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 300 – 2000 MHz, Xe-LPG Architecture) | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, VNNI, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.2; NPU: Intel AI Boost (13 TOPS) | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, GNA 3.0 |
Cooler Included | No (360mm+ Liquid Cooler highly recommended) | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) |
Max Temp | 105°C (221°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction |
Notes Limits | 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). | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Lacks E-cores (Efficient cores) present in i5-12600K and higher. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, W880) | Intel 600 and 700 Series (B660, H610, Z690, B760, etc.) |
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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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Intel Core i5-12400F
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming
- • Includes capable Intel Laminar RM1 stock cooler
- • Low power consumption (65W base) compared to higher tiers
- • Full support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
✗ Cons:
- • No integrated graphics (cannot output video without a GPU)
- • Locked multiplier (overclocking not supported)
- • Lacks E-cores, reducing multi-threaded performance compared to 12600K
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is the better buy for most people - its 24 cores at 3.7 GHz crushes the Intel Core i5-12400F's 6 cores at 2.5 GHz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K if: you need top-tier performance for gaming, you run heavy multi-threaded applications, or you want the latest tech like PCIe 5.0.
Choose the Intel Core i5-12400F if: you want exceptional value for gaming, you don't need integrated graphics, or you're on a tight budget.
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?
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K excels if you value significantly improved power efficiency compared to 14th gen. Intel Core i5-12400F is better if you prioritize exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming. 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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