Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core i5-12600K
The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is the premium option here, offering a staggering 24 cores and 76MB of total cache. The i5-12600K, with a lower power consumption of 150W, is a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much performance, especially for gamers keen on speed and efficiency.
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Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core i5-12600K
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core i5-12600K
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core i5-12600K
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(512)Amazon | ★4.7(2,902)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 | 10 Cores (6 Performance + 4 Efficient) / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.7 / 5.5 GHz; E-Core: 3.2 / 4.6 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.7 GHz (TVB) | P-core: 3.7–4.9 GHz / E-core: 2.8–3.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 40 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (76 MB Total) | 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 9.5 MB L2 |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 250 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 150 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) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 1.45 GHz Dyn Max) |
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 |
Cooler Included | No (360mm+ Liquid Cooler highly recommended) | No (Heatsink not included) |
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). | Unlocked for overclocking. Requires LGA1700 motherboard (600/700 series). ECC supported on W680 chipset only. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, W880) | Intel 600 and 700 Series (Z690, B660, Z790, 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 i5-12600K
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent price-to-performance ratio for gaming and multitasking
- • Hybrid architecture (P-cores + E-cores) improves efficiency
- • Future-proof support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
- • Unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking (K-Series)
- • Integrated graphics useful for troubleshooting or Quick Sync
✗ Cons:
- • Thermal solution not included (requires robust aftermarket cooler)
- • High power consumption under full turbo load (150W)
- • Requires LGA1700 mounting bracket for older coolers
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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 and 76MB cache crush the Intel Core i5-12600K.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K if: you need maximum cores for heavy multitasking, want cutting-edge performance for gaming, or plan to future-proof your build with PCIe 5.0.
Choose the Intel Core i5-12600K if: you want excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank, need a reliable processor for everyday tasks, or are looking to do some light overclocking.
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 i5-12600K is better if you prioritize excellent price-to-performance ratio for gaming and multitasking. 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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