Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core i9-14900K
Get the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K unless you need extreme multi-threaded performance. The numbers show it has 24 cores and a max boost clock of 5.7 GHz, while the Intel Core i9-14900K pushes up to 6.0 GHz but at a steep 253W power consumption. In real-world testing, the Ultra 9 excels in power efficiency and lower heat output, making it a great choice for gamers who want to keep temperatures under control. However, if you’re into heavy multi-threaded tasks, the i9-14900K’s additional threads (32 vs 24) might prove beneficial, even if it means dealing with higher power needs.
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Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core i9-14900K
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core i9-14900K
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core i9-14900K
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K | Intel Core i9-14900K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(512)Amazon | ★4.2(1,274)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Core Ultra 200S Series (Arrow Lake-S) | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core i9) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1851 | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) |
Cores Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 24 Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 32 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: 3.2 / 5.6 GHz; E-Core: 2.4 / 4.4 GHz; Thermal Velocity Boost: 6.0 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 40 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (76 MB Total) | 32 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (68 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 250 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 253 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) | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~102.4 GB/s @ 6400 MT/s) | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 (x20 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Gen5 + 4 Gen4 Direct to CPU) | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 300 – 2000 MHz, Xe-LPG Architecture) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1650 MHz) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, VNNI, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.2; NPU: Intel AI Boost (13 TOPS) | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 |
Cooler Included | No (360mm+ Liquid Cooler highly recommended) | No (360mm or 420mm Liquid Cooler required for optimal performance) |
Max Temp | 105°C (221°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) TjMax |
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). | Features Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) to hit 6.0 GHz only if thermal headroom allows. Notorious for extreme power usage; recent BIOS updates (0x129 microcode) recommended to prevent degradation. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, W880) | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) |
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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 i9-14900K
✓ Pros:
- • One of the fastest consumer CPUs for mixed gaming and heavy multi-threaded productivity
- • Extremely high 6.0 GHz clock speed out of the box
- • Retains support for DDR4 memory for cost-effective platform choices
✗ Cons:
- • Extremely high power consumption and heat output; requires top-tier cooling
- • Dead-end platform (LGA1700) with no upgrade path to Core Ultra
- • Expensive compared to competitive options with similar gaming performance
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is the better buy for most people - its 5.7 GHz max boost clock crushes the i9-14900K's 6.0 GHz in efficiency. That said, grab the i9-14900K if you need those extra threads for heavy multitasking - it offers 32 threads compared to 24.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K if: you want lower power consumption with 125W, prefer cooler operation during gaming, or are upgrading from older hardware.
Choose the Intel Core i9-14900K if: you need maximum performance for multi-threaded productivity, want the highest single-core speed, or plan to use DDR4 for cost savings.
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 i9-14900K is better if you prioritize one of the fastest consumer cpus for mixed gaming and heavy multi-threaded productivity. 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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