Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is the premium option here, offering a staggering 24 cores and a max turbo of 5.7 GHz, which is great for heavy workloads. If you’re on a budget, the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K has 14 cores and a max of 5.2 GHz, delivering solid performance for everyday tasks. In real-world use, the Ultra 9 shines in gaming and demanding applications, especially with its improved power efficiency and lower operating temperatures. However, it requires a new LGA1851 motherboard, while the Ultra 5 is more budget-friendly yet sacrifices some gaming performance, often falling flat against its competitors like the Ryzen 9000.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(512)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Core Ultra 200S Series (Arrow Lake-S) | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1851 | LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 24 Cores (8P + 16E) / 24 Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 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: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 40 MB L2 + 36 MB L3 (76 MB Total) | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 250 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC/IO Tiles) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) |
Memory Support | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W880 chipset required) | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~102.4 GB/s @ 6400 MT/s) | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) |
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) | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) |
Igpu | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 300 – 2000 MHz, Xe-LPG Architecture) | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, VNNI, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.2; NPU: Intel AI Boost (13 TOPS) | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) |
Cooler Included | No (360mm+ Liquid Cooler highly recommended) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 105°C (221°F) TjMax | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
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). | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, W880) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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.
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen
- • Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes
- • Integrated NPU (13 TOPS) accelerates light local AI workloads
- • Run cooler than previous i5-K SKUs under load
✗ Cons:
- • Gaming performance often flat or slightly lower than 14600K/Ryzen 9000
- • Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces multi-core potential in some apps
- • Requires new LGA1851 socket (incompatible with LGA1700)
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 max turbo crush the Ultra 5.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K if: you run heavy applications, game at high settings, or need top-tier performance for content creation.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you perform basic tasks, want better efficiency for light workloads, or are on a tighter budget.
Conclusion
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K and Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
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 Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K is better if you prioritize significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 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.