The tech world always lusts after new processors and this year is no exception, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the one to have. The new features target AI and power management, aiming to enhance desktop PCs even further. However, does it really meet all of those expectations, let alone expectations from gamers? So let’s look at the specifications of this new CPU and see how it stacks up.

Credit: Intel

Core Specifications at a Glance

Now that is out of the way it is about time to take closer look at numbers namely Intel ‘s Core Ultra 9 285K. It has the count of 24 cores with 8 cores for performance and 16 cores for efficiency. The design of these cores maximizes power density and ensures efficient power delivery simultaneously. It also has the latest 3D packaging technology by Intel, and a Turbo speed of up to 5.7 GHz. This means Intel seeks to develop a chip that will perform efficiently in productivity and gaming.

Last but not least, it has a base power of 125W and the max power of 250W which mean it is a powerful, yet at the same time power efficient processor. The RAM type that is supported is DDR5-6400, which is well suited for tasks which require high amount of processing power. But what distinguishes it is the neutral processing unit used in AI work so it differentiates from previous models.

Credit: PCMag

Performance Overview

The Core Ultra 9 285K is supposed to bring a lot of enhancements especially in the productivity and in the Artificial Intelligence operations. In Cinebench and Geekbench benchmarks, unveiled by the Ultra 9 285K were 15% higher multi-threaded and 7% higher single-threaded performance compared to the previous i9-14900K. This is good for individuals who perform creative roles or those who work in involving multitasking duties.

The NPU also brings new features, it accelerates AI workloads in application such as Windows ML and OpenVINO. This means that tasks like video editing, visual effects, and AI-based photo enhancements perform better and take less time. Still, as for gaming, the main question is – how effectively does it perform the modern games?

Credit: Wccftech

The Built-In AI: NPU and Its Impact

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K with an NPU is the first Intel desktop chip. This NPU assist in enhancing the AI application which is gaining momentum in today’s global environment. Some examples include automatic editing tools which coincide with real-time effects during calls such that it makes the CPU powerful for working in executing normal functions from the NPU.

This product integrates well with frameworks such as OpenVINO and DirectML, which is splendid for developers or even actors that incorporate AI. In layman’s terms, this translates to better operational computation and identification such as recognizing an object, enhancing an image and speech recognition among others which makes your usage of the computer more efficient.

Gaming Performance: The Hits and Misses

For gaming, that particular processor the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K still has its advantages and disadvantages. Compared with the i9-14900K, the gaming performance looks a little worse in some games. In specific games such as in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Motorsport, the Ultra 9 285K was up to 20% slower than the 14900K. For those gamers who only have their priority at achieving the highest FPS, then this might be an issue.

But, here the Ultra 9 285K is far superior when it comes to idling temperatures. During gaming it was cooler than the 14900K at lower power consumption even when operating for hours on end. That means less noise that a fan makes and saving a lots of money on electricity bills, which is good news to some of the users.

Credit: IGN

Thermal Efficiency and Power Consumption

It is possible to point out the high power efficiency as one of the biggest advantages of the Core Ultra 9 285K. Again, unlike previous models which required a lot of power, the Ultra 9 285K does a much better job in power consumption. While using Cinebench, it consumed less power, yet delivered better results and also while idle it consumed nearly 20% less power.

It also runs cooler, during the test, the maximum temperature reaching 85°C, while the 14900K hits 99 C. This means you can overclock your CPU without fearing that it will overheat.

Credit: Club386

New Socket, New Motherboards: Is It Worth It?

The Core Ultra 9 285K also has a new socket, the LGA 1851, so if you want to use this processor, you’ll have to get a new mobo. The LGA 1851 is constructed on Intel’s 800-series chipset; this chipset provides up to two-fourths PCIe lanes, Wi-Fi 6E, and Thunderbolt v4. This allows you to gain the newest features; but it comes with overhead cost of updating regularly.

If you have an older motherboard, it will probably make a lot of sense to move to the LGA 1851 if you are looking for connectivity and future proofing. But we all know that Intel always in a habit of discontinuing sockets very often what make us not to know how long this one will be around.

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. AMD Competitors

AMD has recently released new Ryzen models which are perfect for gaming, but the new Core Ultra 9 285K cannot quite compete. The AMD Ryzen 7800X3D is better for gaming, and it’s good to know that AMD plans to support this AM5 socket for at least 7 years, which is good news for long-lived gaming systems.

However, the Ultra 9 285K is more than suitable for those of you who want a machine with productivity, AI features, and reasonable gaming capabilities. For the creators that also enjoy gaming occasionally, then the efficiency and the AI features of this Intel chip might turn out to be better.

Conclusion

Now the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the great upgrade in the aspect of efficiency and they equip it with more smart AI. For players, it is not the most optimal product because it is weaker than older models from Intel or the new products from AMD. If the customer is interested in AI features, multitasking and is willing to have the latest product then, the Core Ultra 9 285K might suit him/her. Yet, as far as gaming is concerned, AMD seems to be far better here.

All in all, the Core Ultra 9 285K looks like a good and bad mix – it performs well where efficiency and AI is concerned but could be a tease to most gamers out there. If so it depends on what is important to you more – Gaming performance or overall versatility of the GPUs.