Intel’s latest flagship CPU, the Core Ultra 9 285K, is generating a lot of buzz, but the initial reception has been decidedly mixed. Priced at $589, it boasts improved efficiency and lower temperatures compared to its predecessor, the Core i9-14900K. However, when it comes to gaming performance, the results are surprisingly underwhelming, often lagging behind Intel’s previous generation.
Key Features and Architecture
The Core Ultra 9 285K is part of Intel’s new 200S series and marks the first enthusiast desktop processor equipped with a built-in neural processing unit (NPU), designed to enhance AI-related tasks. It is also the inaugural chip to utilize Intel’s LGA 1851 socket, necessitating a new motherboard for installation. The CPU incorporates advanced 3D packaging technology and the Arrow Lake architecture, which are intended to improve power efficiency—a notable change from the more power-hungry 13th and 14th Gen chips.
Performance Benchmarks
In non-gaming tasks, the Core Ultra 9 285K demonstrates solid improvements. During testing, it drew 254 watts during a Cinebench 2024 benchmark, compared to 267 watts for the 14900K, while outperforming it by 15% in multithreaded tasks and nearly 7% in single-threaded tasks. In Geekbench 6, it achieved 8% better performance in multithreaded tests and 2% better in single-threaded ones, all while consuming less power.
For productivity tasks, results showed minimal differences between the two CPUs, indicating comparable performance in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop.
Intel Ultra 9 285K Benchmarks (1080p)
| Benchmark | Ultra 9 285K | 14900K |
| Geekbench 6 single-thread | 3221 | 3158 |
| Geekbench 6 multithread | 21977 | 20268 |
| Cinebench 2024 single-thread | 145 | 136 |
| Cinebench 2024 multithread | 2446 | 2117 |
| PugetBench for Premiere Pro 1.0.0 | 15897 | 15624 |
| PugetBench for Photoshop 1.0.0 | 9716 | 9649 |
| 3DMark CPU max threads | 17747 | 14524 |
| 3DMark CPU single thread | 1388 | 1255 |
| 3DMark Time Spy CPU score | 18569 | 18583 |
| Metro Exodus (High) | 154 fps | 152 fps |
| Forza Motorsport 2023 (Ultra) | 153 fps | 190 fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Highest) | 267 fps | 291 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra) | 164 fps | 180 fps |
| Black Myth: Wukong (Very High) | 101 fps | 101 fps |
| CPU package temperatures | 85C | 99C |
| CPU package power | 254W | 267W |
| CPU power draw during Black Myth: Wukong | 114W | 144W |
Gaming Performance Disappointment
The gaming performance, however, tells a different story. When paired with an Nvidia RTX 4090 and tested at 1080p, the Ultra 9 285K often fell short of the 14900K. For instance, in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the new CPU delivered frame rates that were 8% lower than its predecessor. Similarly, in Cyberpunk 2077, it was nearly 9% behind, and in Forza Motorsport 2023, it lagged by almost 20%. These regressions are unexpected for a new generation of CPUs that are generally anticipated to deliver performance gains.
Interestingly, Intel has acknowledged these gaming performance challenges, citing a strategic focus on performance-per-watt rather than outright gaming benchmarks. They indicated that the CPU’s design and manufacturing technology prioritized efficiency, which may explain the lackluster gaming performance relative to previous generations.
Windows 11 Impact
Another contributing factor to the gaming performance issues could be attributed to Windows 11’s virtualization-based security (VBS) features, which are enabled by default. Disabling the Memory Integrity feature resulted in a noticeable reduction in performance gaps during tests. For example, with VBS disabled, the Ultra 9 285K outperformed the 14900K in Cyberpunk 2077 by 2%.
Motherboard and Socket Considerations
With the launch of the Ultra 9 285K, users must invest in new motherboards based on the Intel 800-series chipset, which supports up to 24 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 32 USB 3.2 ports. While existing coolers for the LGA 1700 socket are generally compatible, the necessity of a new motherboard might be a barrier for some users.
Future Prospects and Competition
The Intel Ultra 9 285K is entering a competitive landscape where AMD’s 7800X3D CPU outperforms it in gaming tasks. Moreover, AMD’s commitment to supporting its AM5 platform through at least 2027 gives it an edge over Intel’s shorter socket lifespans.
Despite Intel’s advancements in power efficiency and thermal management, the performance drop in gaming raises questions about the CPU’s target audience. Enthusiasts typically prioritize performance over energy savings, and with the Ultra 9 285K failing to deliver in this regard, potential buyers may lean toward AMD for their gaming needs.
In summary, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K makes strides in efficiency and temperature management, its disappointing gaming performance leaves many questioning its place in the market. As users evaluate their options for building new gaming rigs, AMD appears to offer a more compelling choice at this moment.