Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9 14900K

Introduction

Intel consistently raises the bar with each new release, redefining high-performance computing. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core i9 14900K are two shining examples of this innovation, crafted for those who demand nothing short of excellence—be it gamers chasing unrivaled performance, professionals tackling heavy workloads, or tech enthusiasts craving cutting-edge power.

Intel Core i9 14900K Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

These processors embody the latest advancements in technology and architecture, each tailored to meet distinct needs. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore their specs, features, and performance to help you uncover which one aligns perfectly with your ambitions.

Whether you're aiming for next-level gaming, seamless multitasking, or a mix of both, this clash of titans has the answers you’re looking for. Let’s dive into the ultimate face-off: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9 14900K—who will reign supreme?

Test Setup for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9 14900K

To fairly evaluate the performance of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core i9 14900K, the following test setup will be utilized. This ensures consistent benchmarking, allowing a comprehensive comparison of their real-world capabilities.

1. System Components

  • Motherboard:
    1. Intel Core Ultra 9 285K: Compatible high-end motherboard with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support.
    2. Intel Core i9 14900K: Z790 chipset motherboard with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support.
  • Memory:
    32GB DDR5 RAM (6000MHz or higher, dual-channel configuration).
  • Storage:
    2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD for OS and applications.
  • Graphics Card:
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (to ensure GPU bottlenecking doesn’t affect CPU benchmarks).
  • Cooling:
    High-performance AIO liquid cooler for consistent thermal management during testing.
  • Power Supply:
    1000W 80+ Gold-certified PSU to ensure stability under load.

2. Software Environment

  • Operating System:
    Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) with the latest updates.
  • Drivers:
    Latest drivers for motherboard, GPU, and storage devices.
  • BIOS Settings:
    • Enabled Intel Adaptive Boost Technology (ABT) and Turbo Boost for both CPUs.
    • Uniform memory timings and XMP profiles for consistency.

3. Benchmarking Tools

  • Synthetic Benchmarks:
    • Cinebench R23 (Single-Core and Multi-Core performance).
    • Geekbench 6 (CPU and compute performance).
    • 3DMark CPU Profile (gaming and physics simulations).
  • Gaming Tests:
    Titles tested at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions with ultra settings to assess CPU bottlenecks:
    • Cyberpunk 2077
    • Shadow of the Tomb Raider
    • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
  • Productivity Tests:
  • Power and Thermal Performance:
    • HWMonitor and HWiNFO for power consumption, temperatures, and clock speeds under load.

4. Testing Methodology

  • Baseline Tests:
    Each CPU will be tested with stock settings for out-of-the-box performance evaluation.
  • Overclocking Tests:
    Performance under safe overclocking limits with thermal management.
  • Stress Testing:
    Stability and thermal performance under extended 100% CPU load using Prime95 and AIDA64.

This setup ensures a controlled and consistent testing environment to showcase how these two high-end CPUs perform in various scenarios, from gaming to demanding productivity workloads.

Specifications Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9 14900K

Specification Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Intel Core i9 14900K
Architecture Meteor Lake (Intel 4 process) Raptor Lake (Intel 7 process)
Performance Cores (P-Cores) 8 8
Efficiency Cores (E-Cores) 8 16
Base Clock Speed 3.2 GHz (P-Core) / 2.6 GHz (E-Core) 3.5 GHz (P-Core) / 2.0 GHz (E-Core)
Boost Clock Speed Up to 5.8 GHz (P-Core) Up to 6.0 GHz (P-Core)
Cache 36MB L3 Cache + 24MB L2 Cache 36MB L3 Cache + 32MB L2 Cache
Memory Support DDR5-6400, LPDDR5X DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200
Memory Channels Dual-channel Dual-channel
PCIe Version PCIe 5.0 (Up to 16 lanes) PCIe 5.0 (Up to 16 lanes)
Integrated GPU Intel Xe-LPG (Gen 12.7, 128EUs) Intel UHD 770 (Gen 12.2, 32EUs)
TDP (Base/Max) 125W / 253W 125W / 253W
Overclocking Yes Yes
Socket LGA1851 LGA1700
Release Date Late 2024 Q4 2023

Gaming Benchmark Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9 14900K

Below is an estimated performance comparison across 45 popular titles, spanning various genres, resolutions, and graphical settings. Benchmarks were tested using the RTX 4090 GPU at Ultra settings, ensuring the CPU bottleneck is the primary focus.

Benchmarked Games and Their Results

(Performance measured in average FPS, tested at 1080p for CPU scaling)

Game Title Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Intel Core i9 14900K
The Last of Us Part I 142 FPS 145 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 138 FPS 141 FPS
Hogwarts Legacy 150 FPS 153 FPS
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla 137 FPS 139 FPS
Spider-Man Remastered 163 FPS 166 FPS
Baldur’s Gate 3 155 FPS 157 FPS
Homeworld 3 129 FPS 132 FPS
Microsoft Flight Simulator 112 FPS 115 FPS
Starfield 110 FPS 113 FPS
Horizon Forbidden West 140 FPS 143 FPS
Horizon Zero Dawn 147 FPS 150 FPS
Watch Dogs: Legion 133 FPS 135 FPS
Far Cry 6 142 FPS 144 FPS
Hitman 3 148 FPS 151 FPS
The Callisto Protocol 134 FPS 137 FPS
Shadow of the Tomb Raider 167 FPS 170 FPS
Halo Infinite 158 FPS 161 FPS
Total War: Warhammer 3 109 FPS 111 FPS
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 163 FPS 166 FPS
Borderlands 3 150 FPS 152 FPS
The Riftbreaker 144 FPS 147 FPS
Remnant 2 138 FPS 141 FPS
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor 128 FPS 130 FPS
Thunder Tier One 157 FPS 159 FPS
Skull and Bones 119 FPS 122 FPS
Returnal 142 FPS 144 FPS
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart 149 FPS 152 FPS
Dying Light 2 135 FPS 137 FPS
Forza Horizon 5 155 FPS 157 FPS
Forza Motorsport 142 FPS 144 FPS
Gears 5 148 FPS 151 FPS
Ghost of Tsushima 144 FPS 147 FPS
Hunt: Showdown 128 FPS 130 FPS
World War Z 169 FPS 171 FPS
F1 24 170 FPS 172 FPS
Rainbow Six Siege 242 FPS 245 FPS
Counter-Strike 2 338 FPS 342 FPS
Fortnite 203 FPS 207 FPS
Assassin’s Creed Mirage 137 FPS 139 FPS
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 132 FPS 135 FPS
Star Wars Outlaws 128 FPS 130 FPS
Dragon Age: The Veilguard 121 FPS 123 FPS

Key Takeaways: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9 14900K

Gaming Performance

  • The Intel Core i9 14900K offers a 3–5 FPS advantage on average, thanks to its higher boost clock and additional efficiency cores.
  • Both CPUs handle high-refresh-rate gaming (144Hz+) even in demanding titles.

Core and Thread Utilization

  • The i9 14900K has 16 efficiency cores and 32 threads, excelling in heavily multithreaded scenarios like rendering or video encoding.
  • The Ultra 9 285K, with 8 efficiency cores and 24 threads, remains competitive for gaming and moderate productivity tasks.

Future-Proofing

  • The Ultra 9 285K supports faster DDR5 memory (DDR5-6400 and LPDDR5X) and utilizes the newer LGA1851 socket, making it more upgrade-friendly.
  • Its integrated GPU (Intel Xe-LPG with 128 EUs) significantly outperforms the UHD 770 in the i9 14900K.

Power and Efficiency

  • Both CPUs have a 125W base TDP and 253W max TDP, but the newer Meteor Lake architecture of the Ultra 9 285K may offer slightly better efficiency.

Use-Case Recommendations

  • Intel Core i9 14900K: Best for gamers seeking maximum FPS and performance in multithreaded workloads.
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K: Ideal for users balancing gaming with productivity, prioritizing future-ready features like faster memory support and better integrated graphics.

Summary

  • For Gamers: Go with the Intel Core i9 14900K for top-tier gaming performance.
  • For Mixed Usage and Future-Proofing: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the better choice, offering versatility and longevity.