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.
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:
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K: Compatible high-end motherboard with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support.
- 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:
- Adobe Premiere Pro (4K video rendering/export).
- Blender (Classroom and BMW render scenes).
- MATLAB (scientific computations).
- 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.