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Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor
Intel

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Processors (CPUs)View on intel.com
Boost/Base Clock:
5.7 GHz / 3.7 GHz
Core/Thread Count:
24 Core (8P+16E) / 24 Thread
Cache:
36MB L3 + 40MB L2
TDP:
125W Base / 250W Max Turbo
CPU Process Node:
TSMC N3B (Compute Tile)
CPU Socket:
LGA 1851
CPU Series:
Arrow Lake
Memory Support:
DDR5-6400
Form Factor:
Desktop

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Review

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's Arrow Lake desktop flagship, a 24-core (8 Performance + 16 Efficient) processor without hyperthreading, with P-cores boosting to 5.7 GHz within a 125W base / 250W max turbo power envelope on the new LGA 1851 socket, launched October 2024.

This chip replaced the i9-14900K as Intel's flagship, moving to a genuinely new tile-based chiplet design and dropping hyperthreading entirely in favor of a real focus on power efficiency, running notably cooler than its predecessor at similar performance.

Architecture

Arrow Lake's disaggregated tile-based design splits the compute, SoC, graphics, and I/O functions across separate tiles connected via Intel's Foveros 3D packaging, with the CPU compute tile manufactured on TSMC's advanced N3B process, a genuinely different approach from Intel's earlier monolithic desktop chips.

How Is the Core Ultra 9 285K in Terms of Performance

The 24-core hybrid layout without hyperthreading gives this chip excellent multi-threaded throughput for content creation, while Intel's real focus on power efficiency means it runs meaningfully cooler than the 14900K it replaced at broadly comparable performance.

Benchmarks

Independent reviews show this chip delivering strong all-core productivity performance competitive with AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X in heavily threaded workloads, while its gaming performance trails AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, with genuinely improved efficiency being the chip's standout characteristic over its 14900K predecessor.

Specifications

Identity

BrandIntel
Product LineCore Ultra 9
Model Number285K
CodenameArrow Lake-S

Segment and platform

Market SegmentDesktop
MicroarchitectureArrow Lake, Core Ultra 200 Series
SocketLGA 1851
Socket StatusCurrent
Process Node3 nm
Process Node3 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores24
Performance Cores8
Efficiency Cores16
Total Threads24
SMT EnabledNo

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock3.7 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock5.5 GHz
E-Core Base Clock3.2 GHz
E-Core Boost Clock4.6 GHz
Unlocked MultiplierYes

Cache

L2 Cache40 MB
L3 Cache36 MB
3D Stacked CacheNo

Power and thermal

Base Power125 W
Max Turbo Power250 W

Memory

Memory TypeDDR5-6400
Memory TypeDDR5
Max Memory Speed6400 MT/s
Memory Channels2
Max Memory Capacity256 GB
ECC SupportYes

Graphics and AI

Integrated GraphicsYes
iGPU ModelIntel Graphics
iGPU Compute Units4
NPU Peak TOPS13 TOPS
Copilot Plus CertifiedNo

Expansion

PCIe GenerationPCIe 5.0
PCIe Lanes24

Commercial

Launch MSRP589 USD
Retail AvailabilityBoxed Retail
Form FactorDesktop
Core/Thread Count24 Core (8P+16E) / 24 Thread
TDP125W Base / 250W Max Turbo
Cache36MB L3 + 40MB L2
Boost/Base Clock5.7 GHz / 3.7 GHz

Expert Review

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

  • Content creation and heavily multi-threaded productivity desktop builds wanting Intel's newest, most power-efficient flagship

Not for

  • Buyers prioritizing maximum gaming frame rates — AMD's 3D V-Cache chips generally lead in gaming-specific benchmarks

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K?

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 5.7 GHz / 3.7 GHz, Core/Thread Count 24 Core (8P+16E) / 24 Thread, Cache 36MB L3 + 40MB L2, TDP 125W Base / 250W Max Turbo, CPU Process Node TSMC N3B (Compute Tile).

Will the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K work with my current setup?

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K lists CPU Socket is LGA 1851. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K best suited to?

It suits content creation and heavily multi-threaded productivity desktop builds wanting intel's newest, most power-efficient flagship.

What are the drawbacks of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K?

It is a poor fit for buyers prioritizing maximum gaming frame rates — amd's 3d v-cache chips generally lead in gaming-specific benchmarks.

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