Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.6 GHz
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AI Verdict
This 24-core, 24-thread Intel Core Ultra 9 285 CPU with a 65W base power is for serious creators and gamers who prioritize power efficiency and a new platform.
This Intel Core Ultra 9 285 is a strong contender for users prioritizing a modern platform with 24 cores and a 65W Processor Base Power for content creation and general computing. Its integrated graphics and NPU add value, but inconsistent gaming performance and potential software optimization issues make it a less straightforward choice for pure gaming builds. It's a forward-looking chip that might need software updates to fully shine.
If you need more consistent top-tier gaming performance, look for CPUs with higher single-core clock speeds and proven gaming benchmarks across a wider range of titles.
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Pros
- Features 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 24 threads for demanding workloads.
- Achieves up to 5.6 GHz clock speed for responsive performance.
- Integrates Intel Graphics, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU for basic display output.
- Supports PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 and DDR5 memory, offering a modern, high-bandwidth platform.
- Operates with a 65W Processor Base Power, indicating lower power consumption than previous generations.
- Includes an integrated NPU for AI acceleration in compatible applications.
Cons
- Gaming performance can be inconsistent, sometimes performing slower than previous-gen Intel or AMD CPUs in certain titles.
- Some software, like Adobe Photoshop, may not be fully optimized for the new architecture, leading to unexpected performance dips.
- The disaggregated chiplet design can introduce latency bottlenecks in some scenarios.
- No thermal solution is included in the box, requiring a separate purchase.
- Lacks Hyper-Threading on P-cores, limiting total thread count to 24 despite 24 cores.
Dimension Scores
The P-cores feature a 'Lion Cove' architecture with a claimed 9% IPC increase over 'Raptor Cove', contributing to strong single-thread performance despite some latency issues.
With 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 24 threads, it shows strong gains in productivity workloads and often matches or beats 32-thread Raptor Lake parts in parallelized rendering.
The 65W Processor Base Power and reported 11% power consumption drop compared to the i9-14900K indicate significantly improved power efficiency.
Utilizing the new FCLGA1851 socket, DDR5, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support, this CPU is on a new platform designed for future upgrades and technologies.
Best For
- Content creation tasks like video editing and 3D rendering that benefit from high core counts and multi-threaded performance.
- Users building a new system on the FCLGA1851 socket with an 800 series chipset for future upgrade potential.
- Enthusiast gamers who play a variety of titles and value power efficiency over absolute peak gaming frame rates in every scenario.
- Developers and users experimenting with AI-accelerated applications due to the integrated NPU.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders who need a CPU with an included stock cooler.
- Competitive gamers who demand the highest possible frame rates in all titles, as performance can be inconsistent.
- Users upgrading from a very recent, high-end CPU (e.g., 14th gen i9) primarily for gaming, as generational gains might be limited or inconsistent.
Watch Out For
- You'll need to buy a CPU cooler separately because the box doesn't include one.
- Some games might run 5-10% slower than on previous-gen Intel CPUs, so don't expect universal gaming uplifts.
- Software like Adobe Photoshop can show subpar performance compared to other CPUs, even within the same generation, due to optimization issues.
- The integrated NPU for AI acceleration is currently 'underwhelming for the average desktop user' and might not offer immediate practical benefits.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DT7JDLDH |
| Brand | Intel |
| Color | Black |
| CPU Model | Intel Core Ultra 9 |
| CPU Speed | 5.6 GHz |
| Processor | 5.6 GHz intel_core_ultra_9 |
| CPU Socket | FCLGA1851 |
| Item Weight | 1.58 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| CPU Manufacturer | Intel |
| Item model number | BX80768285 |
| Product Dimensions | 5.12 x 5.53 x 4.74 inches |
| Number of Processors | 9 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.12 x 5.53 x 4.74 inches |
What Buyers Say
This Core Ultra 9 285 is a bit of a head-scratcher for some, especially if you're only looking at gaming numbers. While it absolutely crushes it in creative apps like Premiere and After Effects, feeling like a 'night and day' upgrade for some users, gaming performance can be all over the place. You'll find it's super power-efficient and runs cooler than older chips, which is a huge plus for system noise and thermals. However, don't expect it to magically outperform every previous-gen chip in every game, as some titles might even see a slight dip. The new architecture is definitely a step forward for productivity, but gaming still feels like it's waiting for better software optimization.
“Man, this thing flies through my video renders, it's actually insane how much faster it is than my old i9-9900K, but then I jump into a game and it's like, 'huh, did I actually upgrade?' Still, my office is way cooler now, so there's that.”
Common Praise
- Handles video editing and content creation tasks with significantly faster render times.
- Runs with notably lower power consumption compared to previous-generation high-end Intel CPUs.
- Maintains cooler operating temperatures, even under heavy loads, contributing to a quieter system.
- Offers a modern platform with support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 devices.
- Provides a substantial performance boost when upgrading from older CPU generations (e.g., i9-9900K).
Common Complaints
- Gaming performance is inconsistent, sometimes falling behind older Intel CPUs or AMD competitors.
- Certain applications, like Adobe Photoshop, do not show expected performance gains and can even be slower.
- The integrated NPU's benefits are not yet widely apparent or utilized by average desktop users.
- Requires a new motherboard with the FCLGA1851 socket, necessitating a platform upgrade for many users.
- The removal of Hyper-Threading on P-cores means fewer total threads than some might expect from a 24-core chip.
Ownership Tips
- The lower 65W Processor Base Power means you can get away with a less extreme (and quieter) CPU cooler than previous high-end Intel chips.
- You'll definitely notice the system is quieter under load if you're coming from a power-hungry older CPU.
- Make sure your operating system and frequently used applications are updated, as performance can improve with better optimization for the new architecture.
- The integrated graphics are surprisingly capable for general desktop use and even some light gaming, letting you hold off on a discrete GPU if needed.
- The new socket means you're locked into a new motherboard, so factor that into your budget and build plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 come with a cooler?
No, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 does not include a thermal solution in the box, so you will need to purchase a compatible CPU cooler separately.
Is this CPU good for gaming?
It's a mixed bag for gaming. While it can run games very well, some reviews indicate inconsistent performance, with certain titles running 5-10% slower than on previous-generation Intel CPUs.
What motherboard do I need for this processor?
This processor is compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards and uses the FCLGA1851 socket.
Does this CPU have integrated graphics?
Yes, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 includes integrated Intel Graphics, so a dedicated graphics card isn't strictly necessary for display output.
How many cores and threads does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 have?
It features 24 cores, configured as 8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores, and supports 24 threads.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a CPU like this, you need to think about what you actually do with your computer. The 'cores' are like the number of chefs in your kitchen, and 'threads' are how many tasks each chef can juggle. More cores and threads mean it can handle more things at once, which is huge for stuff like video editing or running multiple demanding programs. The 'GHz' is how fast those chefs work. Don't just chase the highest numbers; consider how your software uses those resources. Also, the 'socket' is the shape of the CPU, and it has to match your motherboard, so you can't just drop this into an old board.
24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 24 threads
Up to 5.6 GHz speed
FCLGA1851 socket
65W Processor Base Power
Alternatives
If this CPU doesn't quite fit, look for processors with higher single-core clock speeds and 3D V-Cache technology for pure gaming focus, or consider chips with higher thread counts if your workload is exclusively heavy multi-threaded rendering.
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