CPU Comparison
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the flagship unlocked Arrow Lake-S desktop processor, featuring 24 cores, 5.7 GHz boost, and a 125W TDP.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
24 cores crush heavy multi-threaded workloads like rendering.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Gaming
Top-tier gaming performance, easily pushing high refresh rates.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Virtualization
Excellent for complex virtualization and containerization.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Efficiency
Efficient at idle, but can draw up to 250W under full load.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 13 TOPS NPU handles background AI tasks
- Total 36 TOPS combined with CPU and GPU
- Suitable for light local AI inference
- Likely featured a 13 TOPS NPU similar to the 285K.
Content Creation
Gaming
- High single-core boost ensures maximum FPS
- Performs exceptionally well in CPU-bound scenarios
- Requires a high-end GPU to avoid bottlenecks
- Performance data is unavailable as the chip was never released.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for enthusiast overclocking
- Excellent single-core and multi-core performance
- Modern LGA 1851 platform with PCIe 5.0
- Integrated NPU for AI acceleration
- High 5.7 GHz boost clock
Cons
- High power consumption under load (up to 250W)
- Requires expensive LGA 1851 motherboard
- Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces thread count vs predecessors
- Minimal IPC gain over Raptor Lake
Pros
- High 5.8 GHz boost target
- Fast DDR5-7200 native memory support
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Retains 24-core layout for multi-threading
Cons
- Never officially released
- No warranty or retail availability
- May have been power-hungry at 5.8 GHz
- Replaced by the 285K in the market
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900KRival
Desktop
Same performance but cheaper and locked at 65W.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DAlt
Better gaming performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265KAlt
Better value for users who don't need the 5.7 GHz boost.
Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900XRival
Desktop
Previous gen high-frequency monster (6.0 GHz) for raw clock speed.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DAlt
Best gaming CPU alternative currently available.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265KAlt
Better value alternative if you don't need the 5.8 GHz boost.
Our Verdict on Each
A powerful flagship CPU that brings 3nm efficiency and high clocks to the desktop, though it requires robust cooling for maximum performance.
Best for: Building a brand new, no-compromise high-end gaming or creator PC.
Read the full reviewA canceled/unreleased processor that would have offered higher clocks and faster memory support over the 285K.
Best for: Not applicable, as the product was never released.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K leads with a gaming performance score of 95/100 among Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus.
Do Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1851 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (54,000), Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus (55,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.