Intel Core i9-285K vs AMD Ryzen 9950x: Which is better ?

Intel has just launched its new Arrow Lake processors, including the Core Ultra 9 285K.

Today we compare Intel's latest, the Core Ultra 9 285K, with its AMD rival, the Ryzen 9 9950X. So, will Intel's new flagship take the performance lead? Let's start with the specs.

From this table we can see that both processors have the same maximum frequency, but a different approach.

The all-new 285K retains the Core Performance (8) and Efficient Cores (16) approach and abandons Hyperthreading to maintain a TDP of only 125W, although Turbo mode can up to 250W.

AMD, for its part, has only Performance Cores (16) and retains hyperthreading for a TDP of 230W and a Turbo mode of up to 230W.

This approach can also be seen in the allocation of the different L2 and L3 caches, where Intel has chosen to have fairly similar L2 and L3 caches, while AMD makes the most of the L3 cache, which is 4 times larger than the L2 cache.

The two processors are on a fairly similar price scale, so it's unlikely that a few dollars more or less will make a difference.

The new architecture focuses on applications and AI. The abandonment of SMT is offset by the hybrid architecture, with the presence of Core Performance and Core Efficient delivering much better IPC than previous generations. A dedicated NPU is also integrated to improve processor efficiency for all artificial intelligence tasks.

But how does it compare to the Ryzen 9 9950X, AMD's most powerful processor, which retains the SMT?

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K will only lag behind in applications that require a high degree of task parallelisation, such as file compression/decompression.

For all other application tasks, the Intel processor will be at least on a par with the AMD 9950X, but on average a few percent better.

For gaming tasks, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor will lag behind the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X in the majority of cases.

That’ll depend if you plan to use your PC mostly for daily work or creation or if you plan to game only.
For anyone who wants to create or work especially with the help of AI, the Core Ultra 9 285K becomes a very good choice. In the cases where gaming is your priority, you’ll probably prefer to look at AMD processor or the Intel previous generation is your are committed to Intel.

If you’ve made up your mind and are set on upgrading to the Core Ultra 9 285K, you’ll be pleased to know that all current CORSAIR CPU coolers are compatible with the 285K, in addition to the rest of Intel’s new chips.