Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 9 285HX

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 9 285HX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 9 285HX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-13900KF

2022

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,946 vs 3,106).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (19,878 vs 22,200).
❌Launch MSRP is still $599 MSRP, while Core Ultra 9 285HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌127.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 9 285HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 9 285HX

2025

Why buy it

✅+5.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 55W instead of 125W, a 70W reduction.
✅20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics, while Core i9-13900KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 9 285HX better than Core i9-13900KF?

Yes. Core Ultra 9 285HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 11.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.7% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 9 285HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core Ultra 9 285HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 24 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core Ultra 9 285HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i9-13900KF is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 9 285HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $599 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-13900KF is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (96.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 9 285HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 24 threads instead of 24/32. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 9 285HX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i9-13900KF

The Core i9-13900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 W, 253 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 57,743 points. Launch price was $564.

Core Ultra 9 285HX

The Core Ultra 9 285HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2114. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,732 points. Launch price was $650.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-13900KF packs 24 cores / 32 threads, matching the Core Ultra 9 285HX's 24 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-13900KF versus 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285HX — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900KF (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-13900KF uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 285HX uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-13900KF scores 57,743 against the Core Ultra 9 285HX's 58,732 — a 1.7% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285HX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,946 vs 3,106, a 5.3% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 19,878 vs 22,200 (11% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285HX). Both processors carry 36 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i9-13900KF	Core Ultra 9 285HX
Cores / Threads	24 / 32	24 / 24
Boost Clock	5.7 GHz+4%	5.5 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	36 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)	3 MB (per core)+50%
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	57,743	58,732+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	39,565	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,946	3,106+5%
Geekbench 6 Multi	19,878	22,200+12%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-13900KF uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285HX uses FCBGA2114 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-13900KF versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285HX — the Core Ultra 9 285HX supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-13900KF) vs 24 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) — the Core Ultra 9 285HX offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel Z690 (Core i9-13900KF) and Intel HM870 (Core Ultra 9 285HX).

Feature	Core i9-13900KF	Core Ultra 9 285HX
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA2114
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600	DDR5-6400+14%
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	192 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	24+20%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core Ultra 9 285HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the Core i9-13900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13900KF targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX3D.