Core i9-14900K vs Core Ultra 7 265K
Core i9-14900K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-14900K
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 265K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-14900K | Core Ultra 7 265K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($469) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-14900K | Core Ultra 7 265K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+65%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($469) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-14900K and Core Ultra 7 265K
Core i9-14900K
The Core i9-14900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.8 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 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 58,544 points. Launch price was $589.
Core Ultra 7 265K
The Core Ultra 7 265K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,789 points. Launch price was $394.
Processing Power
The Core i9-14900K packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 265K offers 20 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-14900K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-14900K versus 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265K — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-14900K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i9-14900K uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 265K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-14900K scores 58,544 against the Core Ultra 7 265K's 58,789 — a 0.4% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265K. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-14900K vs 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265K.
| Feature | Core i9-14900K | Core Ultra 7 265K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+20% | 20 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.8 GHz+5% | 5.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.9 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+20% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+50% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 58,544 | 58,789 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 36,309 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,283 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 22,293 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-14900K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 265K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i9-14900K versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 7 265K — the Core i9-14900K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 7 265K supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z790,Z690 (Core i9-14900K) and LGA1851 (Core Ultra 7 265K).
| Feature | Core i9-14900K | Core Ultra 7 265K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+111900% | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 256 GB+139810033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core Ultra 7 265K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-14900K) and Arc Graphics 64EU (Core Ultra 7 265K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-14900K rivals Ryzen 9 7950X.
| Feature | Core i9-14900K | Core Ultra 7 265K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Arc Graphics 64EU |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-14900K launched at $589 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 7 265K debuted at $309. At current prices ($469 vs $285), the Core Ultra 7 265K is $184 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-14900K delivers 124.8 pts/$ vs 206.3 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 265K — making the Core Ultra 7 265K the 49.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-14900K | Core Ultra 7 265K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $309-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $469 | $285-39% |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.8 | 206.3+65% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
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