Core Ultra 7 265K vs Core Ultra 9 285HX
Core Ultra 7 265K
Core Ultra 9 285HX
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 Ultra 7 265K
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core Ultra 9 285HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core Ultra 9 285HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Ultra 7 265K and Core Ultra 9 285HX
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 7 265K packs 20 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285HX offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285HX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265K versus 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285HX — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture using a 3 nm process. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 265K scores 58,789 against the Core Ultra 9 285HX's 58,732 — a 0.1% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,283 vs 3,106, a 5.5% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,293 vs 22,200 (0.4% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265K). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265K vs 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285HX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core Ultra 9 285HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 20 | 24 / 24+20% |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz | 5.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+39% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 58,789 | 58,732 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 36,309 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,283+6% | 3,106 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,293 | 22,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 265K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285HX uses FCBGA2114 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Core Ultra 7 265K supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 7 265K) vs 24 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) — the Core Ultra 9 285HX offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1851 (Core Ultra 7 265K) and Intel HM870 (Core Ultra 9 285HX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core Ultra 9 285HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | FCBGA2114 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+33% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 7 265K) vs true (Core Ultra 9 285HX). Both include integrated graphics — Arc Graphics 64EU (Core Ultra 7 265K) and Intel Arc Graphics (Core Ultra 9 285HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX3D.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core Ultra 9 285HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Arc Graphics 64EU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
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