Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 8324P

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285

24 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.5 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 8324P

32 Cores64 Thrd180 WWMax: 3 GHz2023
EPYC family
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Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 8324P Performance Spectrum

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.

Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 8324P 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 Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 8324P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core Ultra 9 285

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +24.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,306 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $1,895 MSRP).
  • Delivers 223.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 97.5 vs 30.1 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $1,895 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 180W, a 115W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Graphics, while EPYC 8324P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 128 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 8324P, which brings 32 cores / 64 threads and 96 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

EPYC 8324P

2023

Why buy it

  • +255.6% larger total L3 cache (128 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 32 cores / 64 threads, plus 96 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (96 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 9 285 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (57,127 vs 57,442).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 30.1 vs 97.5 PassMark/$ ($1,895 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
  • 176.9% higher power demand at 180W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 9 285 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 9 285 better than EPYC 8324P?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 8324P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 9 285 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core Ultra 9 285 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 24.3% 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 9 285 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 9 285 is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 9 285 comes in $1,306 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $1,895 MSRP, and it still gives you a 24.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 223.5% better value on MSRP (97.5 vs 30.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 9 285 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023) and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 24 threads instead of 32/64. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 8324P Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285

The Core Ultra 9 285 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2025 (recentemente). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 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: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 57,442 points. Launch price was $579.

AMD

EPYC 8324P

The EPYC 8324P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 18 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Siena (2023−2024) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.65 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 57,127 points. Launch price was $1,895.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 9 285 packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 8324P offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 8324P has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285 versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 8324P — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.65 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the EPYC 8324P uses Siena (2023−2024) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285 scores 57,442 against the EPYC 8324P's 57,127 — a 0.5% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285 vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 8324P.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 8324P
Cores / Threads
24 / 24
32 / 64+33%
Boost Clock
5.5 GHz+83%
3 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.65 GHz+6%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
128 MB (total)+256%
L2 Cache
3 MB (per core)+200%
1 MB (per core)
Process
3 nm-40%
5 nm
Architecture
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Siena (2023−2024)
PassMark
57,442
57,127
Cinebench R23 Multi
40,000
Geekbench 6 Single
3,000
Geekbench 6 Multi
20,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 9 285 uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 8324P uses SP6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285 versus 4800 on the EPYC 8324P — the Core Ultra 9 285 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 8324P supports up to 1152 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285) vs 6 (EPYC 8324P). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285) vs 96 (EPYC 8324P) — the EPYC 8324P offers 72 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 800 Series (Core Ultra 9 285) and SP6 (EPYC 8324P).

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 8324P
Socket
LGA1851
SP6
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6400+33%
4800
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
1152 GB+500%
RAM Channels
2
6+200%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
96+300%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 8324P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core Ultra 9 285) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 8324P). The Core Ultra 9 285 includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics), while the EPYC 8324P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 9 285 targets High-End Gaming. Direct competitor: EPYC 8324P rivals Xeon Platinum 8452Y.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 8324P
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Arc Graphics
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High-End Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 9 285 was priced at $589, while the EPYC 8324P came in at $1895. On launch pricing ($589 vs $1895), Core Ultra 9 285 was $1306 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285 delivers 97.5 pts/$ vs 30.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 8324P — making the Core Ultra 9 285 the 105.6% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 8324P
MSRP
$589-69%
$1895
Performance per Dollar
97.5+224%
30.1
Release Date
2025
2023

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