Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 9135

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285

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

EPYC 9135

16 Cores32 Thrd200 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2024
EPYC family
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Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 9135 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 9135 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 9135: 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: +22.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $625 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $1,214 MSRP).
  • Delivers 104.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 97.5 vs 47.6 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $1,214 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 200W, a 135W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Graphics, while EPYC 9135 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (57,442 vs 57,808).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 9135, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

EPYC 9135

2024

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • +77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 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 per dollar, at 47.6 vs 97.5 PassMark/$ ($1,214 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
  • 207.7% higher power demand at 200W 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 9135?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 9135 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 9135 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
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 $625 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $1,214 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that EPYC 9135 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 104.8% better value on MSRP (97.5 vs 47.6 PassMark/$), 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 2024). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 9135 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 9135

The EPYC 9135 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.65 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 57,808 points. Launch price was $1,214.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 9 285 packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 9135 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285 versus 4.3 GHz on the EPYC 9135 — a 24.5% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.65 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the EPYC 9135 uses Turin (2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285 scores 57,442 against the EPYC 9135's 57,808 — a 0.6% lead for the EPYC 9135. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285 vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9135.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 9135
Cores / Threads
24 / 24+50%
16 / 32
Boost Clock
5.5 GHz+28%
4.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.65 GHz+46%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
64 MB (total)+78%
L2 Cache
3 MB (per core)+200%
1 MB (per core)
Process
3 nm-25%
4 nm
Architecture
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Turin (2024)
PassMark
57,442
57,808
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 9135 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285 versus 6000 on the EPYC 9135 — the Core Ultra 9 285 supports 6.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9135 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285) vs 12 (EPYC 9135). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285) vs 128 (EPYC 9135) — the EPYC 9135 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 800 Series (Core Ultra 9 285) and SP5 (EPYC 9135).

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 9135
Socket
LGA1851
SP5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6400+7%
6000
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
6144 GB+3100%
RAM Channels
2
12+500%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
128+433%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 9135 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core Ultra 9 285) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 9135). The Core Ultra 9 285 includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics), while the EPYC 9135 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 9 285 targets High-End Gaming. Direct competitor: EPYC 9135 rivals Xeon Platinum 8558P.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 9135
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 9135 came in at $1214. On launch pricing ($589 vs $1214), Core Ultra 9 285 was $625 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285 delivers 97.5 pts/$ vs 47.6 pts/$ for the EPYC 9135 — making the Core Ultra 9 285 the 68.8% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285EPYC 9135
MSRP
$589-51%
$1214
Performance per Dollar
97.5+105%
47.6
Release Date
2025
2024

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