Core Ultra 9 285 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285

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

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

12 Cores24 Thrd350 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Threadripper Pro family
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Core Ultra 9 285 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX 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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX 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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX: 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

  • Costs $751 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
  • Delivers 129.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 97.5 vs 42.4 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 350W, a 285W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Arc Graphics, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

2025

Why buy it

  • +77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 24.
  • 433.3% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (56,854 vs 57,442).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.4 vs 97.5 PassMark/$ ($1,340 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
  • 438.5% higher power demand at 350W 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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX 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 0.3% 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 1% 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 $751 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $1,340 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 129.9% better value on MSRP (97.5 vs 42.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core Ultra 9 285 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX 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

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 56,854 points. Launch price was $2,000.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 9 285 packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285 versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — a 1.8% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285 uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285 scores 57,442 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX's 56,854 — a 1% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285 vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Cores / Threads
24 / 24+100%
12 / 24
Boost Clock
5.5 GHz+2%
5.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
4.7 GHz+88%
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)
Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark
57,442+1%
56,854
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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB 966.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 800 Series (Core Ultra 9 285) and WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX).

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Socket
LGA1851
sTR5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-6400
6400
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB
2048 GB+967%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
128+433%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core Ultra 9 285) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). The Core Ultra 9 285 includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 9 285 targets High-End Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Arc Graphics
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
Target Use
High-End Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 9 285 was priced at $589, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX came in at $1340. On launch pricing ($589 vs $1340), Core Ultra 9 285 was $751 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285 delivers 97.5 pts/$ vs 42.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — making the Core Ultra 9 285 the 78.7% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
MSRP
$589-56%
$1340
Performance per Dollar
97.5+130%
42.4
Release Date
2025
2025

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