Core Ultra 9 285HX vs Core Ultra 7 265KF
Core Ultra 9 285HX
Core Ultra 7 265KF
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 9 285HX
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 7 265KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285HX | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($323) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285HX | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($323) |
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 9 285HX and Core Ultra 7 265KF
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.
Core Ultra 7 265KF
The Core Ultra 7 265KF 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: 58,690 points. Launch price was $379.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285HX packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF offers 20 cores / 20 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285HX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285HX versus 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). Both are built on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture using a 3 nm process. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285HX scores 58,732 against the Core Ultra 7 265KF's 58,690 — a 0.1% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285HX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,106 vs 3,055, a 1.7% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,200 vs 20,373 (8.6% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285HX). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285HX vs 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265KF.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285HX | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24+20% | 20 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz | 5.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz+39% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+20% | 30 MB (total) |
| 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 | 58,732 | 58,690 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 35,315 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,106+2% | 3,055 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,200+9% | 20,373 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. Both support up to 192 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM870 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) and Intel Z890 (Core Ultra 7 265KF).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285HX | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2114 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core Ultra 9 285HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the Core Ultra 7 265KF requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX3D; Core Ultra 7 265KF rivals Ryzen 7 9700X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285HX | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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