Core Ultra 9 285HX vs EPYC 7642
Core Ultra 9 285HX
EPYC 7642
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 EPYC 7642
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285HX | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285HX | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
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 EPYC 7642
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.
EPYC 7642
The EPYC 7642 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 48 cores and 96 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 59,333 points. Launch price was $4,775.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285HX packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7642 offers 48 cores / 96 threads — the EPYC 7642 has 24 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285HX versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7642 — a 47.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285HX (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285HX uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the EPYC 7642 uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285HX scores 58,732 against the EPYC 7642's 59,333 — a 1% lead for the EPYC 7642. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285HX vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7642.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285HX | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24 | 48 / 96+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+62% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+17% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 256 MB (total)+611% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+500% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 58,732 | 59,333+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,106 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285HX uses the FCBGA2114 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7642 uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285HX versus 3200 on the EPYC 7642 — the EPYC 7642 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7642 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) vs 8 (EPYC 7642). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) vs 128 (EPYC 7642) — the EPYC 7642 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM870 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) and SP3 (EPYC 7642).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285HX | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2114 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | 3200+63900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+4915100% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 128+433% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 9 285HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core Ultra 9 285HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7642). The Core Ultra 9 285HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the EPYC 7642 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX3D; EPYC 7642 rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285HX | EPYC 7642 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
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