Core Ultra 9 285HX vs EPYC 9135

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285HX

24 Cores24 Thrd55 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 285HX 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 285HX 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 285HX 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 285HX

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +22.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 55W instead of 200W, a 145W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics, while EPYC 9135 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 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.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

EPYC 9135

2024

Why buy it

  • +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 285HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (57,808 vs 58,732).
  • Launch MSRP is still $1,214 MSRP, while Core Ultra 9 285HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 263.6% higher power demand at 200W vs 55W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 9 285HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 9 285HX 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 285HX 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 285HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.3% 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 285HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 9 285HX is still the faster CPU overall, but EPYC 9135 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core Ultra 9 285HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,214 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. EPYC 9135 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (47.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 9 285HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024) and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/32. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core Ultra 9 285HX vs EPYC 9135 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

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 285HX packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 9135 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285HX has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285HX versus 4.3 GHz on the EPYC 9135 — a 24.5% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285HX (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.65 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285HX 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 285HX scores 58,732 against the EPYC 9135's 57,808 — a 1.6% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285HX. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285HX vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9135.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285HXEPYC 9135
Cores / Threads
24 / 24+50%
16 / 32
Boost Clock
5.5 GHz+28%
4.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3.65 GHz+30%
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
58,732+2%
57,808
Geekbench 6 Single
3,106
Geekbench 6 Multi
22,200
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Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 9 285HX uses the FCBGA2114 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 285HX versus 6000 on the EPYC 9135 — the Core Ultra 9 285HX 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 285HX) vs 12 (EPYC 9135). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) vs 128 (EPYC 9135) — the EPYC 9135 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM870 (Core Ultra 9 285HX) and SP5 (EPYC 9135).

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285HXEPYC 9135
Socket
FCBGA2114
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

Only the Core Ultra 9 285HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 9135 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: true (Core Ultra 9 285HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 9135). The Core Ultra 9 285HX includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics), while the EPYC 9135 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX3D; EPYC 9135 rivals Xeon Platinum 8558P.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285HXEPYC 9135
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel Arc Graphics
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d