Core Ultra 9 285K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
Core Ultra 9 285K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
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 285K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($550) | ✅ More affordable ($450) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+22%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($550) | ✅ More affordable ($450) |
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 285K and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
Core Ultra 9 285K
The Core Ultra 9 285K 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 24 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.6 GHz. L3 cache: 36 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: 67,482 points. Launch price was $589.
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.5 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: 67,561 points. Launch price was $1,649.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285K packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.6 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285K scores 67,482 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX's 67,561 — a 0.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 45,563 vs 40,000 (13% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,200 vs 3,016, a 5.9% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,563 vs 23,596 (4.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285K vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24+50% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 5.6 GHz+4% | 5.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz+22% |
| 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 | 67,482 | 67,561 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 45,563+14% | 40,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,200+6% | 3,016 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,563 | 23,596+5% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 165.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285K) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285K) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890 (Core Ultra 9 285K) and WRX90 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 2048 GB+967% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 128+433% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. The Core Ultra 9 285K includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics 64EU), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285K rivals Ryzen 9 9950X; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX rivals Xeon w7-3555.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Graphics 64EU | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 9 285K launched at $589 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX debuted at $429. At current prices ($550 vs $450), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285K delivers 122.7 pts/$ vs 150.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX the 20.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $429-27% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $550 | $450-18% |
| Performance per Dollar | 122.7 | 150.1+22% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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