Core Ultra 9 285K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
Core Ultra 9 285K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX 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 285K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core Ultra 9 285K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX: 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 285K
2024Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +7.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Draws 125W instead of 350W, a 225W reduction.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics 64EU, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX 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 9955WX, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 114.6 vs 157.5 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $429 MSRP).
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
2025Why 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.
- ✅Costs $160 less on MSRP ($429 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 37.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 157.5 vs 114.6 PassMark/$ ($429 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
- ✅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 285K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (40,000 vs 45,563).
- ❌180% higher power demand at 350W vs 125W.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 9 285K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is Core Ultra 9 285K better than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 9 285K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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 — 966.7% 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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
At launch, the Core Ultra 9 285K was priced at $589, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX came in at $429. On launch pricing ($589 vs $429), Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX was $160 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285K delivers 114.6 pts/$ vs 157.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX the 31.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $429-27% |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.6 | 157.5+37% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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