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 Xeon w7-3555 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 285K vs Xeon w7-3555: 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

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,160 less on MSRP ($589 MSRP vs $2,749 MSRP).
✅Delivers 364.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 114.6 vs 24.6 PassMark/$ ($589 MSRP vs $2,749 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 325W, a 200W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Graphics 64EU, while Xeon w7-3555 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 75 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon w7-3555, which brings 28 cores / 56 threads and 112 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon w7-3555

2024

Why buy it

✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (75 MB vs 36 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 28 cores / 56 threads, plus 112 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅366.7% more PCIe lanes (112 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 Geekbench multi-core (17,120 vs 22,563).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.6 vs 114.6 PassMark/$ ($2,749 MSRP vs $589 MSRP).
❌160% higher power demand at 325W 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 Xeon w7-3555?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon w7-3555 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 9 285K 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 285K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.0% 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 285K is the stronger fit. You are getting 31.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 24 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core Ultra 9 285K is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 9 285K comes in $2,160 cheaper on MSRP at $589 MSRP versus $2,749 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 364.8% better value on MSRP (114.6 vs 24.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon w7-3555 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 108.3% larger total L3 cache (75 MB vs 36 MB) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core Ultra 9 285K vs Xeon w7-3555 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.

Xeon w7-3555

The Xeon w7-3555 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 28 cores and 56 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 75 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 325 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 67,754 points. Launch price was $2,339.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 9 285K packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w7-3555 offers 28 cores / 56 threads — the Xeon w7-3555 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.6 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w7-3555 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon w7-3555 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285K scores 67,482 against the Xeon w7-3555's 67,754 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon w7-3555. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,200 vs 2,300, a 32.7% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,563 vs 17,120 (27.4% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285K vs 75 MB on the Xeon w7-3555.

Feature	Core Ultra 9 285K	Xeon w7-3555
Cores / Threads	24 / 24	28 / 56+17%
Boost Clock	5.6 GHz+17%	4.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+37%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	36 MB (total)	75 MB+108%
L2 Cache	3 MB (per core)+50%	2 MB (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)	Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024)
PassMark	67,482	67,754
Cinebench R23 Multi	45,563	—
Geekbench 6 Single	3,200+39%	2,300
Geekbench 6 Multi	22,563+32%	17,120

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 9 285K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w7-3555 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285K versus DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w7-3555 — the Core Ultra 9 285K supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w7-3555 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 2033.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285K) vs 8 (Xeon w7-3555). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285K) vs 112 (Xeon w7-3555) — the Xeon w7-3555 offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890 (Core Ultra 9 285K) and W790 (Xeon w7-3555).

Feature	Core Ultra 9 285K	Xeon w7-3555
Socket	LGA1851	LGA4677
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-6400+33%	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB	4096 GB+2033%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	112+367%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w7-3555 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 Xeon w7-3555 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285K rivals Ryzen 9 9950X; Xeon w7-3555 rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.

Feature	Core Ultra 9 285K	Xeon w7-3555
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 Xeon w7-3555 came in at $2749. On launch pricing ($589 vs $2749), Core Ultra 9 285K was $2160 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285K delivers 114.6 pts/$ vs 24.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w7-3555 — making the Core Ultra 9 285K the 129.2% better value option.

Feature	Core Ultra 9 285K	Xeon w7-3555
MSRP	$589-79%	$2749
Performance per Dollar	114.6+366%	24.6
Release Date	2024	2024

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