Core Ultra 9 285K vs Xeon w9-3475X
Core Ultra 9 285K
Xeon w9-3475X
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 Xeon w9-3475X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285K | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($550) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,930) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285K | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+641%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($550) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,930) |
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 Xeon w9-3475X
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 w9-3475X
The Xeon w9-3475X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 36 cores and 72 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 82.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 65,077 points. Launch price was $3,739.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285K packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w9-3475X offers 36 cores / 72 threads — the Xeon w9-3475X has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.6 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3475X — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon w9-3475X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285K scores 67,482 against the Xeon w9-3475X's 65,077 — a 3.6% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,200 vs 1,814, a 55.3% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,563 vs 44,869 (66.2% advantage for the Xeon w9-3475X). L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285K vs 82.5 MB on the Xeon w9-3475X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24 | 36 / 72+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.6 GHz+17% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+68% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 82.5 MB+129% |
| 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+4% | 65,077 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 45,563 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,200+76% | 1,814 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,563 | 44,869+99% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w9-3475X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Xeon w9-3475X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285K) vs 8 (Xeon w9-3475X). PCIe lanes: 24 (Core Ultra 9 285K) vs 112 (Xeon w9-3475X) — the Xeon w9-3475X offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890 (Core Ultra 9 285K) and W790 (Xeon w9-3475X).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | 4096 GB+2033% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 112+367% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w9-3475X 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 w9-3475X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285K rivals Ryzen 9 9950X; Xeon w9-3475X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Xeon w9-3475X debuted at $3739. At current prices ($550 vs $3930), the Core Ultra 9 285K is $3380 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285K delivers 122.7 pts/$ vs 16.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w9-3475X — making the Core Ultra 9 285K the 152.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285K | Xeon w9-3475X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589-84% | $3739 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $550-86% | $3930 |
| Performance per Dollar | 122.7+639% | 16.6 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2023 |
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