Core Ultra 9 285T vs EPYC 7303P

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285T

24 Cores24 Thrd35 WWMax: 5.4 GHz2025
Core Ultra family
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VS
AMD

EPYC 7303P

16 Cores32 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2023
EPYC family
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Core Ultra 9 285T vs EPYC 7303P 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 285T vs EPYC 7303P 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 285T vs EPYC 7303P: 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 285T

2025

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +34.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $45 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
  • Delivers 9.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 67.2 vs 61.4 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1851 with DDR5 support instead of SP3 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 7303P, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

EPYC 7303P

2023

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 20.
  • 540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 9 285T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (36,487 vs 36,916).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 61.4 vs 67.2 PassMark/$ ($594 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • 271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.
  • Older platform position on SP3 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 9 285T moves to LGA1851 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 9 285T better than EPYC 7303P?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 7303P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 9 285T 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 285T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 34.9% 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 285T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 24 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 9 285T is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 9 285T comes in $45 cheaper on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $594 MSRP, and it still gives you a 34.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.5% better value on MSRP (67.2 vs 61.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 9 285T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2023), a healthier platform with LGA1851 and DDR5 instead of SP3, and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/32. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 9 285T vs EPYC 7303P Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core Ultra 9 285T

The Core Ultra 9 285T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 36,916 points. Launch price was $549.

AMD

EPYC 7303P

The EPYC 7303P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Milan (2021−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 36,487 points. Launch price was $594.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 9 285T packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7303P offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285T has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285T versus 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7303P — a 45.5% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285T (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the EPYC 7303P uses Milan (2021−2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285T scores 36,916 against the EPYC 7303P's 36,487 — a 1.2% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285T. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285T vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7303P.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285TEPYC 7303P
Cores / Threads
24 / 24+50%
16 / 32
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz+59%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
1.4 GHz
2.4 GHz+71%
L3 Cache
36 MB (total)
64 MB (total)+78%
L2 Cache
3 MB (per core)+500%
512 kB (per core)
Process
3 nm-57%
7 nm
Architecture
Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
Milan (2021−2023)
PassMark
36,916+1%
36,487
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7303P uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285T versus 3200 on the EPYC 7303P — the Core Ultra 9 285T supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7303P supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 8 (EPYC 7303P). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 128 (EPYC 7303P) — the EPYC 7303P offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 9 285T) and SP3 (EPYC 7303P).

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285TEPYC 7303P
Socket
LGA1851
SP3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
6400+100%
3200
Max RAM Capacity
256
4096+1500%
RAM Channels
2
8+300%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
20
128+540%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 7303P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs AMD-V, IOMMU (EPYC 7303P). The Core Ultra 9 285T includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the EPYC 7303P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285T rivals Ryzen 9 7900; EPYC 7303P rivals Xeon Gold 6330.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285TEPYC 7303P
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V, IOMMU
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 9 285T was priced at $549, while the EPYC 7303P came in at $594. On launch pricing ($549 vs $594), Core Ultra 9 285T was $45 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285T delivers 67.2 pts/$ vs 61.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 7303P — making the Core Ultra 9 285T the 9% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 9 285TEPYC 7303P
MSRP
$549-8%
$594
Performance per Dollar
67.2+9%
61.4
Release Date
2025
2023

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