Core Ultra 9 285T
EPYC 8124P
Core Ultra 9 285T vs EPYC 8124P 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 8124P 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 285T vs EPYC 8124P: 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
2025Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +24.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $90 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $639 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 19.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 67.2 vs 56.5 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $639 MSRP).
- ✅Draws 35W instead of 125W, a 90W reduction.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics, while EPYC 8124P needs a discrete GPU.
Trade-offs
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (36 MB vs 64 MB).
- ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 8124P, which brings 16 cores / 32 threads and 96 PCIe lanes.
- ❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.
EPYC 8124P
2023Why buy it
- ✅+77.8% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 36 MB).
- ✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 16 cores / 32 threads, plus 96 PCIe lanes vs 20.
- ✅380% more PCIe lanes (96 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 9 285T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower PassMark (36,079 vs 36,916).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 56.5 vs 67.2 PassMark/$ ($639 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
- ❌257.1% higher power demand at 125W vs 35W.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 9 285T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is Core Ultra 9 285T better than EPYC 8124P?
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 285T vs EPYC 8124P Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.
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.
EPYC 8124P
The EPYC 8124P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 18 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Siena (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.45 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 36,079 points. Launch price was $639.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285T packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 8124P 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 GHz on the EPYC 8124P — a 57.1% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285T (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.45 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the EPYC 8124P uses Siena (2023−2024) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285T scores 36,916 against the EPYC 8124P's 36,079 — a 2.3% 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 8124P.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | EPYC 8124P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24+50% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+80% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.4 GHz | 2.45 GHz+75% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+78% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+200% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-40% | 5 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Siena (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 36,916+2% | 36,079 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 8124P uses SP6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285T versus 4800 on the EPYC 8124P — the Core Ultra 9 285T supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 8124P supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 256 — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 6 (EPYC 8124P). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 96 (EPYC 8124P) — the EPYC 8124P offers 76 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 9 285T) and SP6 (EPYC 8124P).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | EPYC 8124P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | SP6 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+33% | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 | 2048+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 6+200% |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 96+380% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the EPYC 8124P 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 8124P). The Core Ultra 9 285T includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the EPYC 8124P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285T rivals Ryzen 9 7900; EPYC 8124P rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | EPYC 8124P |
|---|---|---|
| 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 8124P came in at $639. On launch pricing ($549 vs $639), Core Ultra 9 285T was $90 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285T delivers 67.2 pts/$ vs 56.5 pts/$ for the EPYC 8124P — making the Core Ultra 9 285T the 17.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | EPYC 8124P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $549-14% | $639 |
| Performance per Dollar | 67.2+19% | 56.5 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2023 |
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