Core Ultra 9 285T vs Xeon Gold 6426Y
Core Ultra 9 285T
Xeon Gold 6426Y
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 285T
Performance Per Dollar Xeon Gold 6426Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($549) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,145) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+280%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($549) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,145) |
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 285T and Xeon Gold 6426Y
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.
Xeon Gold 6426Y
The Xeon Gold 6426Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 37,944 points. Launch price was $1,517.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285T packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6426Y 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 4.1 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6426Y — a 27.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285T (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon Gold 6426Y uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285T scores 36,916 against the Xeon Gold 6426Y's 37,944 — a 2.7% lead for the Xeon Gold 6426Y. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285T vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24+50% | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+32% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz+79% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total) | 37.5 MB+4% |
| 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 | 36,916 | 37,944+3% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Gold 6426Y uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285T versus 4800 on the Xeon Gold 6426Y — the Core Ultra 9 285T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Gold 6426Y supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 256 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 8 (Xeon Gold 6426Y). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 80 (Xeon Gold 6426Y) — the Xeon Gold 6426Y offers 60 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 9 285T) and LGA4677 (Xeon Gold 6426Y).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+33% | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 | 4096+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 80+300% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon Gold 6426Y supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core Ultra 9 285T includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics), while the Xeon Gold 6426Y requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285T rivals Ryzen 9 7900; Xeon Gold 6426Y rivals EPYC 8124P.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 9 285T launched at $549 MSRP, while the Xeon Gold 6426Y debuted at $2145.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon Gold 6426Y |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $549-74% | $2145 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $549 | — |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2023 |
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