Core Ultra 9 285T vs Xeon w5-2455X
Core Ultra 9 285T
Xeon w5-2455X
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 w5-2455X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($549) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,049) |
| 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 w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+90%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($549) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,049) |
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 w5-2455X
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 w5-2455X
The Xeon w5-2455X 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 37,109 points. Launch price was $1,039.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 9 285T packs 24 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w5-2455X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285T has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285T versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-2455X — a 16% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285T (base: 1.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon w5-2455X uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 9 285T scores 36,916 against the Xeon w5-2455X's 37,109 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon w5-2455X. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285T vs 30 MB on the Xeon w5-2455X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 24+100% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz+17% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.4 GHz | 3.2 GHz+129% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+20% | 30 MB |
| 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 | 37,109 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 9 285T uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w5-2455X uses LGA4677 (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 Xeon w5-2455X — the Core Ultra 9 285T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2455X supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 256 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 4 (Xeon w5-2455X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core Ultra 9 285T) vs 64 (Xeon w5-2455X) — the Xeon w5-2455X offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 9 285T) and W790 (Xeon w5-2455X).
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 6400+33% | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 | 2048+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
Advanced Features
Only the Xeon w5-2455X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon w5-2455X 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 w5-2455X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285T rivals Ryzen 9 7900; Xeon w5-2455X rivals Threadripper 7960X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| 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 w5-2455X debuted at $1039. At current prices ($549 vs $1049), the Core Ultra 9 285T is $500 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 9 285T delivers 67.2 pts/$ vs 35.4 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2455X — making the Core Ultra 9 285T the 62.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 9 285T | Xeon w5-2455X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $549-47% | $1039 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $549-48% | $1049 |
| Performance per Dollar | 67.2+90% | 35.4 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2023 |
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