EPYC 7702 vs Core Ultra 9 285K
EPYC 7702
Core Ultra 9 285K
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 EPYC 7702
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7702 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,035) | ✅ More affordable ($550) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7702 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+262%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,035) | ✅ More affordable ($550) |
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 EPYC 7702 and Core Ultra 9 285K
EPYC 7702
The EPYC 7702 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 69,060 points. Launch price was $6,450.
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.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7702 packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285K offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7702 has 40 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7702 versus 5.6 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K — a 50.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K (base: 2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The EPYC 7702 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7702 scores 69,060 against the Core Ultra 9 285K's 67,482 — a 2.3% lead for the EPYC 7702. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7702 vs 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285K.
| Feature | EPYC 7702 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+167% | 24 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3.35 GHz | 5.6 GHz+67% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+85% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+611% | 36 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+500% |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 69,060+2% | 67,482 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 45,563 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 22,563 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7702 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7702 versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285K — the EPYC 7702 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7702 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7702) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 285K). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7702) vs 24 (Core Ultra 9 285K) — the EPYC 7702 offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7702) and Z890 (Core Ultra 9 285K).
| Feature | EPYC 7702 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+63900% | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 192 GB+4915100% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core Ultra 9 285K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (EPYC 7702) vs true (Core Ultra 9 285K). The Core Ultra 9 285K includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics 64EU), while the EPYC 7702 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: EPYC 7702 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280; Core Ultra 9 285K rivals Ryzen 9 9950X.
| Feature | EPYC 7702 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel Arc Graphics 64EU |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7702 launched at $6450 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 9 285K debuted at $589. At current prices ($2035 vs $550), the Core Ultra 9 285K is $1485 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7702 delivers 33.9 pts/$ vs 122.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 285K — making the Core Ultra 9 285K the 113.3% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7702 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $6450 | $589-91% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $2035 | $550-73% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.9 | 122.7+262% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2024 |
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