Ryzen 5 5600X vs Core Ultra 9 285
Ryzen 5 5600X
Core Ultra 9 285
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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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($550) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+55%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 Ryzen 5 5600X and Core Ultra 9 285
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Core Ultra 9 285
The Core Ultra 9 285 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2025 (recentemente). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 57,442 points. Launch price was $579.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285 offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285 has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285 — a 17.8% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 285 uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Core Ultra 9 285's 57,442 — a 89.8% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 24 / 24+300% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 5.5 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+48% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 36 MB (total)+13% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+500% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 21,845 | 57,442+163% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 40,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 20,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285 uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus DDR5-6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285 — the Core Ultra 9 285 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 9 285 supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and Intel 800 Series (Core Ultra 9 285).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-6400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 192 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs Yes (Core Ultra 9 285). The Core Ultra 9 285 includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Core Ultra 9 285 targets High-End Gaming.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Arc Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Desktop | High-End Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 9 285 debuted at $589. At current prices ($135 vs $550), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $415 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 104.4 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 285 — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 43.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299-49% | $589 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135-75% | $550 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+55% | 104.4 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2025 |
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