Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX vs Core Ultra 9 285K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($450) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($550) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+22%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($450) | ⚠️ 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 Threadripper PRO 9955WX and Core Ultra 9 285K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 4.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 67,561 points. Launch price was $1,649.
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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285K offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX versus 5.6 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K (base: 4.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX scores 67,561 against the Core Ultra 9 285K's 67,482 — a 0.1% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 40,000 vs 45,563 (13% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,016 vs 3,200, a 5.9% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 23,596 vs 22,563 (4.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX). L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX vs 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285K.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 24 / 24+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.4 GHz | 5.6 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 4.5 GHz+22% | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+78% | 36 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+200% |
| Process | 4 nm | 3 nm-25% |
| Architecture | Shimada Peak (2025) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 67,561 | 67,482 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 40,000 | 45,563+14% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,016 | 3,200+6% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 23,596+5% | 22,563 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses the sTR5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 165.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 285K). PCIe lanes: 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX) vs 24 (Core Ultra 9 285K) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX offers 104 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX90 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX) and Z890 (Core Ultra 9 285K).
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | sTR5 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048 GB+967% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+433% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. The Core Ultra 9 285K includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc Graphics 64EU), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX rivals Xeon w7-3555; Core Ultra 9 285K rivals Ryzen 9 9950X.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel Arc Graphics 64EU |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX launched at $429 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 9 285K debuted at $589. At current prices ($450 vs $550), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX delivers 150.1 pts/$ vs 122.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 285K — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX the 20.1% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $429-27% | $589 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $450-18% | $550 |
| Performance per Dollar | 150.1+22% | 122.7 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2024 |
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