Xeon w5-3425 vs Core Ultra 9 285T
Xeon w5-3425
Core Ultra 9 285T
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 Xeon w5-3425
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w5-3425 | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,189) | ✅ More affordable ($549) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w5-3425 | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+121%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,189) | ✅ More affordable ($549) |
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 Xeon w5-3425 and Core Ultra 9 285T
Xeon w5-3425
The Xeon w5-3425 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): 270 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 36,178 points. Launch price was $1,189.
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.
Processing Power
The Xeon w5-3425 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285T offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the Core Ultra 9 285T has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w5-3425 versus 5.4 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285T — a 16% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285T (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Xeon w5-3425 uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 285T uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w5-3425 scores 36,178 against the Core Ultra 9 285T's 36,916 — a 2% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285T. L3 cache: 30 MB on the Xeon w5-3425 vs 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285T.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 24 / 24+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 5.4 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+129% | 1.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB | 36 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+50% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 36,178 | 36,916+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w5-3425 uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285T uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Xeon w5-3425 versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 9 285T — the Core Ultra 9 285T supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-3425 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 256 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon w5-3425) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 285T). PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w5-3425) vs 20 (Core Ultra 9 285T) — the Xeon w5-3425 offers 92 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w5-3425) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 9 285T).
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 6400+127900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+1677721500% | 256 |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+460% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon w5-3425 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 w5-3425 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 9 285T rivals Ryzen 9 7900.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel Arc Xe-LPG Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon w5-3425 launched at $1189 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 9 285T debuted at $549. At current prices ($1189 vs $549), the Core Ultra 9 285T is $640 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w5-3425 delivers 30.4 pts/$ vs 67.2 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 285T — making the Core Ultra 9 285T the 75.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w5-3425 | Core Ultra 9 285T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1189 | $549-54% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1189 | $549-54% |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.4 | 67.2+121% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2025 |
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