Xeon w9-3475X vs Core Ultra 9 285K
Xeon w9-3475X
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 Xeon w9-3475X
Performance Per Dollar Core Ultra 9 285K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon w9-3475X | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,930) | ✅ More affordable ($550) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon w9-3475X | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+641%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($3,930) | ✅ 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 Xeon w9-3475X and Core Ultra 9 285K
Xeon w9-3475X
The Xeon w9-3475X 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 36 cores and 72 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 82.5 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 300 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 65,077 points. Launch price was $3,739.
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 Xeon w9-3475X packs 36 cores / 72 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 285K offers 24 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon w9-3475X has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w9-3475X versus 5.6 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 285K — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 285K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Xeon w9-3475X uses the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon w9-3475X scores 65,077 against the Core Ultra 9 285K's 67,482 — a 3.6% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,814 vs 3,200, a 55.3% lead for the Core Ultra 9 285K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 44,869 vs 22,563 (66.2% advantage for the Xeon w9-3475X). L3 cache: 82.5 MB on the Xeon w9-3475X vs 36 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 285K.
| Feature | Xeon w9-3475X | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 36 / 72+50% | 24 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.6 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+68% |
| L3 Cache | 82.5 MB+129% | 36 MB (total) |
| 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 | 65,077 | 67,482+4% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 45,563 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,814 | 3,200+76% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 44,869+99% | 22,563 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon w9-3475X uses the LGA4677 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 9 285K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Xeon w9-3475X supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 182.1% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (Xeon w9-3475X) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 285K). PCIe lanes: 112 (Xeon w9-3475X) vs 24 (Core Ultra 9 285K) — the Xeon w9-3475X offers 88 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W790 (Xeon w9-3475X) and Z890 (Core Ultra 9 285K).
| Feature | Xeon w9-3475X | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA4677 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+2033% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 112+367% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Xeon w9-3475X 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 Xeon w9-3475X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Xeon w9-3475X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX; Core Ultra 9 285K rivals Ryzen 9 9950X.
| Feature | Xeon w9-3475X | 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 Xeon w9-3475X launched at $3739 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 9 285K debuted at $589. At current prices ($3930 vs $550), the Core Ultra 9 285K is $3380 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon w9-3475X delivers 16.6 pts/$ vs 122.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 285K — making the Core Ultra 9 285K the 152.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon w9-3475X | Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $3739 | $589-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $3930 | $550-86% |
| Performance per Dollar | 16.6 | 122.7+639% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2024 |
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