Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor is described here, along with comprehensive benchmark data from PerformanceTest software. It displays the CPU’s performance rankings in single- and multi-threaded workloads in comparison to other processors and highlights its features, such as core count, clock speeds, and memory support. A gaming appropriateness assessment and a list of laptops using this CPU are also included in the text. All things considered, it provides a thorough technical description of this particular Intel laptop CPU.
The first quarter of 2025 saw Intel’s Arrow Lake-HX flagship mobile processor, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX. It improves on previous versions and is designed for content development and games.
Key Features & Architecture
- 24 cores (eight for performance at 5.5 GHz and sixteen for efficiency at 4.6 GHz)
- 40MB L2, 36MB L3 cache
- TDP: up to 160W turbo, 55W base
- Intel Arc Graphics, an integrated GPU with four Xe cores operating between 300 MHz and 2.0 GHz
- 13 TOPS NPU in AI capabilities, with support for OpenVINO, ONNX RT, and DirectML
- Memory Support: DDR5-6400 up to 256GB, optional ECC
- TSMC N3B (3nm) with Foveros 3D packaging is the manufacturing process.
Intel’s hybrid design optimises performance for single- and multi-threaded applications by combining efficient and high-performance cores. Integrating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to boost AI-related tasks speeds up machine learning framework applications.
Gaming Performance
The Core Ultra 9 285HX provides strong performance in gaming situations, especially in games designed for multi-core CPUs. Fast clock rates and core distribution provide smooth high-setting games. In some gaming benchmarks, it may trail AMD’s Ryzen 7000X3D series, which is optimised for gaming. When coupled with discrete GPUs in high-end laptops, the 285HX offers a complete gaming experience.
Video editing and 3D rendering
The 285HX performs exceptionally well in 3D rendering and video editing jobs for content creators. Comparing Blender rendering performance to earlier processor generations, benchmarks show improvements of up to 57%. Professionals working in creative sectors can benefit from its high core count and sophisticated architecture, which allow it to handle demanding rendering tasks and high-resolution video editing with ease.
Benchmarks of Performance
- Cinebench R23: Multi-core: 35,391; Single-core: 2008.
- Geekbench 6: 3,112 single-core, 21,839 multi-core
- Performance Improvement: Compared to the i9-14900HX, multicore performance is up to 25% greater.
Advantages
- More Multithreaded Performance: Perfect for hard jobs like video editing and 3D rendering.
- AI Integration: Apps using AI features benefit from dedicated NPUs’ ability to speed up AI workloads.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Better performance and efficiency are a result of the 3nm process and Foveros packaging.
- Memory Capacity: Supports memory-intensive applications with a maximum of 256GB DDR5-6400.
Disadvantages
- Power Consumption: High turbo power (up to 160W) can cause laptops to overheat and have shorter battery lives.
- Thermal Management: Strong cooling solutions are required due to the possibility of thermal throttling under prolonged, high workloads.
- Limitations of Integrated Graphics: Despite its improvements, high-end gaming may not be possible without a discrete GPU.
- Cost: Users with less demanding performance needs might not get the best value from premium pricing.
You can also read MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 for best Chromebook Performance
Cost and Accessibility
The Core Ultra 9 285HX-equipped laptops are classified as premium desktops.For instance, the MSI Raider 18 HX costs $4,499.99 with this processor and an NVIDIA RTX 5080 GPU.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 24 cores (8 Performance @ 5.5 GHz, 16 Efficiency @ 4.6 GHz) |
| Cache | 40MB L2, 36MB L3 |
| TDP | 55W base, up to 160W turbo |
| Integrated GPU | Intel Arc Graphics with 4 Xe cores (300 MHz – 2.0 GHz) |
| AI Capabilities | 13 TOPS NPU, supports OpenVINO, ONNX Runtime, DirectML |
| Memory Support | Up to 256GB DDR5-6400, ECC optional |
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC N3B (3nm), Foveros 3D packaging |
Conclusion:
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX large core count, advanced AI, and support for the latest memory standards make it ideal for professionals and power users. Cost, thermal management, and power consumption should be considered depending on requirements and use situations.
You can also read Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: Best Mobile Chip For Your Next Phone