Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Performance
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Game performance is dominated by the Ryzen 9 9950X3D because of its 144MB total cache, which includes 128MB of L3 cache with 3D V-Cache. In testing using 16 games, it beats the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K by up to 34% on average frames per second and by 27% on lows.
- It outperforms general multi-threaded productivity activities by 3% and excels in workloads such as V-Ray, where it is 17% quicker.
- Nevertheless, it performs worse in single-threaded programs, losing to Intel by 31% in POV-Ray and giving 9% worse overall performance.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- With a 9% overall performance boost and a 31% advantage over Ryzen in certain workloads like POV-Ray, the 285K shines at single-threaded performance.
- Its multi-threaded performance is quite close to that of the Ryzen, behind barely 3% and even outperforming it in certain activities like POV-Ray and HandBrake.
- With up to 35% lower FPS and 30% lower 1% lows, it lags well below AMD’s CPU in gaming, making it a less desirable option for players.
Efficiency & Power Consumption
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Due to its 30% lower power consumption under demanding workloads than the Intel 285K, the Ryzen CPU aids in heat management and lowers cooling requirements.
- Cinebench and HandBrake also show improved power efficiency, with performance-per-watt increases of 10–13%.
- At idle, however, it consumes 30% more power, which might be significant for always-on systems.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- This CPU is more efficient when it is idle or under low stress; it uses 39% less power when playing YouTube and 30% less when it is idle.
- It is less power-efficient during intensive workloads, though, drawing up to 325W at full load 30% more than the Ryzen 9950X3D.
Overclocking
AMD Ryzen 9 9950 X3D
The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D has a precision boost overdrive (PBO) feature and an unlocked multiplier. With traditional cooling, the headroom for overclocking is constrained. Most improvements are obtained through Curve Optimiser tweaking. While useful, overclocking is not very powerful.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
It offers manual tuning support and an unlocked multiplier as well. E-core performance was the main area where testing with Intel’s “200S Boost” revealed benefits. It has less usable headroom without advanced cooling, much as Ryzen. Ryzen’s overclocking capability is around the same.
Platform Longevity
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
AMD claims to maintain the AM5 platform, which it is based on, at least until 2027. Users may therefore update CPUs for years without having to replace the motherboard.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
2024 launch date based on the LGA1851 socket. Because this platform could only support Arrow Lake and a refresh, it is less future-proof than Intel, which usually replaces sockets every two to three generations. Before AMD’s AM5, users could require a new motherboard.
Gaming
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
In terms of games, it is the finest option. It often beats the 285K by 27% in 1% lows and 34% in average FPS, even when compared to lower-end Zen 5 X3D CPUs. Gaming performance is directly improved by the large L3 cache, particularly when using top-tier GPUs at 1080p.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Although it may still be used for gaming, the Ryzen 9950X3D is a far better CPU. Users frequently criticize Intel CPUs for being less powerful for gaming than AMD’s X3D models. According to benchmarks for gaming performance, the 285K lags by 30–35%.
Productivity
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
It is great for rendering, content generation, and parallel tasks because it provides outstanding multi-threaded performance. Despite a little slowdown in single-threaded operations, it manages the majority of productivity apps well. It is appropriate for professionals that value gaming as well.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Specialises on single-threaded workloads, which makes it perfect for jobs requiring older software that doesn’t scale over many cores, such as Adobe programs.
- It lags Ryzen by a little margin at multi-threaded activities and occasionally outperforms programs like HandBrake and POV-Ray.
- Exceptional for developers that value application speed above gameplay.
Price
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Initial Cost: $699
- Presently, it costs 19% more than the Intel 285K.
- With 0.28 frames per dollar, it provides higher value per frame in gaming.
- Long-term savings are probably the result of longer platform lifespan and reduced power consumption under load.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- $620 upon launch, currently about $589
- 19.0% less expensive than the Ryzen 9950X3D
- Performs decently for the price and provides greater value for people who are solely interested in productivity.
Future expenses might be increased by a restricted upgrade path and increased power use under load.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Specifications
| Specification | AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 5 with 3D V-Cache | Arrow Lake-S |
| Cores / Threads | 16 cores / 32 threads | 24 cores (8P + 16E) / 32 threads |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz | 3.9 GHz (P-cores) |
| Boost Clock | Up to 5.7 GHz | Up to 5.5 GHz (P-cores) |
| L3 Cache | 128MB (3D V-Cache) | 36MB |
| L2 Cache | 16MB | 32MB |
| TDP (Base / Boost) | 120W / ~160W | 125W / ~325W |
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 1851 |
| Memory Support | DDR5-6000+ | DDR5-6400 |
| PCIe Support | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel Xe-LPG (2 Xe-Cores) |
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC 4nm (N4) | Intel 3 (Intel 20A-class) |
| Overclocking Support | Yes (Unlocked + PBO) | Yes (Unlocked) |
| Platform Longevity | AM5 supported through 2027+ | Uncertain (likely 1–2 generations) |
| Launch Price | $699 | $620 (launched), ~$589 (current) |