Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285
72.2Single-core84.7
70.4Multi-core86.9
63.8Gamingspec-based70.7
3 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K13 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 9 285
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 9 285 wins this desktop processor face-off, 82.2 to 69.3, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+17) and single-core (+13). Intel Core i9-12900K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- 32% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 182 W
- 28% higher Base clock: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 9 285
- Stronger single-core score: 85 vs 72
- Stronger multi-core score: 87 vs 70
- 186% higher L2 cache: 40 MB vs 14 MB
- 100% higher Efficiency cores: 16 vs 8
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- Lower launch price: $549 vs $648
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2025 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 65 W+48% |
| Max turbo power | 241 W+32% | 182 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | — |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16 | 24+50% |
| Performance cores | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 8 | 16+100% |
| Threads | 24 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 2.5 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.6 GHz+8% |
| L2 cache | 14 MB | 40 MB+186% |
| L3 cache | 30 MB | 36 MB+20% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | 1,550 MHz | 2,000 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,715Top 32% | 3,061+13%Top 16% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,450Top 24% | 19,926+14%Top 13% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,903Top 30% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 26,229Top 19% | — |
| PassMark | 41,103Top 24% | 57,762+41%Top 11% |
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