Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
72.2Single-core92.9
70.4Multi-core98.4
63.8Gamingspec-based71.3
0 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K16 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K wins this desktop processor face-off, 90 to 69.3, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+28) and single-core (+21). 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
No decisive spec advantages — this side competes on price and preference.
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Stronger single-core score: 93 vs 72
- Stronger multi-core score: 98 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
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2024 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 241 W | 250 W+4% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16 | 24+50% |
| Performance cores | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 8 | 16+100% |
| Threads | 24 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+16% |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.7 GHz+10% |
| 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 285K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 285K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 285K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,715Top 32% | 3,265+20%Top 7% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,450Top 24% | 22,091+27%Top 5% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,903Top 30% | 2,382+25%Top 2% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 26,229Top 19% | 42,460+62%Top 3% |
| PassMark | 41,103Top 24% | 67,224+64%Top 3% |
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