Unleash Unmatched Performance: Intel Core i9 285K and i5 245K Review
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & Intel Core Ultra 5 245K: One-minute review
A few words with Intel
I’ve had pre-briefings with Intel over the past few months about Arrow Lake, so I’m not surprised by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core Ultra 5 245K. While they match the performance of their predecessors, I’ve been saying that we need to stop looking at performance as the only metric. The efficiency gains offered by these chips don’t justify the investment if you’re rocking a 13th-gen Intel chip or better.
New architecture, same performance
The chips come with some architecture changes worth noting. They feature an NPU, the first Intel desktop CPUs to do so, and the new Intel Arc integrated GPU offers some improved graphics capabilities that will make a real difference for some all-in-one PCs. However, these will be mostly unnecessary for gamers and content creators, as most desktops will have a separate graphics card that will outperform the NPU and Intel Arc iGPU.
Should you buy it?
The performance and efficiency don’t necessarily make these chips compelling purchases on their own. If you’re shopping for the best prebuilt gaming PC, I’m not too worried about choosing between one with a 14th-gen chip or these new Core Ultras. You won’t notice the difference.
If you’re coming from 11th-gen Intel or older or switching from AMD, these chips might be worth considering, as you’ll need to upgrade your system anyway. But anyone with a Raptor Lake chip won’t see significant benefits from these, so it’s better to wait for Nova Lake in 2025 or stick with a Raptor Lake Refresh.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & Intel Core Ultra 5 245K: Scorecard
| Category | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Only worth it if you’re on 11th-gen Intel or older, or switching from AMD. | 3/5 |
| Features | NPU and Intel Arc GPU are good, but not enough to stand out. | 3.5/5 |
| Performance | A mixed bag compared to predecessors and competitors, but still strong performers. | 3.5/5 |
| Final Score | Decent processors, but lacking a wow factor. | 3.34/5 |
Buy the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Intel Core Ultra 5 245K if…
- You’re on an 11th-gen Intel chip or older, or switching from AMD.
Don’t buy them if…
- You have a 12th-gen Intel or better chip.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K & Intel Core Ultra 5 245K: Also Consider
- Shop for a new AMD Ryzen chip or stick with a Raptor Lake Refresh processor.
How I tested the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
I put these processors through a rigorous testing process, using industry standard tools and creative apps to evaluate performance, gaming, and more. I retest previous processors to ensure consistent scores, and my computer science and journalism background helps me contextualize the data for consumers.
