In-Depth Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Intel Core i9 14900K: Which High-End CPU Reigns Supreme?

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs. Intel Core i9-14900K: How Do They Compare?

When it comes to gaming, Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K and Core i9-14900K are both high-performance processors, but how do they stack up against each other? We put them to the test in 45 games to see which one comes out on top.

Performance Comparison

In our day-one review, we noted that the 285K was significantly slower than the 14900K. This new comparison confirms our findings, with the 285K lagging behind by around 5%. However, there are fluctuations in performance, and at times, the 285K can be much slower than the 14900K.

Test Setup

For testing, we used the GeForce RTX 4090 and tested both processors at 1080p. The 14900K was tested using the extreme profile with DDR5-7200 memory, while the 285K was paired with DDR5-8200 memory, specifically the new CUDIMM variety.

What We Learned

So, what did we learn from this comparison? The 285K is around 5% slower than the 14900K, but it can be much slower at times. Meanwhile, the 9800X3D is 18% faster than the 14900K and 24% faster than the 285K. This puts Intel in a tough spot, as the 285K is overpriced and underpowered.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a gaming processor, the 9800X3D is the clear winner. Intel needs to address the 285K’s performance and compatibility issues, and consider reducing the price. Otherwise, it’s hard to recommend the 285K, especially when you consider the 9950X is available for a more affordable price.

Additional Tips

When shopping for DDR5 memory, don’t be fooled by high prices. A DDR5-7200 CL34 kit for around $120 is a much better option than premium 8200 CUDIMM kits. And, if you’re going to buy an Arrow Lake CPU, our advice is to pick up a DDR5-7200 CL34 kit instead of an 8200 kit.

Shopping Shortcuts:

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D: https://www.techspot.com/review/2934-intel-core-ultra-285k-vs-intel-core-14900k/
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K: https://www.techspot.com/review/2934-intel-core-ultra-285k-vs-intel-core-14900k/
Intel Core i9-14900K: https://www.techspot.com/review/2934-intel-core-ultra-285k-vs-intel-core-14900k/
DDR5-7200 CL34 kit: https://www.techspot.com/review/2934-intel-core-ultra-285k-vs-intel-core-14900k/
DDR5-8200 kit: https://www.techspot.com/review/2934-intel-core-ultra-285k-vs-intel-core-14900k/