Intel
Core i9-13900KF
24C/32T · 5.8 GHz · 125 W · PassMark #194
32
/ 100
From $564
VS
Intel
Core Ultra 9 285
24C/24T · 5.4 GHz · 65 W · PassMark #193
32
/ 100
From $579
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core i9-13900KF lands at 32 and Core Ultra 9 285 at 32. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Core i9-13900KF if…
- ✓PassMark #194 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $1,425
Pick Core Ultra 9 285 if…
- ✓PassMark #193 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- ✓Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $579
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Core i9-13900KF 32
vs 32 Core Ultra 9 285
Score breakdown
Core i9-13900KF
32 cpu 32
passmark 57531
Core Ultra 9 285
32 cpu 32
passmark 57575
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core i9-13900KF | Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P + 16E) | 24 (8P + 16E) |
| Threads | ▲ 32 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.0 GHz (P) / 2.0 GHz (E) | 2.5 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.8 GHz | 5.4 GHz |
| L3 cache | 36 MB | 36 MB |
| TDP | 125 W base / 253 W max | 65 W base / 182 W turbo |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1851 |
| Class | Desktop (no integrated graphics) | Desktop |
| PassMark rank | #194 of 5,901 | #193 of 5,901 |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 57,531 | ▲ 57,575 |
Core i9-13900KF
Pros
- +PassMark #194 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $1,425
Cons
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
Core Ultra 9 285
Pros
- +PassMark #193 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $579
Cons
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
FAQ: Core i9-13900KF vs Core Ultra 9 285
Which is better, Core i9-13900KF or Core Ultra 9 285? +
Both score 32 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core i9-13900KF worth the price? +
At $564, Core i9-13900KF delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Is Core Ultra 9 285 worth the price? +
At $579, Core Ultra 9 285 delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Does Core i9-13900KF or Core Ultra 9 285 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.