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Core Ultra 7 265KF — 20C/20T · 5.5 GHz · 125 W · PassMark #185
Intel

Core Ultra 7 265KF

20C/20T · 5.5 GHz · 125 W · PassMark #185

32
/ 100
From $298
VS
Core Ultra 9 285 — 24C/24T · 5.4 GHz · 65 W · PassMark #193
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 Ultra 7 265KF 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 Ultra 7 265KF if…

  • ✓PassMark #185 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
  • ✓Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
  • ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $298

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
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Value for money

Core Ultra 7 265KF

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Core Ultra 7 265KF more score per dollar ($298 vs $579).

Core Ultra 7 265KF 32
vs
32 Core Ultra 9 285

Score breakdown

Core Ultra 7 265KF
32
cpu 32
passmark 58561
Core Ultra 9 285
32
cpu 32
passmark 57575

Specs side-by-side

Core Ultra 7 265KF versus Core Ultra 9 285 — full spec comparison
Spec Core Ultra 7 265KF Core Ultra 9 285
Cores
20 (8P + 12E)
▲ 24 (8P + 16E)
Threads
20
▲ 24
Base clock
3.9 GHz
2.5 GHz
Boost clock
5.5 GHz
5.4 GHz
L3 cache
30 MB
▲ 36 MB
TDP
125 W base / 250 W turbo
65 W base / 182 W turbo
Socket
LGA 1851
LGA 1851
Class
Desktop (no integrated graphics)
Desktop
PassMark rank
#185 of 5,901
#193 of 5,901
PassMark CPU Mark
▲ 58,561
57,575

Core Ultra 7 265KF

Pros
  • +PassMark #185 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
  • +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
  • +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $298
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 Ultra 7 265KF vs Core Ultra 9 285

Which is better, Core Ultra 7 265KF or Core Ultra 9 285? +

Both score 32 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Core Ultra 7 265KF worth the price? +

At $298, Core Ultra 7 265KF 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 Ultra 7 265KF 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.

Which is the better value, Core Ultra 7 265KF or Core Ultra 9 285? +

Core Ultra 7 265KF — more score per dollar ($298 vs $579). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.