Intel
Core Ultra 9 285
24C/24T · 5.4 GHz · 65 W · PassMark #193
32
/ 100
From $579
VS
Intel
Core Ultra 9 285HX
24C/24T · 5.5 GHz · 55 W · PassMark #204
32
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core Ultra 9 285 lands at 32 and Core Ultra 9 285HX at 32. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
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
Pick Core Ultra 9 285HX if…
- ✓PassMark CPU Mark of 57,229 — solid multi-thread numbers
- ✓Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
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 Ultra 9 285 32
vs 32 Core Ultra 9 285HX
Score breakdown
Core Ultra 9 285
32 cpu 32
passmark 57575
Core Ultra 9 285HX
32 cpu 32
passmark 57229
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core Ultra 9 285 | Core Ultra 9 285HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P + 16E) | 24 (8P + 16E) |
| Threads | 24 | 24 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.4 GHz | 5.5 GHz |
| L3 cache | 36 MB | 36 MB |
| TDP | 65 W base / 182 W turbo | 55 W base / 160 W turbo |
| Socket | LGA 1851 | BGA 2114 |
| Class | Desktop | Laptop (HX) |
| PassMark rank | #193 of 5,901 | #204 of 5,901 |
| PassMark CPU Mark | ▲ 57,575 | 57,229 |
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
Core Ultra 9 285HX
Pros
- +PassMark CPU Mark of 57,229 — solid multi-thread numbers
- +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
Cons
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
FAQ: Core Ultra 9 285 vs Core Ultra 9 285HX
Which is better, Core Ultra 9 285 or Core Ultra 9 285HX? +
Both score 32 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core Ultra 9 285 worth the price? +
At $579, Core Ultra 9 285 delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Is Core Ultra 9 285HX worth the price? +
At $599, Core Ultra 9 285HX delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Does Core Ultra 9 285 or Core Ultra 9 285HX 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.