Core Ultra 9 285
24C/24T · 5.4 GHz · 65 W · PassMark #193
EPYC 9654
Zen 4 · 96C/192T · SP5
EPYC 9654 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core Ultra 9 285 lands at 32 and EPYC 9654 at 96. That puts EPYC 9654 ahead by 64 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
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 EPYC 9654 if…
- ✓Massive core counts
- ✓ECC memory support
- ✓Workstation/server-grade platform
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Core Ultra 9 285Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Core Ultra 9 285 more score per dollar ($579 vs $11,805).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core Ultra 9 285 | EPYC 9654 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P + 16E) | ▲ 96 |
| Threads | 24 | ▲ 192 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| Boost clock | 5.4 GHz | — |
| L3 cache | 36 MB | — |
| TDP | 65 W base / 182 W turbo | — |
| Socket | LGA 1851 | SP5 |
| Class | Desktop | — |
| PassMark rank | #193 of 5,901 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 57,575 | — |
| Architecture | — | Zen 4 |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
Core Ultra 9 285
- +PassMark #193 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $579
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
EPYC 9654
- +Massive core counts
- +ECC memory support
- +Workstation/server-grade platform
- −Niche platform, limited motherboards
- −High TDP requires serious cooling
- −Premium price
FAQ: Core Ultra 9 285 vs EPYC 9654
Which is better, Core Ultra 9 285 or EPYC 9654? +
EPYC 9654 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 64. 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 EPYC 9654 worth the price? +
At $11,805, EPYC 9654 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in multi.
Does Core Ultra 9 285 or EPYC 9654 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 9 285 or EPYC 9654? +
Core Ultra 9 285 — more score per dollar ($579 vs $11,805). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.