Core Ultra 9 285
24C/24T · 5.4 GHz · 65 W · PassMark #193
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Panther Lake · 26C · 6.0 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core Ultra 9 285 lands at 32 and Intel Core Ultra 9 395K at 93. That puts Intel Core Ultra 9 395K ahead by 61 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 Intel Core Ultra 9 395K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Intel Core Ultra 9 395KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K more score per dollar ($649 vs $579).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core Ultra 9 285 | Intel Core Ultra 9 395K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P + 16E) | ▲ 26 (8P+16E+2LP) |
| Threads | 24 | ▲ 26 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| Boost clock | 5.4 GHz | — |
| L3 cache | 36 MB | — |
| TDP | 65 W base / 182 W turbo | — |
| Socket | LGA 1851 | LGA1851 |
| Class | Desktop | — |
| PassMark rank | #193 of 5,901 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 57,575 | — |
| Architecture | — | Panther Lake |
| Release year | — | 2025 |
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
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
- +Latest generation silicon
- +Improved perf-per-watt
- +Full modern feature set
- −Premium pricing
- −Requires up-to-date platform
- −Initial stock scarcity likely
FAQ: Core Ultra 9 285 vs Intel Core Ultra 9 395K
Which is better, Core Ultra 9 285 or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 61. 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 Intel Core Ultra 9 395K worth the price? +
At $649, Intel Core Ultra 9 395K delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Does Core Ultra 9 285 or Intel Core Ultra 9 395K 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 Intel Core Ultra 9 395K? +
Intel Core Ultra 9 395K — more score per dollar ($649 vs $579). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.