Core Ultra 9 285HX
24C/24T · 5.5 GHz · 55 W · PassMark #204
Core Ultra 7 265KF
20C/20T · 5.5 GHz · 125 W · PassMark #185
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core Ultra 9 285HX lands at 32 and Core Ultra 7 265KF at 32. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Core Ultra 9 285HX if…
- ✓PassMark CPU Mark of 57,229 — solid multi-thread numbers
- ✓Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
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
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Core Ultra 7 265KFSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Core Ultra 7 265KF more score per dollar ($298 vs $599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core Ultra 9 285HX | Core Ultra 7 265KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | ▲ 24 (8P + 16E) | 20 (8P + 12E) |
| Threads | ▲ 24 | 20 |
| Base clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.5 GHz | 5.5 GHz |
| L3 cache | ▲ 36 MB | 30 MB |
| TDP | 55 W base / 160 W turbo | 125 W base / 250 W turbo |
| Socket | BGA 2114 | LGA 1851 |
| Class | Laptop (HX) | Desktop (no integrated graphics) |
| PassMark rank | #204 of 5,901 | #185 of 5,901 |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 57,229 | ▲ 58,561 |
Core Ultra 9 285HX
- +PassMark CPU Mark of 57,229 — solid multi-thread numbers
- +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
Core Ultra 7 265KF
- +PassMark #185 of 5,901 — capable workhorse
- +Intel's latest architecture with on-chip NPU
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $298
- −Requires recent-generation motherboard and DDR5 memory
- −Newer-generation parts pull ahead in current rankings
FAQ: Core Ultra 9 285HX vs Core Ultra 7 265KF
Which is better, Core Ultra 9 285HX or Core Ultra 7 265KF? +
Both score 32 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core Ultra 9 285HX worth the price? +
At $599, Core Ultra 9 285HX delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Is Core Ultra 7 265KF worth the price? +
At $298, Core Ultra 7 265KF delivers a Specdex score of 32 — strongest in passmark.
Does Core Ultra 9 285HX or Core Ultra 7 265KF 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 285HX or Core Ultra 7 265KF? +
Core Ultra 7 265KF — more score per dollar ($298 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.