AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core AM5
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this CPU, praising its performance, efficiency, and value. Many highlight the lower TDP compared to previous generations, resulting in cooler and quieter operation. Some note that upgrading from a 7000 series may not be worth it for performance alone, but for new builds or older systems, it's a no-brainer. A few mention BIOS update requirements and the lack of a stock cooler.
Pros
- Lower TDP and cooler operation
- Quieter system
- Excellent multi-threaded performance
- Great for gaming and streaming
- Good value for new builds
Cons
- Requires BIOS update on some boards
- No stock cooler included
- High power draw (170W TDP)
- Upgrade from 7000 series not worth it for performance alone
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is overwhelmingly praised for its raw performance, especially in 4K gaming and heavy multitasking, with users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. It runs cool with proper cooling solutions, and its efficiency and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 are highlighted as major advantages. Some mention that it may not beat AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming, but it excels at 4K and productivity. A few note the lack of a cooler and tray packaging as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent 4K gaming performance
- Strong multitasking and productivity
- Runs cool with proper cooling
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- Power efficient (125W TDP)
Cons
- No cooler included
- Tray packaging (no retail box)
- May lag AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming
- Requires BIOS adjustments for best performance
- Premium price
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 9 9950X | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 9 | Core Ultra 9 |
| Model | 9950X | 285K |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Arrow Lake-S |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4 | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 16 | 24★ |
| P-cores | 16★ | 8 |
| E-cores | — | 16★ |
| Threads | 32★ | 24 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 16 | 40★ |
| L3 Cache | 64★ | 36 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 1851 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | 24 |
| TDP | 170 | 125★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 230★ | 250 |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel Graphics |
| NPU TOPS | — | 13★ |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core AM5
- Strong single thread (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong ai (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
- Strong feature (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong single thread (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong efficiency (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (18th percentile)18th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 10 of 29 specs.