As someone who’s been tinkering with processors for years now, I must say the Core Ultra 9 285K is an intriguing addition to Intel’s lineup. It certainly offers a step forward in terms of efficiency and future-proofing, but it doesn’t quite feel like the game-changer we were hoping for.
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K symbolizes a change in Intel’s approach, prioritizing power savings over sheer performance. This processor belongs to the recently introduced Core Ultra 200S lineup, offering benefits such as reduced energy usage, lower temperatures, and increased productivity. Yet, it’s essential to note that early users might encounter unforeseen challenges.
Once you’ve given the latest CPU a spin, let’s delve into its features, where it excels, and help you decide if it’s the ideal upgrade for your needs.
What’s New: A Fresh Start and New Challenges
New Naming Convention and Socket Requirements
As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the arrival of the Core Ultra 9 285K! This baby marks Intel’s fresh naming strategy, bidding farewell to the traditional “Core i” label. However, it’s not just a new moniker; this chip shares similar performance levels with the renowned Core i9 series but offers more than just a name change. Interestingly, it’s manufactured using TSMC’s technology, the same foundry that powers chips from AMD and Nvidia.
The Core Ultra 200S series also require the new LGA 1851 socket, meaning you’ll need a compatible motherboard to make the jump. And while Intel’s new approach looks to the future, the switch to the Core Ultra platform isn’t entirely seamless, especially for early adopters.
PC Build and Specifications
To begin, let me clarify the specifications for this CPU review: This CPU is an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, which is paired with an MSI MPG z890 Carbon WiFi motherboard. The system comes equipped with 48GB of G.Skill Trident Z5 CK CU-DIMM DDR5-8200 RAM and a powerful Nvidia RTX 4090 FE graphics card. To keep the CPU cool, we’re using the Corsair H150i iCue Link LCD AIO liquid cooler, along with six iCue Link fans. The entire setup is housed within a spacious Corsair iCue 5000D RGB Airflow ATX mid-tower case.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S |
| Cores | 24 (8 P-cores/16 E-cores) |
| Threads | 24 |
| Base Clock | 3.7 P-core/3.2 E-core (GHz) |
| Max Clock | 6/4.4 GHz |
| Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Process | 3nm |
| L3 Cache | 36mb |
| L2 Cache | 40mb |
| Price | $589 |
Installation Issues: A Frustrating Experience
Experiencing the Core Ultra 9 285K setup was more aggravating than anticipated. Post-assembly, I encountered multiple boot problems that repeatedly trapped the system at the BIOS splash screen in an annoyingly repetitive cycle. The machine functioned smoothly during the Windows 11 installation process, but subsequent issues arose after completing the initial setup.
To determine the root issue and find a solution, we had to contact MSI, the manufacturer of our motherboard, directly.
Based on the information I received, it appears some users encountered troubles with Windows 11’s 24H2 update, particularly when attempting to boot up their PC after connecting a discrete graphics card (commonly used during PC building). If you were using an AMD, Nvidia, or Intel GPU, you might have experienced this issue. However, there is a workaround for now.
Our Workaround
Should you be setting up one of the latest Intel Core Ultra Processors featuring built-in graphics, here’s a guide to help you steer clear of the troubles I ran into during installation:
- Connect your monitor to the motherboard’s integrated graphics first.
- Download and install all necessary drivers from the manufacturer’s website, as Windows updates won’t help just yet.
- Turn off the PC, disconnect from the integrated graphics, and connect your discrete GPU.
- Boot into Bios
- Disable integrated graphics in the BIOS to avoid conflicts.
The procedures I followed proved useful for me, yet they seem overly complex, particularly for those who invest heavily in early adoption. I’ve been informed that improvements are in progress, however, at this point, the installation process might turn out to be more troublesome than its benefits justify.
Everyday Performance: Quiet, Cool, and Efficient
After being established, the Core Ultra 9 285K stands out for its impressive energy efficiency and effective heat management. Its power usage remains minimal during routine activities, and it consistently maintains temperatures within safe boundaries.
- Average power usage during light tasks: 45 to 55 watts (W)
- Maximum power during heavy benchmarking: 145W
- Typical temperatures: between 43°C and 50°C
- Peak temperature during stress tests: 87°C
Reflecting on the Intel Core i9 14900K, it’s remarkable to observe such significant reductions. Under heavy usage, this processor peaked at a maximum temperature of 108°C and a maximum power consumption of 304W. This represents a decrease of 52% in peak power consumption and a reduction of 19.4% in peak temperature. Interestingly, these improvements were achieved without any modifications to the cooling system or case from the previous review.
This chip provides outstanding reliability for everyday tasks, which makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize low-noise performance and power savings.
Gaming Performance: A Step to the Side
The Core Ultra 9 285K delivers gaming performance similar to Intel’s past generations. Although games run flawlessly with a pleasing visual appeal, it doesn’t outshine more recent chips such as the 13th and 14th generation models regarding significant enhancements.
- Games performed well without relying on upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR.
- Power and temperatures remained low during gaming sessions, even under extended play.
Gamers using contemporary equipment may not experience significant improvements by opting for the 285K. Titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 23 function smoothly, yet they don’t demonstrate any remarkable enhancements following extended gameplay.
Productivity Performance: A Strong Contender
When it comes to productivity-focused tasks, the Core Ultra 9 285K truly excels. It manages video rendering and 3D modeling smoothly, delivering consistent performance in multiple benchmark tests.
- DaVinci Resolve rendering times:
- 1080p60: 1 minute 53 seconds
- 1440p60: 3 minutes 16 seconds
- 4K60: 6 minutes 9 seconds
- Blender rendering saw power usage peak at 132 watts, but most tasks kept it under 90 watts.
The 285K’s performance level makes it an excellent choice for content creators seeking dependable rendering power that doesn’t generate much heat or consume a lot of energy.
| Benchmark | Results |
|---|---|
| Blender | 6:33 Render Time |
| 7-Zip Compression | 166,784 MIPS |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | 19930 |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core | 2658 |
| Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core | 2282 |
| Cinebench 2024 Single-Core | 131 |
| CPU Profile (3D Mark) | 17,579 |
Is the Core Ultra 9 285K Worth It?
The Core Ultra 9 285K offers significant enhancements in efficiency, positioning it more as a stepping stone for Intel’s upcoming developments, instead of a groundbreaking advancement. Here’s our perspective on who could benefit from it now and who may want to hold off for something more substantial:
Who Should Buy It?
- Users upgrading from older systems (5+ years) looking for better efficiency and future-proofing
- Content creators and professionals focused on video editing, 3D rendering, or other CPU-heavy tasks
- Energy-conscious users who prioritize quiet, efficient setups
Who Should Wait?
- Gamers with recent Intel or AMD hardware, as performance gains are minimal
- Those interested in AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which may offer better value
- Budget-conscious upgraders waiting for 14th-gen Intel CPUs to drop in price
Final Thoughts: A Glimpse of the Future with a Few Hiccups
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a solid introduction to Intel’s next era, offering improved efficiency and stable performance. However, the installation issues and lack of noticeable gaming gains make it hard to recommend to everyone.
If you’re due for an upgrade or require a device with solid productivity performance, the 285K might be a suitable option. However, if you’re a gamer or already using contemporary hardware, it may be wiser to hold off until there are improvements in stability, more driver support, and possible price reductions.
This chip serves as a cornerstone for Intel’s upcoming advancements; however, it may not be the highly anticipated update that many had anticipated. Initial users might encounter difficulties, but its long-term possibilities look encouraging.
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2024-10-29 17:48