The 2 huge flagships in contrast Up to date: Oct 24, 2024 3:17 pm WePC is reader-supported. While you purchase by hyperlinks on our website, we could earn an affiliate fee. Costs topic to vary. Be taught extra Desk of Contents Desk of Contents We pit Intel’s new Core Extremely 9 285K flagship CPU towards the ever-popular Ryzen 9 9950X to see how they stack up in value, gaming efficiency, and heavy workload duties – concluding with our ideas on which you can purchase. The Core Extremely 9 285K is Intel’s new flagship Alder Lake CPU. It options many enhancements and modifications over its predecessor, delivering an honest generational uplift over the model’s 14th-gen flagship. That stated, Intel has made some distinctive tweaks to the Core 9 285K mannequin, similar to eradicating hyperthreading—a characteristic that has been with the model for over 20 years now. That stated, what Intel lacks in hyperthreading it makes up for in generational productiveness efficiency. In the event you’ve learn our 285K evaluation, you’ll know that the CPU nonetheless excels in heavy workload synthetics regardless of the shortage of hyperthreading. Whereas that is nice for creatives and professionals operating closely threaded applications, it isn’t a necessity in the case of gaming. Fortuitously, gaming isn’t the main target of AMD’s flagship 9950X both – with AMD tailoring its soon-to-be-released 9000X3D CPUs for that demographic. AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X additionally targets the PC fanatic market, claiming generational IPC positive aspects of round 16%. Not like the Core 9 285K, the 9950X options hyperthreading assist, making for an attention-grabbing battle in the case of the artificial portion of this comparability. Intel Core Extremely 9 285K Professionals Very environment friendly throughout all workloads Cheaper than AMD flagship A lot better multi-core efficiency than 9950X Cons Underwhelming gaming efficiency Appears like one thing is lacking Too targeted on effectivity AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Professionals Robust Multi-core efficiency for productiveness workloads Pairs effectively with each high-end GPU Pretty energy environment friendly vs final gen Cons Probably outmatched in gaming efficiency by 9800X3D when it launches With that stated, now we have the makings for a really shut combat between these two flagship processors. Let’s get into the specs to see how they stack up on paper. At a look Intel Core Extremely 9 285K vs. Ryzen 9 9950X: Each CPUs convey aggressive efficiency to the desk, with Intel dropping hyperthreading for the primary time in over 20 years, focusing as an alternative on effectivity and productiveness. Gaming Efficiency: The Ryzen 9 9950X edges out the 285K in gaming, delivering barely increased FPS in titles like CS2 and Doom Everlasting. It’s the higher selection for these seeking to maximize each body within the non-X3D sequence. Productiveness Power: Intel’s 285K shines in multi-core duties, outperforming the 9950X in benchmarks like Cinebench R23 and CPU-Z. Its 3 nm course of and diminished energy consumption make it supreme for these balancing gaming with heavy workloads. Energy Effectivity: The Core Extremely 9 285K is extra power-efficient, notably in gaming situations the place it makes use of as little as 48.5W in CS2 in comparison with the 9950X’s 113.5W. This makes it a cooler, quieter possibility for power-conscious customers. Platform and Future Concerns: Whereas each CPUs are intently matched now, AMD’s upcoming 9800X3D is anticipated to set a brand new bar in gaming efficiency. Selecting between the 285K and 9950X is dependent upon whether or not you want superior gaming efficiency now or a balanced, power-efficient system. Specs On paper, these two CPUs appear very shut. Whereas there’s a continuing give and take that appears to even out general, we really feel Intel’s shift to the three nm course of is effectively value highlighting – with AMD solely that includes 4 nm transistors. That stated, we will’t assist however really feel like Intel ought to be doing loads higher on the single-core efficiency entrance, particularly while you issue within the model’s historical past on this division. Essentially the most notable change is, after all, the shortage of hyperthreading on the Intel CPU. Hyperthreading has been a staple of Intel CPUs for over 22 years and it’s unusual to see an equal variety of cores and threads from Staff Blue. With out giving something away, we have been impressed with how effectively it managed to maintain up regardless of the 8 thread deficit. Element Core Extremely 9 285KRyzen 9 9950XCores2416Threads 2432Hybrid architectureP-core: 8E-core: 16N/ABase frequencyP-core: 3.7 GHzE-core: 3.2 GHz4.3 GHzBoost frequency P-core: 5.5 GHzE-core: 4.6 GHzup to five.7 GHzMemory speed6400 MT/s5600 MT/sPCI Specific lanes20 (Gen 5)24 (Gen 5)L2 cache 3 MB (per core)1 MB (per core)L3 cache36 MB (shared)64 MB (shared)TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (excessive)125W / 250W / 250W / 295W125W / 230W / 230W / 230WProcess size3 nm4 nmSocketLGA 1815 (suitable with Z980)LGA 1718 (suitable with X870, X670, B650, A620)Core Ultea 285K vs 9950X specs Keep in mind, that once we examined the 285K, we have been on pre-release drivers BIOS’ – which means this efficiency might have modified drastically since we examined the CPUs. However we extremely doubt that. It’s not like we’re anticipating to see Intel improve the TDP of its processors post-launch (we’re taking a look at you, AMD). That stated, let’s leap into the testing and efficiency part of this comparability to see how the chips stack up in real-world situations. Efficiency We examined the 285K towards the 9950X in a wide range of each artificial and real-world workloads. The synthetics embody CPU-Z, Cinebench R23, and Geekbench 6. For real-world assessments, we used CS2, Days Gone, and Doom Everlasting. The entire video games examined have been performed so in 1080p at LOW settings to attempt to isolate the processing efficiency of the chips. Benchmarking rig To maintain issues as truthful as attainable, we examined the 2 CPUs on as comparable rigs as attainable, following our how we check CPUs methodology. Listed here are all of the parts that we used when testing the 2 flagship beasts: Element NameCPUIntel: Intel Core Extremely 285K / AMD: Ryzen 9 9950XCoolerCorsair H150i Elite LCDMotherboardIntel: ASUS Maximus Hero Z890 / AMD: ASUS Crosshair X870 Hero MemoryCorsair Dominator Platinum DDR5 @6800 MHzGPUMSI RTX 4070 Ti PSUASUS Thor Platinum II 1000WCaseCooler Grasp Masterframe WePC check bench parts Efficiency benchmarks 285K vs 9950X gaming efficiency 285K vs 9950X evaluation artificial multi core 285K vs 9950X evaluation artificial single core 285K vs 9950X energy consumption Earlier Subsequent In a head-to-head match between the Core Extremely 9 285K and Ryzen 9 9950X, each CPUs convey their strengths to the desk – with few notable variations throughout gaming, artificial benchmarks, and energy effectivity. Let’s dive into the highlights of our benchmarks. Gaming efficiency leans barely in favor of the Ryzen 9 9950X. It edges out the 285K in most titles, like CS2 (the place it hits 323.7 FPS towards 313.8 FPS for the 285K) and in Doom Everlasting (with 507.6 FPS in comparison with 499.8 FPS). Whereas these variations received’t drastically alter your gaming expertise, the 9950X’s consistency in high-FPS situations would possibly make it the go-to for those who’re aiming to squeeze each final body out of your CPU. However, artificial benchmarks inform a special story. The 285K pulls forward in multi-core assessments like Cinebench R23 (scoring 42,399 in comparison with the 9950X’s 40,166) and in CPU-Z Multi (the place it manages 18,866 over 16,787). For multi-threaded workloads, content material creation, or heavy rendering duties, Intel’s newest flagship proves it’s received some critical muscle – and it does so with out hyperthreaded CPU cores. 285K vs 9950X evaluation gaming efficiency FPS Maybe essentially the most putting distinction, nonetheless, is in energy consumption. The Core Extremely 9 285K runs much more effectively, notably in gaming masses. In CS2, it sips simply 48.5W in comparison with the Ryzen’s 113.5W. Even in video games like Doom Everlasting, it leads in effectivity, consuming round 108W whereas the Ryzen pulls 155.9W. That would imply a cooler, quieter system general for those who go along with Intel. Simply keep in mind, that you just’ll must improve your motherboard as effectively if you’re planning the Intel improve. Finally, it’s a trade-off between uncooked gaming energy and all-around effectivity. The Ryzen 9 9950X edges out in gaming framerates, however the Core Extremely 9 285K affords higher energy administration and multi-core energy – making it a flexible decide for many who want their rig to deal with extra than simply gaming. Must you await the 9800X3D? In the event you’re trying on the 9950X, pondering it’s essentially the most enticing gaming possibility in the marketplace, you would possibly wish to decide up the 9800X3D as an alternative. It lacks the cores and uncooked energy exterior of gaming, however the X3D cache has confirmed it will probably lay waste to another CPU in the case of gaming workloads. Although it isn’t out but, in order for you a real gaming PC, the 9800XD will most definitely carry out higher than the 9950X in video games and hit cabinets at a decrease MSRP. Are there any platform variations? The wonderful thing about choosing the present era of {hardware} is you primarily get the identical factor on each side, and this time round it’s no totally different. You’ll be able to primarily consider the separate chipsets (X870 and Z890) as simply totally different vessels on which to host your CPU of selection – regardless of which you decide, you’re at no clear drawback. When taking a look at top-end fashions for each chipsets, customers can anticipate PCIe Gen 5 assist (for each the GPU and storage), USB 4, and WiFi 7. For funds choices, these options could range. That stated, it needs to be stated that the Z890 motherboards are inclined to host sooner reminiscence speeds than the X870 – because the ASUS Strix Z890 A demonstrates: ASUS Strix X870 DDR5 velocity ASUS Strix Z890 DDR5 velocity Similar motherboard, simply totally different chipsets. Supply: ASUS webpage for respective motherboards. Closing phrase: which CPU is healthier The comparability between Intel’s Core Extremely 9 285K and AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X is a detailed name, every excelling in numerous areas. The 9950X takes the lead in gaming efficiency, constantly delivering barely increased body charges in titles like CS2 and Doom Everlasting – which could enchantment to avid gamers searching for each attainable FPS edge. Nevertheless, Intel’s 285K stands out in effectivity, particularly with its decrease energy consumption in gaming situations – showcased by its spectacular 48.5W attract CS2 in comparison with the 9950X’s 113.5W. Intel’s deal with a 3 nm course of and powerful multi-core efficiency additionally offers it an edge in productiveness duties, regardless of the shortage of hyperthreading. Whereas the Ryzen 9 9950X is a stable selection for these prioritizing gaming efficiency proper now, the potential launch of the 9800X3D looms giant, promising a extra targeted gaming powerhouse with the X3D cache. In the meantime, Intel’s 285K caters to those that want a stability of labor and play, providing strong efficiency in productiveness duties with out falling too far behind in gaming. Finally, the selection between these two comes all the way down to what you want out of your system and whether or not you’re in search of that additional FPS in video games, or decrease energy consumption and multi-threaded energy in on a regular basis use.