Intel Unveils Core Ultra 9 285K: A New Standard for Multi-Threaded Performance
In a much-anticipated move, Intel has officially announced its latest Core Ultra 200 processors based on the Arrow Lake architecture.
This new series marks a significant advancement in desktop computing, offering high-performance capabilities tailored for professionals and gaming enthusiasts.
Early benchmark results highlight exceptional improvements in multi-thread processing and graphics performance.
Key Specifications of Intel Core Ultra 200 Processors
The Core Ultra 200 series comes in several variants to meet different user needs, with the flagship model, Core Ultra 9 285K, featuring:
- Cores & Threads: 24 cores and 24 threads
- Clock Speeds: Up to 5.5 GHz for performance cores and 4.6 GHz for efficiency cores
- Cooling & Thermal Efficiency: Improved cooling but potential thermal throttling under extreme loads
- Manufacturing Process: Built on Intel 4 technology
Performance Benchmarks of Intel Core Ultra 200
CPU-Z Tests: Dominance in Multi-Thread Performance
The Core Ultra 9 285K excelled in CPU-Z benchmarks, surpassing previous Intel generations with scores of:
- 18,964 points in multi-thread performance
- 909 points in single-thread performance, slightly trailing behind some competitors like Raptor Lake Refresh
Graphics Performance on Blender 4.2
In Blender 4.2 tests, the new processor outperformed Core i9-14900K by 19%, with scores as follows:
- Core Ultra 9 285K: 557.46 points
- Core i9-14900K: 475.97 points
- Ryzen 9 9950X: 598.67 points (still leading the charts)
Benchmark Results for Other Core Ultra 200 Processors
Aside from the flagship model, the rest of the Core Ultra 200 lineup delivered competitive scores:
- Core Ultra 7 265K: 471.21 points
- Core Ultra 5 245K: 323.46 points
Thermal and Cooling Performance of Core Ultra 200
Despite improvements, tests revealed that the Core Ultra 9 285K reached temperatures of 101°C under heavy workloads, nearing its 105°C thermal limit.
This resulted in thermal throttling, suggesting the necessity of advanced cooling solutions to maintain optimal performance.
Intel Core Ultra 200 Release Date
Intel Core Ultra 200 processors have been launched. On October 10, 2024, Intel announced its new Core Ultra 200S processor series, known as "Arrow Lake", designed for desktop computers.
These processors became available in markets starting October 24, 2024.
Additionally, in January 2025, during CES 2025, Intel unveiled the Core Ultra 200HX and 200H processors designed for laptops, with their availability expected later in 2025.
Can Core Ultra 200 Outperform AMD?
The battle between Intel and AMD continues, with early benchmarks showing that Ryzen 9 9950X maintains a slight edge over Core Ultra 9 285K in some scenarios.
However, Intel Core Ultra 200 processors remain a strong choice for users needing top-tier multi-threaded processing and graphics power.
Intel Core Ultra 200 Processors Deliver a Performance Revolution
The Intel Core Ultra 200 series introduces a major leap in computing performance, making it an excellent option for professionals and gamers alike.
With the official launch date approaching, more insights into real-world performance and power efficiency are expected. Stay tuned for the latest updates!