Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Intel Core i9 12900HX

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the better pick — it scores 78/100 to the Intel Core i9 12900HX's 49, leading on Core Specifications and Benchmark. Choose the Intel Core i9 12900HX instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K leads overall

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Intel Core i9 12900HX

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 125 W (127% more)
Core Specifications L2 Cache: 40 MB (186% more)
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 67,232 (106% more)

Winner by category for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Intel Core i9 12900HX
Category	Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Intel Core i9 12900HX	Winner
Core Specifications	61	42	Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Integrated Graphics	29	29	Tie
Benchmark	93	55	Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a high-performance microprocessor utilizing the Arrow Lake microarchitecture. This type of processor, which debuted in 2024, is engineered for demanding desktop computing tasks. It is best suited for power users and enthusiasts requiring exceptional computational capability.

Best for high-performance tasksBest for content creationBest for intensive gaming

Pros

Designed on the modern Arrow Lake architecture (Source 1)
Represents a powerful step in Intel’s Core series development (Source 2)
Targeted as a desktop processor for high-end performance computing (Inferred from product type and general knowledge)

Cons

Requires specific system compatibility to leverage its modern microarchitecture (General PC knowledge)
The product is associated with the Arrow Lake platform, indicating it belongs to Intel's current generation offerings (Source 1)

Intel Core i9 12900HX

The Intel Core i9-12900HX is a high-performance laptop processor designed for intensive computational tasks and heavy multitasking. Released in April 2022, it features 16 cores and 24 threads with a maximum boost frequency of 5.0 GHz. Built on a 7 nm process, it operates with a 55 W base power rating that can scale up to 157 W under heavy loads, targeting users who need desktop-class performance in a portable machine.

Best for Heavy multi-threaded processing and CPU-intensive computational work on mobile lBest for High-end laptop setups that pair the CPU with a discrete graphics card for gamin

Pros

High core and thread count featuring 16 cores and 24 threads for multi-threaded tasks
Reaches high boost clock speeds of up to 5.0 GHz
Includes 30 MB of L3 cache to support data-heavy operations
Delivers high benchmark performance with a PassMark score of 32704

Cons

High maximum power draw reaching up to 157 W under load
Processor is locked against traditional overclocking
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics provide minimal baseline display output, requiring a discrete GPU for demanding visual workloads

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

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Intel Core i9 12900HX

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K67,232

Intel Core i9 12900HX32,704

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Intel Core i9 12900HX
Cores	24	16
Threads	24	24
Base Frequency	3.7 GHz61% more	2.3 GHz
Base Power Consumption	125 W127% more	55 W
Maximum Frequency	5.7 GHz14% more	5 GHz
Maximum Power Consumption	250 W59% more	157 W
L1 Cache	2,432 KB73% more	1,408 KB
L2 Cache	40 MB186% more	14 MB
L3 Cache	36 MB20% more	30 MB
Lithography Process	3 nm57% less	7 nm
Is unlocked	Yes	Yes

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Intel Core i9 12900HX
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Intel Core Ultra 9 285K	Intel Core i9 12900HX
PassMark CPU Mark	67,232106% more	32,704

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Intel Core i9 12900HX comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Intel Core Ultra 9 285K rates higher at 84/100 versus 64/100 for Intel Core i9 12900HX — a 20-point lead. Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and Intel Core i9 12900HX are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 84/100 for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and 64/100 for Intel Core i9 12900HX.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (84/100) edges out Intel Core i9 12900HX (64/100). But if Intel Core i9 12900HX is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.