Intel
Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 285K 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHz
Bottom line: The Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 285K 24 cores up to 5.7 GHz ($509.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-22 04:20 UTC): 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) for heavy multi-threaded workloads; main trade-off: no cooler in the box; budget for an aftermarket air cooler or AIO.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-22. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) for heavy multi-threaded workloads
- ✓ Boost clocks up to 5.7 GHz with an unlocked multiplier for tuning
- ✓ 40MB cache keeps more working data close to the cores
- ✓ PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support for current GPUs and NVMe SSDs
- ✓ Integrated Intel Graphics lets you boot and troubleshoot without a GPU
Cons
- ✗ No cooler in the box; budget for an aftermarket air cooler or AIO
- ✗ Requires an Intel 800 series chipset motherboard; older boards won't work
- ✗ 24 cores but only 24 threads, one thread per core
- ✗ Integrated graphics won't replace a discrete GPU for modern gaming
Manufacturer description
The Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285K is an unlocked desktop CPU in the Core Ultra 9 tier, for builders who want high clock speeds and strong multi-threaded performance from one chip. It has 24 cores (8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores) running 24 threads, boost clocks up to 5.7 GHz, and 40MB of cache. Intel's Performance Hybrid Architecture combines the two core types and assigns work to each. Demanding foreground tasks can run on the P-cores while background jobs, compiles, and encodes spread across the E-cores. Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 raises the clocks of your fastest cores…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 285K 24 cores up to 5.7 GHz using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the processors category. Intel's processors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K come with a CPU cooler?
No. Intel states that no thermal solution is included, so you need to buy an aftermarket air cooler or AIO liquid cooler separately. Choose one rated for an unlocked 24-core desktop CPU that boosts up to 5.7 GHz.
What motherboard do I need for the Core Ultra 9 285K?
The 285K works with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards. Before you buy, check the board manufacturer's CPU support list to confirm compatibility and find out whether a BIOS update is needed.
How many cores and threads does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K have?
It has 24 cores, split into 8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores, and runs 24 threads. It boosts up to 5.7 GHz and has 40MB of cache.
Can I use the Core Ultra 9 285K without a graphics card?
Yes. It includes integrated Intel Graphics, so you can boot, install an OS, and run desktop tasks without a discrete GPU. For demanding games or GPU-accelerated work, you will still want a dedicated graphics card.
Does the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K support PCIe 5.0 and overclocking?
Yes to both. It supports PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 and is unlocked, with Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and boosts up to 5.7 GHz. How many PCIe 5.0 slots you get and which overclocking options are available depend on your 800 series motherboard, so check its specifications.
Key Features
- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe Express Version Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included
Full Specifications
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Model | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
| Warranty | 3 year manufacturer |
| UnitCount | 1 |
| ReleaseDate | 2024-10-24T00:00:01Z |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| ItemPartNumber | BX80768285K |
Performance Data
View gaming FPS, AI inference throughput, and synthetic scores for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K — the core hardware component in this product. Benchmarks sourced from TechPowerUp, PassMark, and the r/LocalLLaMA community.
Ready to buy?
Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 285K 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHz is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-22. Price and availability subject to change.
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