Intel's newest VS AMD's best
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Intel has just released the Core Ultra 9 285K, the latest flagship CPU on the Arrow Lake architecture. Before its launch, we saw glimpses of the record-breaking performance it could offer, but does it still hold up against arguably the world’s most popular gaming CPU, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D? A lot of changes have been made to Intel’s latest generation desktop CPU range, some more questionable than others – like ditching hyperthreading (a feature that’s been a staple of Intel CPUs for over 22 years).
While Intel’s decision to drop hyperthreading might raise some eyebrows, they’ve clearly doubled down on productivity performance. As we noted in our review, the Core Ultra 9 285K shines in heavy workloads, though it doesn’t quite hit the mark we hoped for in gaming – which is where the 7800X3D shines. Intel has made a big efficiency play with the 15th generation CPUs, and sadly, that seems to be to the detriment of gaming performance. The brand even came out saying its flagship would be roughly 5% down VS the 7800X3D – making this battle an interesting one to say the least. So, does it still have enough in it to beat the 7800X3D – let’s find out.
Very efficient across all workloads
Easier to cool than most
Cheaper than AMD flagship
Much better multi-core performance than 9950X
Underwhelming gaming performance
Feels like something is missing
Too focused on efficiency
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Up to 7% faster than 13900K
Insane gaming performance for the money
Large cahce
Dual CCD
One CCD limited by V-cache
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CHECK PRICEIt’s important to analyze the paper specifications of each CPU, so we know what we’re comparing. Doing this can help us understand why one component (not just CPUs) benchmarks better in certain workloads.
| Component | Core Ultra 285K | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 | 8 |
| Threads | 24 | 16 |
| Hybrid architecture | P-core: 8 E-core: 16 | N/A |
| Base frequency | P-core: 3.7 GHz E-core: 3.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Boost frequency | P-core: 5.5 GHz E-core: 4.6 GHz | Up to 5 GHz |
| Memory speed | 6400 MT/s | 5200 MT/s |
| PCI Express lanes | 20 (Gen 5) | 24 (Gen 5) |
| L2 cache | 3 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| L3 cache | 36 MB (shared) | 96 MB (shared) |
| TDP / PL1 / PL2 / PL2 (extreme) | 125W / 250W / 250W / 295W | 120W / 162W / 162W / 162W |
| Process size | 3 nm | 5 nm |
| Socket | LGA 1815 (compatible with Z980) | LGA 1718 (compatible with X870, B850, X670, B650, A620) |
The Core Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 7 7800X3D are fundamentally very different in their designs, targeting different areas of performance. The 285K brings a hybrid architecture to the table, with a blend of 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores.
This setup is all about handling a mix of workloads, balancing single-threaded performance with efficiency in multi-core tasks. With a high boost frequency of 5.5 GHz on its P-cores and support for blazing-fast 6400 MT/s memory, the 285K is tailored for users who need a versatile powerhouse capable of handling productivity-heavy applications without breaking a sweat.
On the other hand, AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D focuses on a different kind of efficiency: precision in gaming and balanced performance. With 8 cores and 16 threads, the 7800X3D might seem modest compared to Intel’s 24 cores, but its secret weapon lies in the massive 96 MB L3 cache. This makes it a standout for gamers – especially in titles that thrive on quick access to large data sets. And while it doesn’t reach the same clock speeds as Intel’s chip, its 5 nm process and lower power draw make it an appealing choice for those who prioritize cooler and quieter systems without sacrificing gaming performance.
Before we start, it’s imperative to note that all the testing was performed on the BIOS that shipped with the motherboard, and on preliminary chipset drivers. Though we aren’t expecting a huge change, performance may differ on release software, so bear that in mind.
When performing benchmarks, we like to keep things as consistent as possible, even across generations and brands. Where we often need to adapt the benchmark rig to accommodate different tech, we use components that reflect the specifications of each other as closely as possible, as per our how we test CPUs page. If you create favorable conditions for one piece of hardware, the results are no longer comparable. With that said, here’s what comprised our rig through both benchmark sessions.
| Component | Name |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel: Intel Core Ultra 285K / AMD: Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
| Cooler | Corsair H150i Elite LCD |
| Motherboard | Intel: ASUS Maximus Hero Z890 / AMD: ASUS Crosshair X870 Hero |
| Memory | Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR5 @6800 MHz |
| GPU | MSI RTX 4070 Ti |
| PSU | ASUS Thor Platinum II 1000W |
| Case | Cooler Master Masterframe |
285K vs 7800X3D gaming
285K vs 7800X3D gaming power efficiency
285K vs 7800X3D multi core synthetic
285K vs 7800X3D single core benchmarks
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D take different paths to high-performance computing, each with its own strengths. The Core Ultra 9 285K shines in multi-core workloads thanks to its 24-core hybrid design (8 P-cores, 16 E-cores).
This setup allows it to dominate in productivity tasks, delivering scores like 42,399 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 18,866 in CPU-Z Multi – far ahead of the 7800X3D’s 17,646 and 7,248, respectively. It’s the ideal pick if you’re juggling tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, offering more cores and threads to power through demanding applications.
In contrast, AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D focuses on gaming performance, leveraging its X3D cache to edge out Intel’s flagship in many titles. Games like Doom Eternal see the 7800X3D hitting 526.4 FPS compared to the 285K’s 499.8 FPS, and even in Horizon Forbidden West, AMD’s CPU leads with 219.8 FPS over Intel’s 202.6 FPS. These gains, combined with a generally more efficient power draw during gaming – 68.4W versus the 285K’s 108.04W in Doom Eternal – make the 7800X3D an appealing choice for pure gaming builds. If you’re looking to drive the maximum number of frames from your PC, then the 7800X3D is the way to go.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you value more. The Core Ultra 9 285K offers unmatched multi-core strength, making it a go-to for heavy productivity alongside decent gaming performance. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D focuses on gaming efficiency, delivering smoother gameplay and better power consumption in high-refresh-rate scenarios. Both CPUs have their appeal, but their strengths make them suited to different needs, depending on whether you’re more focused on gaming or productivity.
This is a more complex question to answer, as the 7800X3D belongs to AM5, which means it’s compatible with a wide range of motherboards and chipsets that all offer different features. Naturally, regressing down to earlier chipsets will yield less advanced and feature-rich offerings, so, we’re going to stick with the latest generations.
Choosing the latest generation of hardware means you’re getting a similar feature set, regardless of which side you go with. This time, there’s really no significant disadvantage between the two. Think of the X870 and Z890 chipsets as just different platforms for your CPU. Either way, you’re getting a solid base.
Both chipsets offer support for PCIe Gen 5 across GPUs and storage, USB 4, and WiFi 7 (at least on higher-end models – more budget-friendly boards might vary). It’s worth noting that Z890 motherboards generally support higher memory speeds compared to X870, as seen with models like the ASUS Strix Z890 A.
Source: ASUS store page
The release of the 9800X3D is looming, and if the 7000 series is anything to go off, it’s going to be one heck of a gaming performance powerhouse. If the 7800X3D can beat the 9950X then that tells us that the 9800X3D should have no issue doing the same. If you want the absolute best gaming performance then it might be better to opt for the newer X3D CPUs.
The 9800X3D also still belongs to AM5, so you can install it onto any AM5 motherboard, you aren’t forced to shell out a load of money for a motherboard upgrade, as you are on Intel. That said, you should only consider the 9800X3D if you want to build a pure gaming rig – if you want to go the productivity route and do some streaming or video editing even a little bit, it might be more prudent to pick up a CPU better at multitasking.
The battle between the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Vs AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D reveals distinct strengths catering to different user needs. The Core Ultra 285K excels in productivity with its robust hybrid architecture, boasting 24 cores that dominate multi-core tasks. However, its gaming performance doesn’t quite match that of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which leverages its impressive 96 MB L3 cache for superior gaming efficiency.
While the 285K’s higher clock speeds and memory bandwidth support productivity-heavy applications, the 7800X3D consistently delivers smoother gameplay with better power efficiency, making it the preferable choice for gaming enthusiasts. As the release of the 9800X3D approaches, potential buyers should weigh up their priorities carefully. If pure gaming performance is the goal, the upcoming 9800X3D could outshine both contenders. However, for users balancing productivity and gaming, the choice leans toward the Core Ultra 285K for multitasking capabilities.
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