AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16-core AM5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier CPU for both productivity and gaming, with users noting massive performance gains over older chips. Many highlight its excellent multi-core performance for tasks like rendering and code compilation, and its ability to boost to high clock speeds. However, several reviewers mention it runs hot out of the box, but this is often attributed to a default BIOS thermal limit that can be adjusted via PBO or setting a lower temperature cap. Overall, it's seen as a powerful, future-proof investment, especially with recent price drops.
Pros
- Excellent multi-core performance
- Great for gaming and productivity
- High boost clocks with PBO
- Future-proof with AM5 and DDR5
- Good value after price drops
Cons
- Runs hot by default
- Requires good cooling solution
- No cooler included
- High power consumption
- Motherboard prices high
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is overwhelmingly praised for its raw performance, especially in 4K gaming and heavy multitasking, with users noting significant upgrades from older CPUs. It runs cool with proper cooling solutions, and its efficiency and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 are highlighted as major advantages. Some mention that it may not beat AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming, but it excels at 4K and productivity. A few note the lack of a cooler and tray packaging as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent 4K gaming performance
- Strong multitasking and productivity
- Runs cool with proper cooling
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- Power efficient (125W TDP)
Cons
- No cooler included
- Tray packaging (no retail box)
- May lag AMD in 1080p/1440p gaming
- Requires BIOS adjustments for best performance
- Premium price
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 9 7950X | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 9 | Core Ultra 9 |
| Model | 7950X | 285K |
| Codename | Zen 4 | Arrow Lake-S |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 5 | 3★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 16 | 24★ |
| P-cores | 16★ | 8 |
| E-cores | — | 16★ |
| Threads | 32★ | 24 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 16 | 40★ |
| L3 Cache | 64★ | 36 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 1851 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 24 |
| TDP | 170 | 125★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 230★ | 250 |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel Graphics |
| NPU TOPS | — | 13★ |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16-core AM5
- Strong ai (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong multi thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong feature (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong single thread (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Below average affordability (21st percentile)
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
- Strong feature (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong single thread (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong efficiency (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong multi thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (18th percentile)18th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16-core AM5
No current pricing available
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core LGA 1851
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 11 of 29 specs.