AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X contains no benchmark scores, leaving its performance profile unmeasured in the database. By contrast, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has a complete set of 17 benchmark results across Cinebench and Passmark tests. This asymmetry means the head-to-head comparison is one-sided: the Intel part shows measurable results while the AMD part has no recorded scores to compare against.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 48,945 and a single-core score of 6,909. In Cinebench R20, it reaches 20,556 multi-core and 2,901 single-core. The R15 results show 4,933 multi-core and 696 single-core. These scores place the processor at the 95th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 75,488.

Passmark results for the Intel part show a multi-thread score of 56,602 and a single-thread score of 4,881. The integer math test records 164,869, while floating point math reaches 194,988. Data compression scores 602,121, data encryption 46,949, and extended instructions 45,357. The prime number finding test records 459, physics 3,598, and random string sorting 73,651.

The nearest rivals for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285, based on average benchmark scores, are all AMD server or workstation processors. The AMD EPYC 8224P has an average score of 75,582, a 0.1% difference from the Intel part. The AMD EPYC 4545P scores 75,373, a 0.2% difference. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D scores 75,716, a 0.3% difference, and the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755 scores 75,738, also a 0.3% difference. These margins are remarkably tight, all within a fraction of a percent of each other.

Where Each One Wins

Without recorded benchmarks for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X, the database cannot attribute any benchmark win to that processor. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 wins every benchmark category where data exists, by definition, since it is the only one with recorded scores.

The Intel part demonstrates particular strength in multi-threaded workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 48,945 is substantial, and its Passmark multi-thread score of 56,602 confirms consistent performance under parallel loads. The floating point math score of 194,988 exceeds the integer math score of 164,869, indicating the architecture handles floating point operations with particular efficiency.

Single-thread performance also favors the Intel part in the recorded data. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 6,909 and Passmark single-thread score of 4,881 show strong per-core capability. The boost clock of 5.60 GHz supports this result, though the database records no comparable clock for the AMD part beyond its listed 5.30 GHz boost.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has a higher base clock at 4.20 GHz compared to the Intel part's 2.50 GHz, and its boost clock is 5.30 GHz versus 5.60 GHz. However, clock speeds alone do not determine benchmark outcomes, and without measured scores for the AMD part, the database cannot establish any performance advantage.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Zen 5 architecture with the Shimada Peak codename, part of the 9000 series. It is built on a 4 nm process node at TSMC with 33,260 million transistors spread across four 70.6 mm² dies, totaling a combined die size of approximately 282.4 mm². The processor has 24 cores and 48 threads, with 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 128 MB of L3 cache.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 uses the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-S codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 2. It is built on a 3 nm process node at TSMC with 17,800 million transistors on a single 243 mm² die. The processor also has 24 cores but only 24 threads, with 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache.

The memory configurations differ substantially. The AMD part supports DDR5 with a quad-channel memory bus and 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Intel part also supports DDR5 but with a dual-channel memory bus and 102.4 GB/s bandwidth, exactly half the AMD figure. Both support ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity also diverges. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU only, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU only. The AMD part has no integrated graphics, while the Intel part includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units.

The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel processor does not. The AMD part uses AMD Socket sTR5, and the Intel part uses Intel Socket 1851. The AMD part is classified as a desktop processor with active production status, matching the Intel part's classification.

The Verdict

The database contains recorded benchmark results for only one of these two processors. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has a complete benchmark profile, placing it at the 95th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 75,488. Its nearest rivals are all within 0.3% of that score, indicating the processor sits in a tightly competitive performance band.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no recorded benchmark scores, no average score, and a 50th percentile placement that reflects its unmeasured status rather than actual performance. The database cannot confirm any performance capability for this processor.

For users choosing between these two based strictly on recorded data, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 is the only option with verified performance. Its multi-thread scores, single-thread scores, and specialized workload results (compression, encryption, extended instructions) all come from direct measurements. The AMD part offers architectural specifications that suggest potential strength in memory bandwidth and multi-threading, but no measured results exist to substantiate that potential.

The Intel part also carries a lower thermal design power at 65 watts versus the AMD part's 350 watts, though the database records no power consumption measurements for either processor. The Intel part has a smaller transistor count and die size, but these specifications do not translate into recorded benchmark advantages without test data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher benchmark scores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has recorded benchmark scores across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and Passmark tests. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no recorded benchmark scores in the database.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: Both processors have 24 cores. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has 48 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has 24 threads.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X supports quad-channel memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 supports dual-channel memory with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth, exactly half the AMD figure.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no integrated graphics. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units.

Q: What is the L3 cache capacity for each?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has 36 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Are both processors currently in production?

A: Yes, both the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 have active production status.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 24 | 24 |

| Threads | 48 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 4.20 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.30 GHz | 5.60 GHz |

| TDP | 350 watts | 65 watts |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | TSMC |

| Transistors | 33,260 million | 17,800 million |

| Die Size | 4x 70.6 mm² | 243 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB per core | 192 KB per core |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB per core | 3 MB per core |

| L3 Cache | 128 MB | 36 MB shared |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |

| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $1499 | $579 |

| Release Date | 2025-07-29 | 2024-12-31 |

| Part Number | 100-000001595 | SRQD4 |