AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX and Intel Core Ultra 9 285 represent two distinct philosophies in high-end computing: one is a workstation-class behemoth built for memory bandwidth and expansion, the other a power-efficient desktop processor with high clock speeds. Benchmark data shows the Intel part wins 11 of 17 head-to-head tests, but the AMD part takes decisive victories in several specialized workloads. Both processors occupy the 95th percentile of all CPUs, yet their architectural approaches and target markets diverge sharply.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has 24 cores, double the 12 cores found in the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. However, both processors support 24 threads, meaning the AMD part uses simultaneous multithreading while the Intel part does not.

Q: How do the two chips compare in single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 leads in every single-core benchmark. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 6909 versus 6822 for the AMD part, a 1.3% advantage. The gap widens in PassMark single-thread tests, where Intel leads 4881 versus 4573, a 6.3% difference.

Q: Which processor provides more PCIe lanes?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers Gen 5 with 128 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). This is a massive difference, making the AMD part far more suitable for multi-GPU or high-density storage configurations.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The AMD processor supports eight-channel DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 409.6 GB/s. The Intel processor uses dual-channel DDR5 with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. The AMD part has exactly four times the theoretical memory bandwidth.

Q: Do both processors have integrated graphics?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX has no integrated graphics (N/A). The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 includes Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units, providing a built-in display output capability.

Q: Which chip has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 boosts to 5.60 GHz, which is higher than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX’s 5.40 GHz boost clock. The AMD part has a much higher base clock of 4.70 GHz versus 2.50 GHz for Intel.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural split is between AMD’s Zen 5 and Intel’s Arrow Lake. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses the Shimada Peak codename, built on a 4 nm process from TSMC. Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285 uses Arrow Lake-S, manufactured on a more advanced 3 nm process, also from TSMC. Despite the smaller process node, Intel’s die is larger at 243 mm² versus AMD’s two 70.6 mm² chiplets. Transistor counts are close: 16,630 million for AMD and 17,800 million for Intel.

Cache hierarchies differ significantly. The AMD part allocates 64 KB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 per core, with a shared 64 MB L3 cache. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 and 3 MB of L2 per core, but only 36 MB of shared L3. This means AMD has nearly double the total L3 capacity, though Intel’s per-core L2 allocation is three times larger.

Memory architecture is another major divergence. AMD supports eight-channel DDR5 with ECC, delivering 409.6 GB/s of bandwidth. Intel supports dual-channel DDR5 with ECC, yielding 102.4 GB/s. The AMD platform uses Socket sTR5, while Intel uses Socket 1851. PCIe connectivity favors AMD overwhelmingly: 128 Gen 5 lanes versus 20 Gen 5 lanes for Intel. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, whereas Intel’s is locked. Power envelopes are also starkly different, with AMD rated at 350 W TDP and Intel at 65 W TDP. The Intel chip includes integrated graphics; AMD does not. Release timing shows AMD launched on 2025-06-30, while Intel launched earlier on 2024-12-31.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Intel’s dominance in Cinebench is consistent but narrow. Across all six Cinebench tests (R15, R20, R23, single and multi-core), Intel wins by margins of 1.3% or less. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, Intel scores 48945 versus AMD’s 48325, a 1.3% edge. Single-core R23 shows Intel at 6909 versus 6822, also 1.3%. These are tight results, suggesting the two are broadly comparable in rendering workloads, with Intel holding a slight but repeatable advantage.

The PassMark suite tells a different story. AMD wins data compression decisively, scoring 671963 against 602121, an 11.6% advantage. Integer math also favors AMD at 185421 versus 164869, a 12.5% lead. Random string sorting goes to AMD by 14.7% (84498 vs 73651). Extended instructions show AMD ahead by 20% (54406 vs 45357). The largest AMD win comes in PassMark physics, where it scores 6118 versus 3598, a massive 70% difference. The multithread score is nearly tied, with AMD edging ahead 56854 versus 56602, just 0.4%.

Intel’s PassMark wins are equally lopsided in its favor. Floating point math is Intel’s biggest victory: 194988 versus 111566, a 42.8% lead. Data encryption favors Intel at 46949 versus 36540, a 22.2% gap. Find prime numbers goes to Intel by 27% (459 vs 335). Single-thread performance favors Intel by 6.3% (4881 vs 4573).

The overall win count is Intel 11, AMD 6. However, the magnitude of AMD’s physics win is extraordinary, and its compression and integer math leads are substantial. Intel’s wins in Cinebench are marginal, while its floating point and encryption wins are dramatic.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |

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

| Cores | 12 | 24 |

| Threads | 24 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 4.70 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.60 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 65 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Die Size | 2x 70.6 mm² | 243 mm² |

| Transistors | 16,630 million | 17,800 million |

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

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

| L3 Cache | 64 MB | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Eight-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 409.6 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 128 Lanes | Gen 5, 20 Lanes |

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

| Multiplier | Unlocked | Locked |

| Release Date | 2025-06-30 | 2024-12-31 |

| Launch MSRP | None | $579 |

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the clear choice for multi-GPU workstations and memory-intensive applications. Its 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes allow for massive expansion, and its 409.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth dwarfs the Intel part’s 102.4 GB/s. The 70% lead in PassMark physics suggests exceptional performance in simulation and physics-based workloads. Data compression and integer math wins of 11.6% and 12.5% respectively indicate strength in database, archiving, and general integer-heavy enterprise tasks. The 20% lead in extended instructions points to advantages in specialized vectorized code.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 excels in floating-point math, where its 42.8% lead over AMD is the largest single benchmark gap in the entire comparison. This makes it suited for scientific computing, financial modeling, and other FP-heavy workloads. Its 22.2% advantage in data encryption is notable for security-related tasks. The Intel part also wins all Cinebench tests, albeit by slim margins, and has a 6.3% lead in single-thread performance, making it stronger for lightly threaded applications. Its 65 W TDP and integrated graphics make it practical for desktop use without a discrete GPU.

For raw multi-threaded throughput, the two are nearly identical, with AMD’s multithread score just 0.4% higher. The decision hinges on platform capabilities versus per-core efficiency. AMD offers workstation-class memory and I/O, while Intel provides higher clock speeds, better floating-point performance, and integrated graphics. The Intel part has an unlockable launch MSRP of $579, while AMD has no listed MSRP.