Intel Core i9-14901KE vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285T Comparison

The Verdict

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285T is the clear benchmark champion in this comparison. The database records a 91st percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 51,310, while the Intel Core i9-14901KE holds a 50th percentile position and an average score of 0. The Ultra 9 285T also has a complete set of recorded benchmark results across Cinebench and Passmark tests, whereas the i9-14901KE has no benchmark entries in the database. The data indicates that the Ultra 9 285T delivers substantial multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, making it the stronger choice for any workload measured in these tests. The i9-14901KE, despite its higher boost clock, lacks recorded scores, so its actual performance cannot be verified from the available data. For users selecting between these two, the Ultra 9 285T is the only option with proven performance metrics.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285T's boost clock of 5.40 GHz.

Q: How do the core counts differ between these two processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285T has 24 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel Core i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Ultra 9 has three times the core count and 50% more threads.

Q: What is the process node for each CPU?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE uses a 10 nm process node, fabricated by Intel. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285T uses a 3 nm process node, fabricated by TSMC.

Q: Which CPU supports more PCIe lanes?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285T supports Gen 5 with 20 Lanes (CPU only), while the Intel Core i9-14901KE supports Gen 5 with 16 Lanes (CPU only).

Q: Does either CPU support ECC memory?

A: Both the Intel Core i9-14901KE and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285T support ECC memory.

Q: What are the integrated graphics solutions in these CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE features UHD Graphics 770, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285T features Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct architectural generations from Intel. The Intel Core i9-14901KE is built on the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R codename, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series with the generation label "Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh)." This design uses a 10 nm process node and is fabricated by Intel. The die size is recorded as 257 mm².

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285T, in contrast, uses the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-S codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 2 and generation "Ultra 9 (Arrow Lake)." It is built on a 3 nm process node and fabricated by TSMC. The die size is 243 mm², slightly smaller than the Raptor Lake chip. The transistor count for the Ultra 9 is recorded as 17,800 million, while no transistor count is listed for the i9-14901KE.

Cache hierarchies differ significantly. The i9-14901KE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 9 285T has 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 3 MB of L2 cache per core, and also 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ultra 9 provides more cache per core, which aligns with its larger core count and newer architecture.

Memory support also differs. The i9-14901KE supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the Ultra 9 285T supports only DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Ultra 9 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, while no such figure is available for the i9-14901KE. The PCIe interface differs as well: the i9-14901KE has Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), and the Ultra 9 285T has Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show several clear distinctions between the two CPUs. The core count differs: the i9-14901KE has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Ultra 9 285T has 24 cores and 24 threads. Base clocks differ substantially, with the i9-14901KE at 3.80 GHz and the Ultra 9 285T at 1.40 GHz. Boost clocks are 5.80 GHz for the i9-14901KE and 5.40 GHz for the Ultra 9 285T.

Thermal design power differs significantly. The i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 watts, while the Ultra 9 285T has a TDP of 35 watts. The socket types are different: the i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700, and the Ultra 9 285T uses Intel Socket 1851. The process node differs (10 nm versus 3 nm), as does the foundry (Intel versus TSMC). The die size is 257 mm² for the i9-14901KE and 243 mm² for the Ultra 9 285T.

The transistor count is listed only for the Ultra 9 285T at 17,800 million. L1 and L2 cache sizes differ per core: 80 KB and 2 MB for the i9-14901KE, versus 192 KB and 3 MB for the Ultra 9 285T. L3 cache is identical at 36 MB shared. Memory support differs (DDR4/DDR5 versus DDR5 only), and memory bandwidth is recorded only for the Ultra 9 at 102.4 GB/s. PCIe lanes differ (16 versus 20). Integrated graphics differ (UHD Graphics 770 versus Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU). The multiplier is unlocked on the i9-14901KE, while the Ultra 9 285T has a locked multiplier. Release dates differ: the i9-14901KE was released on 2024-06-30, and the Ultra 9 285T on 2025-01-06. The Ultra 9 285T has a launch MSRP of $549, while no launch MSRP is recorded for the i9-14901KE.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark results between these two CPUs. The i9-14901KE has no benchmark scores recorded at all, while the Ultra 9 285T has a full set of Cinebench and Passmark results. This makes a direct comparison impossible from the recorded data. The Ultra 9 285T's scores stand alone, and they are substantial in the context of its nearest rivals.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Ultra 9 285T scores 3,384. In Cinebench R15 singlecore, it scores 477. The R20 multicore score is 14,100, and the R20 singlecore score is 1,990. The R23 multicore score reaches 33,573, with a singlecore score of 4,739. These numbers indicate strong performance across both multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads.

Passmark results for the Ultra 9 285T include data compression at 384,140, data encryption at 32,061, extended instructions at 27,477, find prime numbers at 345, floating point math at 137,923, integer math at 132,433, multithread at 39,931, physics at 2,842, random string sorting at 47,695, and single thread at 4,576. The average benchmark score is 51,310, and the percentile ranking is 91.

The nearest rivals for the Ultra 9 285T provide context. The Intel Core i9-14900T has an average score of 51,015, which is 0.6% lower. The Intel Core i9-13900F scores 51,730, which is 0.8% higher than the Ultra 9 285T. The Intel Core i7-13850HX scores 50,761, which is 1.1% lower. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT scores 50,718, which is 1.2% lower. These deltas show the Ultra 9 285T is closely matched with its direct competition, sitting in a tight performance band.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on recorded data, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285T wins in every measurable benchmark category, as it is the only CPU with scores. The i9-14901KE has no benchmark entries, so no wins can be attributed to it from the database. The Ultra 9 285T's wins span both synthetic CPU tests and real-world-style workloads.

The Ultra 9 285T demonstrates strong multi-threaded performance with Cinebench R23 multicore at 33,573 and Passmark multithread at 39,931. These scores suggest it handles heavily parallel workloads effectively. Single-threaded performance is also robust, with Cinebench R23 singlecore at 4,739 and Passmark single thread at 4,576. Workloads like data compression (384,140) and floating point math (137,923) show particular strength. Integer math (132,433) and random string sorting (47,695) also record high scores. Data encryption (32,061) and extended instructions (27,477) complete the picture of a well-rounded processor.

The i9-14901KE does hold advantages in certain specification areas. Its boost clock of 5.80 GHz exceeds the Ultra 9 285T's 5.40 GHz, which could indicate raw single-thread speed potential, but no benchmark data confirms this. The i9-14901KE also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the Ultra 9 285T is locked. The i9-14901KE supports DDR4 memory in addition to DDR5, which may offer broader memory compatibility. Its TDP of 125 watts is higher than the Ultra 9 285T's 35 watts, indicating the Ultra 9 is far more power-efficient per the recorded TDP figures.

The Ultra 9 285T's 24 cores versus 8 cores, its larger L1 and L2 caches per core, its 3 nm process node versus 10 nm, and its higher PCIe lane count (20 versus 16) all point to architectural advantages. The 91st percentile ranking versus the 50th percentile further reinforces the Ultra 9 285T's superior standing in the database. The launch MSRP of $549 for the Ultra 9 285T provides a reference point, though no price data exists for the i9-14901KE.

The use-case split based on data favors the Ultra 9 285T for almost every scenario. Multi-threaded rendering, data processing, and mathematical workloads all show high scores. The i9-14901KE's higher boost clock and unlocked multiplier may appeal to users seeking manual overclocking, but without benchmark results, its real-world advantage cannot be quantified. The Ultra 9 285T's lower TDP also makes it suitable for power-constrained builds, though the i9-14901KE's higher TDP suggests it may require more robust cooling. The recorded data consistently points to the Ultra 9 285T as the superior performer in this comparison.