SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core Ultra 9 285 + AMD Radeon RX 6800

Get a comprehensive performance analysis of your gaming rig with detailed benchmarks, bottleneck detection, and upgrade recommendations

95 / 100
ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 5% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
97%
VS
GPU
94%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core Ultra 9 285

75,488 Benchmark Score
Top 3% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

AMD Radeon RX 6800

30,095 Benchmark Score
Top 6% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →

Market Position

How your build compares to others
Budget
0-30
Mid-Range
30-60
High-End
60-85
Enthusiast
85-100
Your Build

Game Performance Benchmarks

Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles
View All Games →

Performance Insights

Tips to maximize your system

Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

4K Gaming Ready

Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

Compatible Games See what you can play Compare CPUs Find upgrades Compare GPUs Find upgrades

Performance Tiers Explained

90-100

Ultimate

4K Ultra gaming, VR ready, ray tracing enabled, professional workloads

4K 60+ FPS VR Ready
70-89

High-End

1440p Ultra or 4K High settings, excellent for modern AAA titles

1440p Ultra 4K High
50-69

Mid-Range

1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium, great value for most gamers

1080p Ultra 1440p Med
30-49

Entry Level

1080p Medium settings, suitable for eSports and older titles

1080p Med eSports
0-29

Legacy

Basic gaming, older titles, consider upgrading for modern games

720p-1080p Low Older Games

# CPU Analysis

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 is a 24-core, 24-thread desktop processor built on the Arrow Lake architecture, marking a significant shift for Intel as it moves to a 3 nm process node manufactured by TSMC. This is the first generation to pair the Core Ultra branding with the "Series 2" designation, and the lack of hyperthreading means each of the 24 cores handles exactly one thread, a design choice that emphasizes efficiency and raw core count over thread duplication. The processor operates with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, providing a wide frequency range that allows it to scale from power-efficient idle states to high-performance bursts when workloads demand it. The 65 W TDP is notably low for a 24-core desktop part, suggesting that Intel has prioritized power efficiency in this generation, which could have implications for cooling requirements and sustained workload performance.

The cache hierarchy is substantial, with each core receiving 192 KB of L1 cache and 3 MB of L2 cache, while the shared L3 cache totals 36 MB. This arrangement supports the 24-core design by providing ample high-speed storage for frequently accessed data, reducing the need to fetch from system memory. Memory support is limited to DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, delivering a theoretical bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, which is standard for mainstream desktop platforms but not extreme by workstation standards. The processor also supports ECC memory, a feature typically associated with professional and server workloads, making this chip suitable for error-sensitive computing tasks such as financial modeling or scientific simulations. PCIe Gen 5 connectivity is available with 20 lanes from the CPU, enabling fast communication with modern GPUs and NVMe storage devices.

Benchmark scores paint a clear picture of a high-end desktop CPU. In Cinebench R23, the processor achieves 48,945 points in multi-core and 6,909 points in single-core, with the multi-core figure indicating strong parallel processing capability for workloads like video rendering or software compilation. The single-core score is also impressive, suggesting excellent responsiveness in lightly threaded applications such as web browsing or office productivity. Passmark results reinforce this: a multithread score of 56,602 and a single-thread score of 4,881 show balanced performance across both domains. More specialized tests reveal deeper strengths: data compression scores 602,121, encryption 46,949, and floating-point math 194,988, all indicating robust throughput for data-intensive tasks. The processor ranks in the 95th percentile among all CPUs, placing it near the top of the desktop hierarchy, with an average benchmark score of 75,488. Its nearest rivals are server-class AMD EPYC parts and high-end Ryzen PRO processors, with the EPYC 8224P trailing by just 0.1% and the Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D leading by 0.3%, showing that this chip competes with professional-grade silicon despite its desktop orientation.

# Balance and Bottleneck

The pairing of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 with the AMD Radeon RX 6800 presents an interesting balance question, as the CPU's 95th percentile ranking far exceeds the GPU's 75th percentile position. This disparity suggests that in most gaming scenarios, the GPU will be the limiting factor, as the CPU has ample headroom to feed frames to the graphics card without becoming a constraint. The CPU's single-thread score of 4,881 in Passmark and 6,909 in Cinebench R23 indicate that it can handle even the most demanding game logic and physics calculations, while the GPU's 22,067 Passmark G3D score is respectable but not top-tier, meaning resolution increases will quickly shift the bottleneck entirely to the graphics card.

In CPU-bound workloads, the dynamic reverses. Tasks like 3D rendering, video encoding, or data compression will leverage the processor's 24 cores and 36 MB of L3 cache, with the GPU playing a secondary role or not being utilized at all. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 48,945 demonstrates that the CPU can sustain heavy multi-threaded loads, while the GPU's compute capabilities, measured at 10,864 in Passmark GPU Compute, are modest by comparison. This suggests that for productivity tasks, the CPU dominates the performance equation, and the GPU is more of an accelerator for specific functions rather than a primary compute engine.

The FPS scaling between CPU and GPU is not directly measurable from the provided data, as no measured FPS rows exist. However, the percentile difference of 20 points (95 for CPU, 75 for GPU) implies that at 1080p resolution, where CPU overhead is more pronounced, the CPU may still not bottleneck due to its high single-thread performance, but the GPU will cap frame rates. At 1440p or 4K, the GPU's 16 GB of VRAM and 512 GB/s bandwidth will be the deciding factor, and the CPU will likely be underutilized in gaming scenarios. For mixed workloads, such as gaming while streaming, the CPU's 24 threads (without hyperthreading) can handle encoding tasks via software, though the lack of extra threads means there is no spare thread capacity for other background processes.

# Benchmark Performance

The combined performance picture is defined by the CPU's dominance and the GPU's solid mid-to-high-range standing. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 achieves an average benchmark score of 75,488, placing it in the 95th percentile of all CPUs, with nearest rivals including the AMD EPYC 8224P at 75,582 (0.1% higher) and the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755 at 75,738 (0.3% higher), showing that this chip is essentially neck-and-neck with enterprise silicon. In the Passmark suite, the CPU's multithread score of 56,602 and single-thread score of 4,881 highlight its versatility, while the Cinebench R20 scores of 20,556 multi-core and 2,901 single-core reinforce the multi-threaded strength. The R15 results, at 4,933 multi-core and 696 single-core, are consistent with the pattern of strong parallel performance.

The Radeon RX 6800, by contrast, averages 30,095 across its benchmark suite, placing it in the 75th percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rival is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, which scores 29,945 (0.5% lower), while the AMD Radeon RX 6700 scores 30,433 (1.1% higher), indicating that the RX 6800 sits in a tightly contested performance band. In DirectX 12, the GPU scores 89 in Passmark, which is low in absolute terms but reflects the test's scaling, while its 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3,188 shows modern API performance. The Geekbench results are more revealing: OpenCL scores 24,508, while Vulkan jumps to 115,107 and Metal reaches 153,635, suggesting the GPU performs significantly better in graphics APIs than in compute-oriented tasks. The Passmark G3D score of 22,067 is the headline gaming metric, and the GPU compute score of 10,864 indicates moderate non-graphics compute capability.

Combined, the CPU and GPU achieve an 85th percentile overall, reflecting a system that is stronger on the processor side but still well above average for gaming and general use. The CPU's 95th percentile and GPU's 75th percentile mean that the system is not perfectly balanced, but the high CPU score ensures that no CPU-bound scenario will drag down performance, while the GPU is capable enough for high-refresh gaming at 1080p and solid 1440p experiences.

# Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 uses the Intel Socket 1851, which is the platform for the Core Ultra Series 2 desktop processors. This is a relatively new socket, meaning that future CPU upgrades on the same platform may be limited to the current generation or a minor refresh, but the socket's support for DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5 provides a modern foundation. The processor supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, and the ECC memory support adds a layer of reliability for professional users. The 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU are sufficient for a single high-end GPU and one or two NVMe drives, though users with multiple expansion cards may need to rely on the chipset for additional lanes.

The Radeon RX 6800 uses a PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, which is fully compatible with the CPU's PCIe Gen 5 slots, though it will run at PCIe 4.0 speeds. The GPU's power requirements are substantial, with a 250 W TDP and two 8-pin power connectors, and the suggested PSU rating is 600 W. Given the CPU's 65 W TDP, the total system power draw is manageable, and a 600 W power supply provides ample headroom for the CPU and GPU under load, plus additional components like drives and cooling. The GPU is a dual-slot card measuring 267 mm in length, 120 mm in height, and 40 mm in width, which fits in most mid-tower cases, and its display outputs include 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4a, and 1x USB Type-C, supporting modern monitors and VR headsets.

For a sensible next upgrade, users could consider a more powerful GPU, as the CPU's 95th percentile ranking means it will not bottleneck any current graphics card. The 600 W PSU suggestion is adequate for the RX 6800, but a more power-hungry GPU would likely require a PSU upgrade. Alternatively, adding more DDR5 memory (the system supports dual-channel, so two modules are ideal) or faster NVMe storage via PCIe Gen 5 would improve load times and data throughput. The CPU's fixed multiplier means overclocking is not possible, but the boost clock of 5.60 GHz is already high, so users should focus on other upgrade paths.

# Who Should Build It

This system is a compelling choice for gamers who prioritize CPU performance and want a GPU that can handle modern titles at high settings without breaking the bank. The CPU's 95th percentile ranking ensures that gaming performance is never CPU-limited, even in simulation or strategy games that are heavily reliant on single-thread speed, as evidenced by the Cinebench R23 single-core score of 6,909. The GPU's 75th percentile and 16 GB of VRAM make it suitable for 1440p gaming, where its 512 GB/s bandwidth supports high-resolution textures, though 4K gaming would push the GPU to its limits.

Content creators and developers will find the CPU's 24 cores and 24 threads to be a boon for video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 48,945 indicates that rendering tasks will complete quickly, and the Passmark data compression score of 602,121 suggests strong performance in file archiving and data processing. The ECC memory support makes this system viable for small business workstations where data integrity is critical, such as accounting or database management. Students and office workers will benefit from the CPU's snappy single-thread performance, though the GPU is overkill for basic productivity, making this more of a enthusiast or professional build than a budget office machine.

# Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The CPU's single-thread score of 4,881 in Passmark ensures that frame times remain consistent, allowing the GPU to push high frame rates. The RX 6800's G3D score of 22,067 suggests it can handle 1080p gaming at high refresh rates, and its 16 GB VRAM prevents texture-related stutters in modern titles.

Streaming: With 24 threads, the CPU can handle software encoding for streaming without dedicated hardware, though the lack of hyperthreading means there are no extra threads for background tasks. The GPU's Vulkan score of 115,107 indicates solid API performance, which can help in games that use Vulkan for lower overhead.

Video editing: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 48,945 accelerates rendering and export times, while the GPU's 16 GB VRAM and 512 GB/s bandwidth support real-time preview of effects and high-resolution timelines. The Passmark floating-point score of 194,988 further enhances processing of complex effects.

3D rendering: The CPU's 24 cores provide a strong foundation for CPU-based rendering engines, with the multi-core score of 56,602 in Passmark indicating fast iteration times. The GPU's compute score of 10,864 is modest, so GPU-accelerated rendering may not be as fast as on higher-tier cards, but it is still workable.

Software development: The data encryption score of 46,949 and integer math score of 164,869 show strong performance in code compilation and hashing operations, making large codebases compile faster. The 36 MB L3 cache reduces memory latency, improving developer tool responsiveness.

Student and office work: The single-thread score of 6,909 in Cinebench R23 ensures smooth operation of office suites and web browsers, while the GPU is far more powerful than needed, but the system's overall 85th percentile means it will handle any productivity task without issue.

# GPU Analysis

The AMD Radeon RX 6800 is built on the RDNA 2.0 architecture using the Navi 21 chip, manufactured on a 7 nm process from TSMC. The GPU features 3,840 shading units, 240 texture mapping units, and 96 render output units, along with 60 ray tracing cores, though it lacks dedicated tensor cores, relying instead on standard compute units for AI tasks. The base clock runs at 1700 MHz, with a game clock of 1815 MHz and a boost clock of 2105 MHz, providing a solid frequency range that balances power efficiency and performance. The memory subsystem is a highlight: 16 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus delivers 512 GB/s of bandwidth, with a memory clock of 2000 MHz (16 Gbps effective), making it well-suited for high-resolution textures and large datasets.

The GPU's benchmark scores show a mixed picture. In Passmark, the DirectX 11 score of 214 and DirectX 12 score of 89 are low in absolute terms, but the G3D score of 22,067 is the more indicative gaming metric, placing it in the 75th percentile of all GPUs. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3,188 reflects modern API performance, while Geekbench Vulkan at 115,107 and Metal at 153,635 show strong graphics API efficiency, suggesting the GPU excels in gaming-specific tasks rather than raw compute. The FP32 performance is rated at 16.17 TFLOPS, with FP16 at 32.33 TFLOPS (2:1), which is competitive for rasterized rendering but not exceptional for compute-heavy workloads, as the Passmark GPU compute score of 10,864 indicates. The pixel rate of 202.1 GPixel/s and texture rate of 505.2 GTexel/s support high-resolution rendering with detailed textures, and the 60 ray tracing cores enable hardware-accelerated ray tracing, though the performance may not match dedicated RT hardware from rivals. The GPU's transistor count of 26,800 million on a 520 mm² die makes it a large chip, but the 7 nm process keeps power at a 250 W TDP, requiring a 600 W power supply and dual 8-pin connectors.

# Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build combining the Intel Core Ultra 9 285, a flagship Arrow Lake processor, with the AMD Radeon RX 6800, a mid-to-high-range RDNA 2 GPU. The CPU ranks in the 95th percentile of all processors, while the GPU sits in the 75th percentile, resulting in a combined percentile of 85. This pairing represents a CPU-first system, where the processor is the star component and the GPU provides solid, but not class-leading, graphics performance. The CPU's 24 cores and 5.60 GHz boost clock make it a powerhouse for productivity and multi-threaded tasks, while the GPU's 16 GB VRAM and 512 GB/s bandwidth support high-resolution gaming and content creation. The system is not perfectly balanced, but the CPU's headroom ensures that users can upgrade the GPU later without needing to change the processor, making this a forward-looking build with a strong foundation.

# FAQ

Q: What is the CPU's core and thread count?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285 has 24 cores and 24 threads, with no hyperthreading, meaning each core handles a single thread.

Q: How does the CPU's performance compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The CPU's average benchmark score is 75,488, which is 0.1% lower than the AMD EPYC 8224P and 0.2% higher than the AMD EPYC 4545P.

Q: What memory type and bandwidth does the platform support?

A: The CPU supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s, and it also supports ECC memory for error correction.

Q: What is the GPU's VRAM capacity and bandwidth?

A: The Radeon RX 6800 has 16 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 512 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: What power supply is recommended for this GPU?

A: The suggested PSU for the Radeon RX 6800 is 600 W, given its 250 W TDP and dual 8-pin power connectors.

Q: Does the GPU support ray tracing?

A: Yes, the GPU has 60 ray tracing cores, enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing in supported games.

Q: What is the system's overall performance percentile?

A: The combined CPU and GPU setup achieves an 85th percentile ranking, reflecting a high-performance desktop system.

# Gaming Performance

No measured FPS rows exist for this exact CPU-GPU combination, so all frame rate discussions are estimates based on the benchmark scores. The CPU's single-thread performance, with a Cinebench R23 score of 6,909 and a Passmark single-thread score of 4,881, indicates that it will not bottleneck the GPU in most games, allowing the RX 6800 to operate at its full potential. The GPU's Passmark G3D score of 22,067 and 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 3,188 suggest that at 1080p resolution, the GPU should deliver high frame rates in most titles, likely exceeding 100 FPS in esports games and reaching 60-100 FPS in AAA games at ultra settings. At 1440p, the GPU's 16 GB VRAM and 512 GB/s bandwidth will maintain playable frame rates, with estimates of 60-90 FPS in demanding games and higher in optimized titles. At 4K, the GPU will struggle to maintain 60 FPS in the most demanding games, though less intensive titles may still be playable. The CPU's multi-core performance, with a Cinebench R23 score of 48,945, ensures that any game that utilizes multiple threads will not be CPU-limited, making the GPU the sole determinant of gaming performance. These figures are estimates, as the data does not include measured FPS values for this pairing.