Core Ultra 9 285K vs Core i9-9900K
Short answer: which is best?
Core Ultra 9 285K is 74.5 % stronger than Core i9-9900K. Core Ultra 9 285K ranks #2 of 45 measured processors at WhatFPS (15,519 CPU score over 1 verified runs). Core i9-9900K ranks #19 of 45 measured processors at WhatFPS (8,893 CPU score over 1 verified runs). The numbers are measured in 2 verified WhatFPS runs — not estimated, not self-reported.
Measured comparison
| Metric | Core Ultra 9 285K | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| CPU score (the processor's own performance) | 15,519 | 8,893 |
| Best rig (GAMING — whole PC) | 11,994 | 8,453 |
| Integer (MT) | 12.7 Gop/s | 6.5 Gop/s |
| Single-thread (1T) | 0.95 Gop/s | 0.59 Gop/s |
| Draw calls/s (DX11) | 11,963,538 | 9,269,393 |
| Cores / threads | 24 / 24 | 8 / 16 |
| L3 cache | 36 MB | 16 MB |
Fragz' verdict
The Core Ultra 9 285K stands out as the clear victor in this comparison, leading the Core i9-9900K by a substantial 74.5% in component score, though it's important to note each has only one verified run. This performance gap is evident in critical CPU metrics, with the Core Ultra 9 285K delivering superior single-thread performance at 0.95 Gop/s, which typically sets the FPS ceiling in games, compared to the Core i9-9900K's 0.59 Gop/s. Furthermore, the Core Ultra 9 285K boasts significantly higher multi-threaded integer performance at 12.7 Gop/s, nearly double that of the Core i9-9900K's 6.5 Gop/s, backed by many more cores and L3 cache, which is crucial for background loads and compiling. Its higher draw calls per second and Supernova DX11 FPS also directly translate to a smoother gaming experience in CPU-bound situations. While the Core i9-9900K once offered solid performance, the Core Ultra 9 285K represents a significant leap forward for gamers seeking top-tier CPU power.
Generated September 16, 2026 from the 2 verified runs available then. The verdict is never silently rewritten — new numbers get a new verdict.
What the numbers mean
The CPU score is the processor's own performance — that is what we rank on. GAMING is the whole rig's score in the best PC we measured the processor in, and leans heavily on the graphics card. A strong processor in a weak PC gets a low GAMING score without being worse. We show both and never mix them.
All numbers come from our benchmark suite: four hand-built 3D scenes written directly against the graphics APIs in Rust, the same load on every PC. The methodology is open at https://whatfps.com/metodik
All measurements for Core Ultra 9 285K · All measurements for Core i9-9900K