Apple
Apple M3 Ultra vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
Intel
Core Ultra 9 285K
Aggregate performance score
We've compared M3 Ultra and Core Ultra 9 285K across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗Core Ultra 9 285K outperforms M3 Ultra by 76575% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+76575%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.Apple M3 Ultra vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K: key takeaway
The comparison of M3 Ultra and Core Ultra 9 285K shows a 107% advantage for M3 Ultra in gaming performance, while Core Ultra 9 285K may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.
SUMMARY PROFILE
Verified-metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
Apple
IntelPerformance
Single-core
Multi-core
Efficiency
9144
6895
10080
8122
COMPARISON RESULT
M3 Ultra is the best overall choice
M3 Ultra leads in overall performance, while M3 Ultra offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.
M3 Ultra leads in the combined performance index
M3 Ultra costs less
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares M3 Ultra and Core Ultra 9 285K with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
91Better
44
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
72Better
38
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
70Better
36
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
81Better
22
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
89Better
39
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares M3 Ultra and Core Ultra 9 285K with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Device classDesktopDesktop
Cores / Threads32 / 32Better8P+16E / 24
Clock speedUp to 4.1 GHzBetterP 3,7 - 5,7 GHz / E 3,2 - 4,6 GHz
Base clock—3700 MHz
Boost clock4.1 GHz5700 MHzBetter
L1 cacheApple core-type L1 cache (varies by P/E core)112 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-coreBetter
L2 cacheApple shared L2 cache by core cluster3 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core clusterBetter
L3 cache—36 MB
Memory supportUnified memory, up to 512 GB, 819 GB/sBetterDDR5-6400
Integrated graphicsApple 60-core / 80-core GPUBetterArc Xe2 64 2 GHz
PBP / MTP80 / 140 W125 / 250 WBetter
Power consumption140 W125 / 250 WBetter
Release date20252024
PassMark—68241
Socket—LGA1851
Architecture—Arrow Lake
Process node—3 nm
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares M3 Ultra and Core Ultra 9 285K with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100689533%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 1001008022%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100897221%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 1001006444%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
The Detailed comparison section compares M3 Ultra and Core Ultra 9 285K with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 100913198%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100913491%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 1009126111%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100913589%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100913394%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
REAL CONFIGURATIONS
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
♢Moderator reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: M3 Ultra or Core Ultra 9 285K?+
M3 Ultra has the higher overall gaming score, while M3 Ultra offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
M3 Ultra is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
M3 Ultra is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
M3 Ultra offers more overall performance, while M3 Ultra offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
M3 Ultra is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
M3 Ultra is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
M3 Ultra leads in combined 1440p performance. M3 Ultra can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
M3 Ultra is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
M3 Ultra is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
M3 Ultra is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to M3 Ultra if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.