Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core Ultra 9 285K (Intel, 2025) and Core i9-13900KS (Intel, 2023) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: Ultra 9 285K is about 8.3% faster
The sockets differ (LGA1851 / LGA1700), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | Ultra 9 285K | i9-13900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 65,000 | 60,000 |
| Generation | Core Ultra | 13th Gen |
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2023 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER | Radeon RX 7900 GRE |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | Ultra 9 285K |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i9-13900KS (the lower model is often sufficient) |
Ultra 9 285K is about 8.3% higher by score (Ultra 9 285K: 65000 points / i9-13900KS: 60000 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Ultra 9 285K is Core Ultra, while i9-13900KS is 13th Gen.The sockets differ (LGA1851 / LGA1700), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER pairs well with Ultra 9 285K and Radeon RX 7900 GRE pairs well with i9-13900KS. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
