Intel's latest flagship processor has generated significant interest in the DIY market, but limited supply is affecting availability across major retailers. Let's dive into the details of this situation and examine what makes this processor noteworthy.
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| Specifications and pricing for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, illustrating its sold-out status in Japan |
Supply and Demand Situation
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, launched on October 24th, has experienced strong initial demand but faces significant supply constraints. The processor has quickly sold out in Japan and is currently unavailable at major US retailers including Newegg, BestBuy, B&H, and Amazon. Japanese retailers have resorted to selling the CPU in bundles with Z890 motherboards due to limited availability.
Pricing and Market Position
- MSRP: $589 (North American market)
- Japanese pricing: ¥115,800 (approximately $760 including tax)
- Positioning: Competes directly with previous Core i9 14900K/13900K
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Core Ultra 9 285K offers:
- 24 cores total (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores)
- Maximum TDP: 250W
- Socket: LGA 1851 (requires Z890 motherboard)
- Superior multi-threaded performance compared to i9 14900K despite fewer threads
Cooling Solutions and Thermal Performance
For optimal performance, the processor requires adequate cooling. Based on testing results:
- Idle temperatures: 31-34°C (depending on cooler)
- Load temperatures: 70-86°C (varies by cooling solution)
- Compatible with various cooling options:
- ASUS ROG Ryujin III 240 (AIO, $629.99)
- Noctua NH-D15 (Air cooling, budget-friendly)
- ASUS ProArt LC 420 (Premium cooling solution)
Market Impact and Recommendations
While the Core Ultra 9 285K shows impressive productivity performance and power efficiency, it represents a mixed value proposition. For gaming-focused users on 12th/13th/14th gen processors, an upgrade might not be justified. However, for productivity workloads requiring multi-threaded performance with lower power consumption, it presents a compelling option.
The limited availability suggests Intel might be facing production constraints or deliberately controlling supply. Potential buyers should monitor stock levels and consider signing up for inventory alerts at major retailers if interested in this processor.
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| Display of various ASUS Z890 motherboards crucial for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K installation |