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Core Ultra instability is exactly what Intel doesn’t need right now, as 9800X3D launch looms

AMD might have little to worry about
Last Updated on October 25, 2024
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Intel recently launched the new Core Ultra 200S series processors and they are now available to buy as of October 24th. With a long list of reviews out there for several SKUs, we are most interested in the new flagship Ultra 9 285K. You may remember that both Intel 13th and 14th-gen processors suffered from instability issues – something Intel has finally dealt with – but still earned plenty of criticism for.

We hoped to see the Core Ultra desktop CPU series release without a hitch, but some reviews are reporting unusual power draw results and frametime issues with the 285K. Popular YouTube channel Gamers Nexus is one such source.


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Intel Core Ultra reviews are live and the reaction isn’t great

In our very own review of the flagship Intel Core Ultra 285K, we were a little lenient on Team Blue, calling the new chip “a necessary fresh start”. Sure, it’s a great CPU in a vacuum, but this next-gen processor doesn’t provide nearly enough uplift versus the i9-14900K and the gaming performance is lacking.

With the 9800X3D release date just around the corner, AMD seemingly has little competition in the current generation, at least in the gaming department. Worries about instability seem to be ongoing despite multiple fixes and Intel may be losing some confidence from users, especially those looking to put together a new build this year with the age-old question: AMD or Intel?

Is Intel Core Ultra unstable?

Taking a closer look at Gamers Nexus’ review of the flagship 285K reveals some potential instability issues. They describe the chip as “not ready for launch”, citing a number of issues with default profiles (notably the lack of previously-promised APO enabled) and even blue screens of death. A CPU benchmark test also shows slot power spikes in some applications such as 7Zip. It may be a “board-to-board” issue though, rather than an issue with Arrow Lake as a whole.

Moving onto frametime issues with the 285K, tests have shown that there are some spikes in some games such as Rainbow Six Siege, which may cause microstutters. The game has notably reduced its reliance on Intel’s APO software. The good news is that the 285K does remain “highly consistent”, though it is still objectively worse than last-gen’s Raptor Lake processors.


  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU on box, Image by PC Guide
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K front on in box, Image by PC Guide
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in hand, Image by PC Guide
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K pads on back, Image by PC Guide
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K reverse, Image by PC Guide
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K box profile, Image by PC Guide
  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU on box close up, Image by PC Guide
Highly Recommended
4 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Cores: 24
  • Threads: 24
  • Boost clock speed: 5.7GHz
  • Base clock speed: 3.7GHz P-cores/3.2GHz E-cores
  • L3 Cache: 36MB
  • TDP: 125W base/250W max
  • Platform: LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake)

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.