Intel Core Ultra 9 285K vs Apple M2 Max 12 Core
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K leads Apple M2 Max 12 Core overall by 42 points (82 vs 40 out of 100).
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 24, Core Specifications Threads: 24, Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 162 W.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K leads overall
$589 at launch
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
82
Apple M2 Max 12 Core
40
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 24
- Core Specifications Threads: 24
- Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 162 W
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is a high-performance microprocessor utilizing the Arrow Lake microarchitecture. This type of processor, which debuted in 2024, is engineered for demanding desktop computing tasks. It is best suited for power users and enthusiasts requiring exceptional computational capability.
Best for high-performance tasksBest for content creationBest for intensive gaming
Pros
- Designed on the modern Arrow Lake architecture (Source 1)
- Represents a powerful step in Intel’s Core series development (Source 2)
- Targeted as a desktop processor for high-end performance computing (Inferred from product type and general knowledge)
Cons
- Requires specific system compatibility to leverage its modern microarchitecture (General PC knowledge)
- The product is associated with the Arrow Lake platform, indicating it belongs to Intel's current generation offerings (Source 1)
Apple M2 Max 12 Core
The Apple M2 Max is a high-performance System-on-a-chip designed for professional users and creative professionals. It functions as the central processing unit for demanding computing tasks, providing significant computational power across CPU, GPU, and NPU domains. This chip is intended for advanced applications that require intensive resource usage.
Best for video editingBest for 3D renderingBest for intensive design work
Pros
- It features multiple core types, including high-performance and efficiency cores, allowing optimized task execution (1).
- The M2 Max includes a substantial 38-core GPU, providing robust graphical processing capabilities (1).
- It supports extremely fast LPDDR5 memory bandwidth of up to 200 GB/s (1).
- The processor is designed for professional devices, supporting advanced codecs like 8K H.265 and ProRes (1).
- Its larger level cache (48 MB) contributes to better data handling efficiency compared to lower-tier variants (1).
Cons
- Functioning as an older generation chip relative to newer Apple silicon releases limits its peak performance ceiling compared to the latest models (1).
- The complexity of its core structure, combining various high and low-power cores, may require specific software optimization for best performance (1).
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Apple M2 Max 12 Core
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K66,000
Apple M2 Max 12 Core26,073
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side