Intel has recently introduced their latest flagship CPU, the 285K, with a new naming scheme that deviates from what we believed was gonna be their 15gen format. However, despite the anticipation surrounding this release, the performance of the 285K falls short in comparison to AMD's 7800X3D, especially when we focus on strictly gaming.

How does the 285K stack up against the competition?

While the Intel 285K is priced at around $630 USD on Newegg, the AMD 7800X3D can be purchased for approximately $480. This significant price difference already positions the 7800X3D as a more appealing option for gamers. In terms of gaming performance, the 7800X3D outshines the 285K, consistently delivering better results across various games. Surprisingly, the 285K even falls behind Intel's own previous flagship, the 14900K, in gaming performance.

Is there any area where the 285K excels?

Despite its shortcomings in gaming performance, the Intel 285K does have a notable advantage in efficiency. The 285K consumes fewer watts compared to both the AMD 7800X3D and the 14900K, making it a more energy-efficient option for users conscious of power consumption. However, the cost that you save in efficiency will take years to offset the price of the CPU outright.

Overall, we refuse to recommend the 285K if you are looking at building a strictly gaming computer. While the Intel 285K may not be the top choice for gamers seeking high-performance CPUs, its efficiency may appeal to users looking to create a pc that has all of its components focused on efficiency.