The Intel Core Ultra 9 285KF is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in twelve out of sixteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is the inclusion of E-Cores, which provide a 100% improvement over the Intel Core i5-14600KF. This substantial increase in core density positions the Ultra 9 as the superior option for users prioritizing hardware-level efficiency and multi-threaded capacity within the current processor lineup.

Users who require the highest available core count should select the Intel Core Ultra 9 285KF to leverage its massive E-Core advantage. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-14600KF remains the logical choice for budget-conscious builders, as it offers a 50% better MSRP compared to its counterpart. By choosing the i5-14600KF, buyers prioritize initial cost savings while still obtaining a functional processor that holds its own in the remaining measured categories.