Intel Core i9-14900KS vs. Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

[Bobby5109]

I am building a PC that I am going to use for serious programming, compiling large source codes, running a lightweight web server, and, most importantly, running a stock trading bot (requires extremely good single-thread performance). For my use case, I think the Intel Core i9-14900KS or the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K would be the right fit because of their extremely good single-thread performance and higher clock speeds. But I am concerned about the manufacturing defects, instability, and oxidation issues that Intel had lately with their early 13th/14th generation chips. I am not sure if it also impacted the 14900KS. Intel claims to have released the microcode fixes which is supposed to work like a silver bullet, but I don't trust Intel at this point. It is also worth mentioning that I don't use Windows and I am going to use it along with Arch Linux or any other GNU/Linux distribution.

Which processor should I choose and why? Also, feel free to recommend me any processor from the team red (AMD) too.

 

[BoggledBeagle]

Buy both current generation options from AMD and Intel and TEST THEM to see, which will work better for you.

 

[Bobby5109]

I wonder if someone already did that.

 

[Bobaganoosh]

I'm not sure where the pricing settled out, but if you're looking at 14900KS, I'd also look at 14900K and 13900K because the difference between all of them was minimal. I have seen a real difference in core voltage from the new micro-code and I think one of the biggest things it helped with was motherboard companies pushing way too much voltage earlier. I already had a lower voltage running to my 13900K (bought launch-day) and I have been lucky to not see any issues. As for 285K, it draws much less power than Raptor-lake, so there's a really good improvement in temperatures there and it does great in some applications, but worse in others, so you'd have to dig into reviews or testing with the specific work you do to find out what it's worth to you. Same goes for AMD in my mind.

 

[dirtyferret]

most importantly, running a stock trading bot (requires extremely good single-thread performance)

so this is cloud based software I assume? Unless you have specific CPU reviews to look at I would guess web browsing benchmarks would be the closest thing to see how the CPU would do.

 

[BoggledBeagle]

I wonder if someone already did that.

Did what? Run your specific software in your specific way on your specific Linux distribution on your motherboard with the same BIOS and drivers you would have? The answer is NO.

 

[A Computer Guy]

I am building a PC that I am going to use for serious programming, compiling large source codes, running a lightweight web server, and, most importantly, running a stock trading bot (requires extremely good single-thread performance). For my use case, I think the Intel Core i9-14900KS or the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K would be the right fit because of their extremely good single-thread performance and higher clock speeds. But I am concerned about the manufacturing defects, instability, and oxidation issues that Intel had lately with their early 13th/14th generation chips. I am not sure if it also impacted the 14900KS. Intel claims to have released the microcode fixes which is supposed to work like a silver bullet, but I don't trust Intel at this point. It is also worth mentioning that I don't use Windows and I am going to use it along with Arch Linux or any other GNU/Linux distribution.

Which processor should I choose and why? Also, feel free to recommend me any processor from the team red (AMD) too.

I hear Linux does really great with AMD 9950x/9950x3d

https://www.phoronix.com/review/amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d-linux/2

https://www.phoronix.com/review/amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d-linux/6

 

[Dr. Dro]

The oxidation issues were already fixed by the time the 13900KS entered production. These are only present in early batches of the 13900K processor. 14th gen parts are completely immune. Instability issues were fixed by the microcode updates. In short, just update BIOS and you're good to go.

That said, between these two, the 14900KS is the faster CPU, especially in latency sensitive applications such as trading bots. As for the red camp, I would suggest the 9950X (non 3D) for this application, as it has the most aggressive clock speeds of all Ryzen chips right now. Make sure to use low latency memory if you're going with the Ryzen.

 

[Bobby5109]

The oxidation issues were already fixed by the time the 13900KS entered production. These are only present in early batches of the 13900K processor. 14th gen parts are completely immune. Instability issues were fixed by the microcode updates. In short, just update BIOS and you're good to go.

That said, between these two, the 14900KS is the faster CPU, especially in latency sensitive applications such as trading bots. As for the red camp, I would suggest the 9950X (non 3D) for this application, as it has the most aggressive clock speeds of all Ryzen chips right now. Make sure to use low latency memory if you're going with the Ryzen.

I saw benchmarks by TechPowerUp and Tom's hardware where the 285K outperformed the 14900KS in both, single-threaded and multi-threaded performance tests. On the contrary, I also saw benchmarks on NanoReview.net where the latter outperformed the former in both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance tests. Speaking of the Ryzen 9 9950X, I am not sure if it outperforms the Intel counterparts in single-thread and multi-thread workloads.

Albeit, the 285K has lower Turbo Max clock speed, when juxtaposed to the 14900KS, it has IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) improved by ~16-20% when compared to the previous generation. So they should be roughly the same, right?

 

[QyInvoLing]

In my region, 265K is ￥2000 while 285k is still ￥4000+.
Is it the same at your region? If so, buy 265K.

 

[Dr. Dro]

I saw benchmarks by TechPowerUp and Tom's hardware where the 285K outperformed the 14900KS in both, single-threaded and multi-threaded performance tests. On the contrary, I also saw benchmarks on NanoReview.net where the latter outperformed the former in both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance tests. Speaking of the Ryzen 9 9950X, I am not sure if it outperforms the Intel counterparts in single-thread and multi-thread workloads.

Albeit, the 285K has lower Turbo Max clock speed, when juxtaposed to the 14900KS, it has IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) improved by ~16-20% when compared to the previous generation. So they should be roughly the same, right?

The 285K indeed has a newer microarchitecture, but it's often plagued by latency problems, that's why its results are really hit and miss. If it works for your application (I would be surprised if it did, considered day trading is very latency sensitive, if you get in half a second late you may be losing money) - then strictly in terms of raw IPC, not even Zen 5 will beat Lion Cove P-cores right now. The big problem to account for is if you'll get hit by the inter-core latency issues in any way. If not, the 285K is on a class all its own. These are very good reads at a technical level that may help you make a decision:

Examining Intel's Arrow Lake, at the System Level

Arrow Lake is the codename for Intel's newest generation of high performance desktop CPUs.

chipsandcheese.com

Lion Cove: Intel’s P-Core Roars

Intel’s mobile CPUs have undergone massive changes over the past couple generations as Intel defends its laptop market against AMD, Qualcomm, and to a lesser extent Apple.

chipsandcheese.com

Unfortunately since it's two different sockets, you can't really just buy both CPUs and keep the one that works better

 

[QyInvoLing]

The 285K indeed has a newer microarchitecture, but it's often plagued by latency problems, that's why its results are really hit and miss. If it works for your application (I would be surprised if it did, considered day trading is very latency sensitive, if you get in half a second late you may be losing money) - then strictly in terms of raw IPC, not even Zen 5 will beat Lion Cove P-cores right now. The big problem to account for is if you'll get hit by the inter-core latency issues in any way. If not, the 285K is on a class all its own. These are very good reads at a technical level that may help you make a decision:

Examining Intel's Arrow Lake, at the System Level

Arrow Lake is the codename for Intel's newest generation of high performance desktop CPUs.

chipsandcheese.com

Lion Cove: Intel’s P-Core Roars

Intel’s mobile CPUs have undergone massive changes over the past couple generations as Intel defends its laptop market against AMD, Qualcomm, and to a lesser extent Apple.

chipsandcheese.com

Unfortunately since it's two different sockets, you can't really just buy both CPUs and keep the one that works better

Sorry I didn't recognize that the main poster want a machine for auto trading XD
Perhaps 9950x3d is his best choice.

 

[Bobby5109]

Sorry I didn't recognize that the main poster want a machine for auto trading XD
Perhaps 9950x3d is his best choice.

Why do you think the 9950X3D would suit me better for my use case?

 

[Frizz]

There's around 3 months left to the Arrow Lake refresh, would suggest to wait for that, also it might help if you specify which exact programs you'll be using as there is currently no "one size fits all" CPU apart from the 9950X3D for general consumer use.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Why do you think the 9950X3D would suit me better for my use case?

It has strong web browser benchmark performance, but I'm not sure Ryzen will pass the latency checks required there - kind of the same concern I'd have with the 285K. Using Linux will definitely help with the scheduling performance on these, so it's nowhere near as bad as on Windows, but I'd say Intel chips with hardware thread scheduler still win out overall in this regard.

Erring on the side of caution and reliable operation, I'd probably snag a 14900KS - I have the 13900KS on the Z790 Apex Encore myself and this system has treated me exceptionally well.

 

[Bobby5109]

There's around 3 months left to the Arrow Lake refresh, would suggest to wait for that, also it might help if you specify which exact programs you'll be using as there is currently no "one size fits all" CPU apart from the 9950X3D for general consumer use.

A refresh in 3 months? The Arrow Lake processors had launched just 5-6 months ago! I don't think the Arrow Lake Refresh would happen anytime soon, atleast not until the Q1 2026. Even if Intel launches new products, they will be oriented towards the mobile (laptops) users.

It has strong web browser benchmark performance, but I'm not sure Ryzen will pass the latency checks required there - kind of the same concern I'd have with the 285K. Using Linux will definitely help with the scheduling performance on these, so it's nowhere near as bad as on Windows, but I'd say Intel chips with hardware thread scheduler still win out overall in this regard.

Erring on the side of caution and reliable operation, I'd probably snag a 14900KS - I have the 13900KS on the Z790 Apex Encore myself and this system has treated me exceptionally well.

I am scared of the defective manufacturing and instability issues of the 14900KS.

 

[bug]

I am building a PC that I am going to use for serious programming, compiling large source codes, running a lightweight web server, and, most importantly, running a stock trading bot (requires extremely good single-thread performance). For my use case, I think the Intel Core i9-14900KS or the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K would be the right fit because of their extremely good single-thread performance and higher clock speeds. But I am concerned about the manufacturing defects, instability, and oxidation issues that Intel had lately with their early 13th/14th generation chips. I am not sure if it also impacted the 14900KS. Intel claims to have released the microcode fixes which is supposed to work like a silver bullet, but I don't trust Intel at this point. It is also worth mentioning that I don't use Windows and I am going to use it along with Arch Linux or any other GNU/Linux distribution.

Which processor should I choose and why? Also, feel free to recommend me any processor from the team red (AMD) too.

I think the 285k is the better choice. From the AMD camp, I'd look into an X3D CPU, but that is contingent on your trading workflow data fitting inside the cache. If it doesn't, you're probably better off with Intel.

 

[Dr. Dro]

I am scared of the defective manufacturing and instability issues of the 14900KS.

Like I said earlier, the oxidation issues affect only the earliest batches of 13K, the 13KS should be already immune (probably even its earliest batch) - 14th are just a year later re-release of the same chips, and any other issues such as the voltage requests have already been resolved through microcode updates, so any updated BIOS is safe and the system is reliable. The 14KS specifically is extra high grade, hand picked chips from the newest and most mature production batches that can do ~6.2 GHz, neither the 13KS or 14K will generally hit that high. If you're still spooked, understandably, since this is mission critical - then my next vote would be to the 285K, seems like the CPU to get.

In any case, looking forward to see what will you end up picking. There's been a lot of good technical contribution in the thread, so you should be able to make an informed decision now. Good luck and let us know how it goes

 

[BoggledBeagle]

In any case, looking forward to see what will you end up picking. There's been a lot of good technical contribution in the thread, so you should be able to make an informed decision now.

How? He still has no idea what CPU will work for him the best in his very specific use case.

285K has the highest single core performance is some applications, but how does this relate to his specific use case?

 

[Dr. Dro]

How? He still has no idea what CPU will work for him the best in his very specific use case.

285K has the highest single core performance is some applications, but how does this relate to his specific use case?

We've published technical data and how things work for all CPUs proposed. Not going to lie, the most I know about high-frequency trading machines is that they need extra high clock speed, with brute IPC and lowest possible latency, at a point in time Intel even created a special processor for this exact purpose, the rare i9-9990XE (Anandtech review), which isn't even officially documented. The logical conclusions I reach for that use case are: 14900KS, 285K, and 9950X (non3D) for the lowest achievable right now. That review I linked has some more relevant anecdotes, although that CPU is nothing but a very rare collector's item nowadays, being obsoleted by much faster and lower latency machines. You should take the time to read it as well, if it interests you

The only other thing someone could offer is first hand experience by having built and configured such a system, but I'm still at the stage I only wish I had enough wealth to be managed by a trade bot

 

[Bobby5109]

We've published technical data and how things work for all CPUs proposed. Not going to lie, the most I know about high-frequency trading machines is that they need extra high clock speed, with brute IPC and lowest possible latency, at a point in time Intel even created a special processor for this exact purpose, the rare i9-9990XE (Anandtech review), which isn't even officially documented. The logical conclusions I reach for that use case are: 14900KS, 285K, and 9950X (non3D) for the lowest achievable right now. That review I linked has some more relevant anecdotes, although that CPU is nothing but a very rare collector's item nowadays, being obsoleted by much faster and lower latency machines. You should take the time to read it as well, if it interests you

The only other thing someone could offer is first hand experience by having built and configured such a system, but I'm still at the stage I only wish I had enough wealth to be managed by a trade bot

Does the chiplet/tile topology in the 285K introduce additional latency when compared to the 14900KS?

 

[Dr. Dro]

Does the chiplet/tile topology in the 285K introduce additional latency when compared to the 14900KS?

Yes, the Chips and Cheese article I linked earlier gives you the lowdown and the technical explanation as to why

 

[bug]

Does the chiplet/tile topology in the 285K introduce additional latency when compared to the 14900KS?

It does, but that only affects multithreaded workloads that either migrate threads or need the threads to share data. That doesn't seem to be the case with OP's needs.

 

[Bobby5109]

With the BIOS and firmware update, does the latency of the Core Ultra 285K match that of the Core i9-14900KS?

 

[ir_cow]

With the BIOS and firmware update, does the latency of the Core Ultra 285K match that of the Core i9-14900KS?

No, it is much worse.