Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Stalker 2 is one of the most distinct survival FPS games, and it cleverly combines horror and immersive sim genres.
While not exactly a horror game, Stalker 2’s open-world exploration and enemies add a sense of horror, making it more diverse.
The game’s open world, combat, and sound design are groundbreaking and enhance immersion.
Stalker 2 may not be everyone’s cup of tea because of its unique FPS approach and considering how tough the game can get. The Zone is an unforgiving open world filled with various mysteries, creatures, and stories to tell.
Its playstyle leans more towards realism, and developer GSC world perfectly encapsulated what it felt like to survive in the aftermath of a war, considering how they also made the game during such times.
While the game’s focus was mainly on creating a survival FPS game, Stalker 2 cleverly combines horror and realism elements while delivering a rich narrative experience.
Why It Matters: Initially starting development in 2012, Stalker 2 took a lot of time to release, but it’s important to realise why. The game has so much content and variety, and blending different genres is just the base of it.
Stalker 2 Is A Horror Game But Not Like You’d Expect
The Zone Has A Lot Of Scary Moments To Offer
While being a lone warrior scavenging through The Zone is frightening, the fear level gets elevated given the game’s enemy variety and abandoned dark places filled with bloodsuckers that can turn invisible and are sure to give you a jumpscare every time.
However, Stalker 2 isn’t your typical horror FPS like the Resident Evil or Prey games since no supernatural entity is related to the game’s narrative. Rather, the player experience, survival, and exploration become truly terrifying.
The graphics do elevate the experience. With a darker setting in a land that is practically deserted except for some survivors and a lot of mutated enemies, as Skif, you’d be sceptical about visiting newer areas at the beginning of the game with lesser gear because one thing is for sure, the game can be unforgiving at times, and you’re going to find yourself dying a lot.
Stalker 2’s Immersive Open-World That Is Basically A Simulation
Stalker 2’s Post-Apocalyptic Has Many Stories To Tell
I’d really have to give GSC Game World props for making such an immersive, open world and giving players so much freedom in how they approach the game. For example, you can skip the main storyline altogether and just go on your own path and still have an amazing time.
The Zone can simultaneously be terrifying and beautiful, and the supernatural wasteland can be beautiful sometimes. However, they’re only appealing just from afar.
Stalker 2’s open world is unparalleled in my gaming journey, and it’s difficult to intertwine a great story while keeping a perfect balance between a gameplay experience.
Sound design is another aspect often neglected in any media, but that isn’t the case with Stalker 2. Every asset has its unique sound effect, and spanning cameras change how the sound hits you. I didn’t know storms were truly terrifying and caused goosebumps until I played Stalker 2 and found the perfect blend between visuals and sound designs.
Since combat is a huge game aspect, GSC Game World has made the best weaponry possible in a video game. The developer’s experience with weapons helped greatly in this matter, too. The gun models are accurate, with amazing attention to detail, and weapons will also jam, depending on how you care for them.
Even the game’s world-building is top-tier. How you interact with NPCs with branching storylines and how it affects world-building depends on your morals and choices. I think it’ll take me at least 3-4 gameplay runs to truly discover all the potential storylines.
With each aspect, Stalker 2 defines how ugly society can be and, to some extent, reflects on the real-life scenario of the Ukraine-Russian war.
As a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I bring the latest findings from the tech industry to our readers. Specializing in processors, graphics cards, and more, I strive to deliver detailed insights that keep our audience well-informed and engaged. Periodically, I also delve into the vibrant world of gaming to share captivating stories.
Story Highlight
Intel Arc B580 has gained attention due to its affordable price, respectable performance, and 12GB of memory.
A new shipping document suggests Intel is experimenting with the “clamshell” method, which allows doubling the amount of VRAM.
The 24GB version of the Arc B580 may be aimed at data centers and AI companies rather than consumers.
With its affordable price, respectable performance, and 12 GB of memory, Intel’s new Arc B580 graphics card has drawn much attention. However, Intel might plan on a new version under the same model.
Why it matters: The potential release of a 24GB Intel Arc B580 could significantly impact the budget graphics card market. By using the clamshell method to increase VRAM, Intel may offer better performance at a lower price than competitors.
A Twitter user, Tomasz Gawroński, reported seeing shipping paperwork with two entries for Battlemage G21 graphics cards that had the interesting term “clamshell” written on them. The Clamshell method allows you to double the VRAM you typically receive by attaching GDDR6 memory modules onto a graphics card.
Every GDDR6 module has a data bus speed of 32 bits. However, they can function in 16-bit mode at a lower speed. This is what clamshell is: Intel Arc B580 memory controllers, which are 32-bit wide, can each connect to two GDDR6 modules.
Intel’s only Battlemage GPU includes six controllers, a 192-bit bus, and 12 GB of GDDR6. In clamshell mode, 24 GB of video RAM is possible.
Intel may retain the 24 GB Arc B580 for data centers and AI firms, so it may never get it to market. However, it would be one of the best budget graphics cards on the market if Intel decided to launch it for the public.
At Tech4Gamers, I proudly wear the title of Comparisons Specialist. Focused on CPUs and GPUs, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and a keen eye for detail to provide our audience with the latest insights and analyses.
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
Rated: 6.8/10
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
Rated: 8/10
Pros And Cons
CPU
Pros
Cons
Core Ultra 9 285K
✅ Has 4 more physical cores
✅ Has 6 MB larger L3 cache size
❌ Much more expensive
Core Ultra 7 265K
✅ Lower Price
✅ Lower Power Consumption
❌Slightly worse in terms of performance
Key Takeaways
The Core Ultra 9 285K was around 3% better in gaming performance than the 265K and about tied in productivity.
The temperatures on these chips are about the same, though the higher-end processor consumes about 30% more power.
As of late November 2024, the Core Ultra 9 285K is about $235 less expensive than the Core Ultra 9 265K.
For the majority of people, the Core Ultra 9 285K is not worth the price hike, and the Core Ultra 7 265K should serve their purposes just fine.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Uzair is our comparison expert who has been comparing graphics cards, and processors.
500+ components tested and compared by our team of comparison experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
1000+ hours spent testing different components for our comparisons.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every comparison undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each comparison is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Core Count: The Core Ultra 9 285K has 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) and 24 threads, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K has 20 cores (8 P-cores and 12 E-cores) and 20 threads.
Clock Speed: The 285 K’s base clock is 3.7GHz, while the 265 K’s is 3.9GHz. The Core Ultra 9’s boost clock is 5.5GHz, whereas the Core Ultra 7’s is 5.4GHz.
Cache: The Ultra 9 has a slightly higher L3 cache of 36MB compared to the 30MB L3 cache of the Core Ultra 7 265K.
TDP: Both processors have the same PL1 TDP of 125 watts and PL2 TDP of 250 watts.
Process Node: As expected, both these chips have the same fabrication process involving a 3nm processing node.
It takes a lot for a company to discard its established branding for something completely new. This year, Intel deems its chips far too different from its previous ones to have the same branding. Let’s see how these processors compare in the Core Ultra 9 285K vs Core Ultra 7 265K comparison!
Gaming Benchmarks – 1080p
There is no better way to compare these two processors against one another than to see how the improvements from the Core Ultra 7 265K to the Core Ultra 9 285K show forth in gaming. To test these processors, we have devised a test bench, the specs of which are written below:
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
In our testing, there was only a small difference in the performance of these chips. The 285K averaged 158 FPS, while the 265K hovered closer to 146 FPS, marking an 8% difference.
The Core Ultra 9’s lows were only 3% higher, at around 132 FPS, whereas the lower-tiered chip was inching closer to it, with lows of 128 FPS.
The Last Of Us Part 1
The Last Of Us Part 1 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There was barely a difference in The Last Of Us, with the Core Ultra 9 285K getting an average of 194 FPS, while the Ultra 7 was right at its heels with an average of 193 FPS, a 0.5% difference.
The lows differed by around 1.5%, with the Core Ultra 9 285K plateauing to 138 FPS in the hard-to-run scenes, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K hovered closer to 136 FPS.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
We didn’t see a huge difference in Cyberpunk either, with the Core Ultra 9 getting an average framerate of 150 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 got an average of 148 FPS, marking a difference of around 1.35%.
The lows stood apart with a difference of a single frame, with the Core Ultra 9 going down to around 114 FPS in some scenes, whereas the Core Ultra 7 stayed close behind at 113 FPS.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There was a meager difference of around 2.5% in Hogwarts Legacy, with the Core Ultra 9 averaging a framerate of 122 FPS, whereas the Ultra 7 stayed closer to an average of 119 FPS.
We saw the same 3 frames of difference in this title’s 1% lows, with the 285K closing in on 86 FPS, while the 265K was 3.6% behind, with lows of 83 FPS.
Remnant 2
Remnant 2 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Remnant 2 saw an average of 121 FPS on the 285K, an unceremonious 3.4% ahead of the 117 FPS that its little brother could average in our testing.
The difference dropped to 2.9% in the 1% lows, where the Core Ultra 9 dipped to around 106 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K was closer to about 103 FPS.
Homeworld 3
Homeworld 3 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
All the tests have had inconsequential differences, and Homeworld 3 was no different. The 285k averaged 86 FPS, 2.38% higher than the 265 K’s 84 FPS.
The difference in the 1% lows was also an unremarkable single frame, with the Core Ultra 9 285K hovering around 29 FPS, while the 265K held closer to about 28 FPS.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Requiem @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
We saw another single frame of difference in A Plague Tale: Requiem, with the Core Ultra 9 hovering around 122 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 held closer to about 121 FPS with its averages.
The difference grew to about 2.74% in the 1% lows, with the Core Ultra 9 sticking around 75 FPS, while the Core Ultra 7 had 1% lows closer to 73 FPS in our testing with these chips.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The two chips had a 5% difference, with the Core Ultra 9 285K hovering around 269 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 had an average closer to 256 FPS in Hitman 3.
Finally, the 1% lows of the last test of our benchmarks had minimums of around 239 FPS on the Core Ultra 9 285K, which were around 3% higher than the 232 FPS of the Core Ultra 7.
Productivity Benchmarks
Now that the gaming benchmarks have been dealt with, it is time to see how these chips perform in productivity tests, both synthetic and akin to what you would use them for in the real world. The test bench used for these tests is the same as the gaming benchmarks.
Cinebench R24
Cinebench R24 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The Core Ultra 9 285K had a performance worth 150 points in the single-core section of the Cinebench R24 benchmark, while the 265K was 3.45% behind with a score of 145 points.
The multi-core scores were significantly higher on the Ultra 9, which scored around 2523 points, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K hovered closer to 2165 points, making a delta of around 16%.
7-Zip
7-Zip (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The compression test ran around 11% better on the Core Ultra 9 285K, with a score of around 203 points, whereas its weaker sibling scored around 182 FPS.
The decompression test was around 20% faster on the 285K, where the chip scored about 212 points, whereas the 265K scored around 176 points.
Photoshop
Photoshop (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Surprisingly, the Pudget System benchmark ran better on the Core Ultra 7 265K than the Core Ultra 9 285K. The difference was by a small margin, but it was still surprising.
In our testing, the 285K scored 9026 points, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K scored around 9246 points, which put it in the lead by around 2.44%.
Our tests showed the Core Ultra 9 285K offers no noticeable gaming performance improvement over the Core Ultra 7 265K at 1080p, with an average framerate difference of just 3.21% across eight games.
1% Lows
The Core Ultra 9 285K’s minimum framerates were just 2.57% higher than the Core Ultra 7 265 K’s, a barely noticeable difference that shrinks at higher resolutions. We struggled to notice a difference between the two processors in this metric.
Productivity
The 285K excelled in synthetic single-core and multi-core tests, but the 265K outperformed in the Puget Systems benchmark, making this section a draw.
Power
Game
Core Ultra 9 285K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
144
105
The Last Of Us Part 1
146
117
Cyberpunk 2077
132
119
Hogwarts Legacy
159
102
Remnant 2
111
123
Homeworld 3
157
101
A Plague Tale: Requiem
159
122
Hitman 3
148
104
Average Power Draw
144.5⚡
111.62⚡
Winner: Core Ultra 7 265K
It is laughable how different the power consumption of these two chips was when considering that their performance was almost identical. The Core Ultra 9 285K took back around 30% more power than its rival, which makes the Core Ultra 7 265K much more power efficient.
Temperature
Game
Core Ultra 9 285K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
74
68
The Last Of Us Part 1
73
64
Cyberpunk 2077
69
66
Hogwarts Legacy
73
78
Remnant 2
66
67
Homeworld 3
64
65
A Plague Tale: Requiem
76
68
Hitman 3
65
76
Average Temperatures
70🌡️
69🌡️
Winner: Core Ultra 7 265K
The difference between the average temperature on either chip was similar to our gaming tests. There was only a 1.4% difference in thermals, with the 285K being slightly hotter. Both chips were well within safe temperatures, and thermals should not concern either processor.
Price and Value
CPU
Core Ultra 9 285K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Price Difference
Launch MSRP
💲589
💲394
49.49%
Current Price
💲619
💲384
61.2%
Though the difference in performance between these chips is very small, the price difference is ginormous. As of writing this article, the Core Ultra 9 285K is around $235 more expensive than the Core Ultra 7, which is a difference of around 61%.
What We Recommend
Core Ultra 9 285K: After thoroughly testing this processor against its lower-end brother, we think it is not worth the extra price. Gaming performance is not affected by its extra power, and productivity tasks also seem almost unfazed by the benefits of this chip.
Core Ultra 7 265K: We didn’t find this chip too exciting while we were testing it, that is, until we came to the price. It performs excellently for its price range, especially compared to its higher-end counterpart. The lower power consumption is also a cherry on top.
After scrutinizing these processors, we think that the Core Ultra 9 285K is a waste of money for most people. It’s barely better than the 265K in gaming performance; it works with power efficiency and has a much worse price. However, if you need lots of multi-core performance, the 285K might make sense.
FAQs
Do the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Core Ultra 7 265K use the platform?
Yes, both the processors use Socket 1851, and any system you build with one chip should be compatible with the other.
Does either of these processors have hyperthreading?
No, the new Core Ultra line of processors from Intel does not have hyperthreading.
What is the maximum output resolution of these chips?
The 285K and the 265K can display 8K @60Hz using a Display Port.
What is the codename for the generation containing the Core Ultra 285K and 265K?
These processors are included in the Arrow Lake generation.
Who is the foundry for the processing nodes on these chips?
TSMC makes the processing nodes for all of Intel’s chips at the moment.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been announced for PC with January 23 release date.
The game director has asked the modders to avoid inappropriate mods.
He respects the modding community and is okay with safe and fun mods.
Square Enix recently announced that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will be coming to PC on January 23, 2025. Although it didn’t manage to sell too well on PS5, it is one the finest games of the year and even got a GOTY nomination at The Game Awards.
However, with the PC release, the game director has asked the modding community not to make any inappropriate or offensive mods for FF7 Rebirth.
Why it matters: One of the best parts about PC gaming is the mod support. But in certain cases, the modding can get over the top, which the director has respectfully asked to avoid.
Final Fantasy 7 features great character designs.
Talking to Epic Games, the FF7 Rebirth director said that currently there are no plans to officially add mods to the PC version of the game. He respects modders but prefers them to avoid being offensive or inappropriate.
We ask modders not to create or install anything offensive or inappropriate.
– FF7 Rebirth Director
Tifa Lockhart’s character design in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is out of this world.
Square Enix’s upcoming PC port has some of the most beautiful character designs ever seen in gaming. This does lead to exaggerated designs through mods which can be a bit inappropriate. We’ve seen these with Resident Evil games and more.
Despite this, we wouldn’t be surprised if modders outright ignore the statement and go crazy with the mods. However, the director’s call should be respected here, as Square Enix has already outdone itself with FF7 Rebirth’s characters.
What do you think about the director’s request to avoid making inappropriate mods for FF7 Rebirth? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
As a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I bring the latest findings from the tech industry to our readers. Specializing in processors, graphics cards, and more, I strive to deliver detailed insights that keep our audience well-informed and engaged. Periodically, I also delve into the vibrant world of gaming to share captivating stories.
Story Highlight
Nvidia is facing thermal problems with DrMOS chips from Alpha & Omega Semiconductor in its new AI server systems.
Nvidia is testing chips from Monolithic Power Systems to improve thermal performance and reduce risks.
Nvidia’s stock fell over 2%, while Monolithic Power Systems saw a 4% increase, reflecting market reactions to the issues.
Nvidia faced a setback as experts noted serious thermal issues affecting its power chips, which are used in the newest AI server systems. As a result, the company’s shares saw a sharp drop.
Why it matters: Nvidia is a key player in the AI and semiconductor industries, and thermal issues with its power chips could delay critical AI server systems, affecting mass production.
The issue is caused by Alpha & Omega Semiconductor’s (AOSL) DrMOS chips, which are currently being tested in Nvidia’s Blackwell series GB300 and B300 systems.
According to industry information from TF International Securities, Nvidia’s extensive testing of these chips has shown significant thermal performance problems. That said Nvidia has also been assessing DrMOS chips from Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) to increase its bargaining power.
Nvidia Blackwell Vs Hopper
Nvidia’s production difficulty now centers on these voltage regulators, which are essential to the functioning of motherboards and processors. Furthermore, the estimated time of mass production for the GB300 and B300 systems may be postponed due to these challenges.
Shares of Nvidia fell over 2% to 131.63 during trading, after hitting a low of 130.42. The decline put Nvidia into the range of its recent price breakout stop-loss. The stock of Nvidia jumped to a high of 140.76 on October 17, indicating the irregularity that may affect investor mood in the future.
On the other hand, the sector’s performance showed inconsistency, with Monolithic Power Systems seeing a 4% increase and Alpha & Omega Semiconductor’s shares falling more than 6%.
To reduce risks, Nvidia is taking into account DrMOS chips from Monolithic Power Systems. This shows how important innovation is to semiconductor design, especially when dealing with extreme thermal constraints.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Naughty Dog boss says Intergalactic’s protagonist’s audition was as good as Ellie’s.
He says when Tati Gabrielle was first brought in for an audition, she blew everyone away.
The game has been under fire since the announcement for promoting DEI.
Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us are two of the most beloved video game characters of old times. Despite TLOU Part 2 often being criticized for inclusivity, the love for the characters is universal.
Now, the Naughty Dog boss says that the audition for the Intergalactic protagonist was as intimidating as that of Ellie actress.
Why it matters: Ever since Intergalactic’s reveal, the title has been under fire for promoting DEI, especially with the protagonist. This even led Naughty Dog to disable comments on YouTube.
Intergalactic protagonist criticized for DEI
Naughty Dog unveiled its much-anticipated new title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet at the Game Awards. However, most people were disappointed and underwhelmed by the trailer, some even calling it Concord 2.0.
It was one of those moments like when I first saw Ashely Johnson as Ellie.
– Neil Druckmann
Nonetheless, Neil Druckmann has compared the audition of Intergalactic’s protagonist to that of Ellie from TLOU. He says when Tati Gabrielle was brought in for an audition they were all blown away by her, it was like when they first saw Ashley Johnson as Ellie.
Ellie is one of the most beloved video game protagonists
There is no denying the talent that Gabrielle possesses. She has had great performances in TV Shows and movies like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Uncharted, and more. But comparing her to Ellie at this point seems a bit too much.
Most people aren’t too happy with it, and it’s even clear from the likes/dislikes ratio in the trailer. So, it’ll be really interesting to say what happens from here. We hope she can deliver a performance that overshadows all the controversy, but for now, things aren’t looking too good for Naughty Dog.
What are your thoughts on Neil Druckmann comparing the Intergalactic Protagonist’s audition to that of Ellie? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
CDPR confirmed in an interview that The Witcher 4 features map size and the number of quests similar to The Witcher 3.
The game is aiming to have more or less the same scope as its predecessor, but it will focus on quality over quantity.
The project itself is aiming to be bigger compared to other entries that CDPR has released so far.
CDPR game director Sebastian Kalemba and executive producer Gosia Mitrega have claimed that the RPG has a map size that is ‘more or less the same’ as The Witcher 3.
Why it matters: CD Projekt Red has clarified that The Witcher 4 will have a similar scope to its predecessors, with a similar world map size and amount of quests. Assurances of ‘quality over quantity’ were also made.
In a video interview with YouTuber Skill Up (around 1:13:45), CDPR clarifies The Witcher 4 will have nearly the same amount of quests as its predecessor to bring a ‘super compelling experience.’ However, they’ve also promised to focus on ‘quality over quantity’ to ensure the world doesn’t feel bland.
Again, quality over quantity. But definitely, […] It’s going to be big compared to everything we’ve prepared so far.
Do you think The Witcher 4’s open world will feel lively despite having such a massive size, or are we potentially in for a bland experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Microsoft boss says he thinks ‘This is an Xbox’ ad is a great idea.
He wants to expand and make sure that everyone has access to Xbox games.
Xbox could also be switching to no more exclusive titles in the future.
Microsoft launched its ‘This is an Xbox’ campaign a couple of weeks ago. The general idea of the ad was that everything that can play a video will be capable of playing Xbox games. However, this quickly became a meme, and people started making all sorts of things out of it.
However, even the Microsoft CEO says that he likes the campaign’s idea and wants to redefine what it means to be an Xbox fan.
Why it matters: Xbox has been in hot water this generation for low console sales and losing out to the PS5. So, the company is pushing more as a publisher, with increased attention toward Cloud gaming.
Microsoft CEO says the ‘This is an Xbox’ marketing campaign is a great idea.
At a recent shareholders Q&A, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadells revealed he likes Xbox’s marketing campaign. They want to redefine what it means to be an Xbox fan, which is to be able to play Xbox on all your devices.
We are redefining what it means to be an Xbox fan, it’s about being able to enjoy Xbox on all your devices.
– Satya Nadella
Despite the CEO’s enthusiasm, the campaign hasn’t been met with much joy from the community. Long-term fans are disappointed as Microsoft is shifting its attention away from its consoles amidst critically low sales.
Xbox might not have any future exclusive games.
Moreover, recently, an insider revealed that Microsoft is giving up on console exclusivity. So, all this gives a great idea of the direction the company is headed toward. It focuses less on hardware and more on the publishing side.
However, the FTC has launched an anti-trust investigation against the company, particularly covering the Cloud products department. Microsoft will have to sort that out as well; otherwise, things could get troubled in the future.
What are your thoughts on the Xbox CEO praising the company’s ‘This is an Xbox’ campaign? Do you think Microsoft is headed the right way? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
A new report reaffirms that Ubisoft is working on Far Cry 7 and a multiplayer extraction shooter.
Far Cry 7 will feature completely overhauled movement mechanics and a 24-hour timer to save your family.
Both titles were planned to launch next year but got delayed because of internal struggles to 2026.
Rumors suggest that Ubisoft will overhaul movement mechanics in Far Cry 7 and the upcoming multiplayer extraction shooter by adding tactical spriting, sliding, vaulting, and more.
Why it matters: Ubisoft is developing two Far Cry games simultaneously, which is new, and the series is also long overdue for some innovation in its formula. The overhauled movement might win fans over to the IP again.
A new report by Insider Gaming reaffirms that Ubisoft is developing two Far Cry titles. Far Cry 7 will see the player rescue their family, kidnapped by a cult that performs hallucinogenic experiments on animals and children. Players will have 24 hours (72 hours in-game) to save their family.
On the flip side, Maverick takes place in the Alaskan wilderness, where players have to fight one another, the unforgiving wildlife, and the harsh climate. Both games were meant to launch next year but were delayed to 2026 after internal struggles.
All in all, it is best to take the rumors about Far Cry 7 and Project Maverick with a pinch of salt. Ubisoft has revealed no official info regarding either of these titles yet.
Do you think the upcoming Far Cry games will fully innovate the popular franchise as we know it, or are we in for another rinse-and-repeat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I’m a Senior Error Fix Writer specializing in troubleshooting problems. Each article results from deep research, testing fixes and providing solutions.
Intel Core i7 14700K
Rated: 7.6/10
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
Rated: 8/10
Pros And Cons
CPU
Pros
Cons
Core Ultra 7 265K
✅ More modern manufacturing process
✅ More powerful Intel Arc Xe2 graphics
❌ Much more expensive
Core i7 14700K
✅ Has 30 MB larger L3 cache size
✅ Better in terms of performance
❌ Higher Power Consumption
Key Takeaways
The Core i7 14700K was around 6.25% faster in our gaming tests and equally advantageous in the productivity tests.
The Core Ultra 7 265K consumed around 45% less power than the Core i7 14700K, while the difference in thermals was almost negligible.
As of late November 2024, the Core i7 14700K is about $45 less than the 265K.
The lower price tag of the 14700K, along with its higher performance, makes it better value for your money, but only slightly.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Manaf is our comparison expert who has been comparing graphics cards, and processors.
500+ components tested and compared by our team of comparison experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
1000+ hours spent testing different components for our comparisons.
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Core Count: The Core Ultra 7 265K has 20 cores (8 P-cores and 12 E-cores) and 20 threads, whereas the Core i7 14700K has 20 cores (8 P-cores and 12 E-cores) and 28 threads.
Clock Speed: The 265K has a base frequency of 3.9GHz and a boost of up to 5.4GHz, different from the 14700 K’s 3.4GHz base and 5.6GHz boost.
Cache: The i7 has 33 megabytes of L3 cache, a hair larger than the 30 megabytes of L3 cache that the Core Ultra 7 has.
TDP: The TDPs of both chips are virtually identical. Both have a PL1 TDP of 125 watts, while the 14700K has a PL2 TDP of 253 watts instead of the 250 watts of the 265K.
Process Node: The Core Ultra 7 265K has a 3nm manufacturing process, which is miles better than the ancient 10nm manufacturing process of the 14700K.
Intel has forgone its brand recognition with the Core i chips in favor of a fresh name and a fresh start to its new state: the Core Ultra Chips. Let us see how they compare against one another in comparing the Core Ultra 7 265K vs Core i7 14700k!
Gaming Benchmarks
The best way to find the differences between the Core Ultra 7 265K vs Core i7 14700k is to see how they compare against each other regarding gaming performance. To do this evaluation, we have constructed a test bench, the specs of which you can read below:
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The first game of our testing performed better on the older chip. The 14700K had an average of 163 FPS, which was an 11.64% difference compared to the 146 FPS of the 265K.
The 14700K was at a very slight disadvantage when it came to the 1% lows of this game, where it had lows of 127 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 had lows of around 128 FPS, constituting a 0.79% difference.
The Last Of Us Part 1
The Last Of Us @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The 265K took the lead in The Last Of Us, with an average of 193 FPS, it was around 2.12% faster than the 186 FPS average of the Core i7 14700K, a relatively small difference.
The 1% lows were weirdly in favor of the i7 processor, with a minimum of 138 FPS, which was 1.47% higher than the 136 FPS of the Core Ultra processor.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There was a 10% difference in Cyberpunk 2077, where the 14700K had an average framerate of 164 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 had an average framerate closer to around 148 FPS.
The i7 kept its lead in the 1% lows, with a minimum framerate of around 126 FPS, while the Core Ultra 7 hovered around 113 FPS in the challenging scenes.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
We saw a small 1.68% advantage in Hogwarts Legacy, where the 14700K had an average of 121 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K had an average of 119 FPS.
Both processors had the same numbers in the 1% lows, with both getting down to around 83 FPS in the hard-to-render scenes in our benchmarks.
Remnant 2
Remnant 2 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Remnant 2 saw a slight advantage over the Core Ultra 7, with an average framerate of 117 FPS, whereas the Core i7 14700K had an average of 1 frame lower at about 116 FPS.
The 265K took the cake regarding the 1% lows, with minimums of around 103 FPS, whereas the 14700K hung around minimums of 97 FPS in our testing.
Homeworld 3
Homeworld 3 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The 14700K won by a small margin in Homeworld 3, with an average framerate of 87 FPS, which was 3.57% higher than the 84 FPS of the 265K.
The minimums miraculously shared the same difference as the averages. The 14700K had lows of 29 FPS, whereas the 265K had a minimum framerate of around 28 FPS in our testing.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale Requiem @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This test saw the biggest difference in our benchmarks, with the 14700K hovering around an average of 147 FPS, which was about 21.5% higher than the 121 FPS average with the 265K.
The minimum framerates had an even bigger difference. The 14700K had lows of around 109 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K stuck closer to 73 FPS, a difference of around 49%.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Finally, the last test of our benchmarks was Hitman 3, where the 14700K had an average framerate of 271 FPS, which was around 5.86% higher than the 256 FPS that came out of the Core Ultra 7.
The minimums were close to each other, with the i7 getting lows of around 234 FPS, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K had minimums closer to 232 FPS.
Productivity Benchmarks
Now that we’ve gone through the gaming benchmarks for these chips let us take a dive into the productivity performance of the Core Ultra 7 265K vs Core i7 14700K. We will use the same test bench we used for the gaming benchmarks to check these.
Cinebench R24
Cinebench R24 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The Core i7 14700K had a lower single-core score of 127 points, around 14% behind the 145 pointsthe Core Ultra 7 265K produced.
The multi-core score was more of the same. The 14700K scored 1991 points, which was about 9% behind the Core Ultra 7 265K, which had 2165 points.
7-Zip
7-Zip (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The 14700K had an advantage of around 3.3% in our 7-Zip compression test, which amassed 188 points, while the Core Ultra 7 265K scored around 182 points.
The decompression performance was also higher on the i7 with a score of 201 points, which was around 14% higher than the 176 points that the Core Ultra 7 produced.
Photoshop
Photoshop (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The i7 also took the lead in our final productivity benchmark, with a lead of around 7.58%. In conjunction with the one we saw with the 7-Zip tests, this difference shows that the i7 is better in real-world performance.
The i7 14700K got around 9947 points in our testing, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K hovered closer to 9246 points.
The average framerates in our tests were unremarkable when comparing these two chips. Both punched back when one succeeded in a benchmark, but overall, the 14700K performed about 6.25% higher on average.
1% Lows
The minimum framerates were more or less the same for the Core Ultra 7 265K vs Core i7 14700k. The Core Ultra 7 was ahead in some tests, but just by a hair. On average, the 14700K was about 5.25% ahead of its rival.
Productivity Benchmarks
The 265K won regarding the synthetic benchmarks in Cinebench R24 but failed at everything else. The 14700K was not trailing ahead by a huge margin, but it did have the advantage in our 7-Zip and Pudget Systems Photoshop tests.
Power Consumption
Game
Core i7 14700K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
214
105
The Last Of Us Part 1
205
117
Cyberpunk 2077
210
119
Hogwarts Legacy
199
102
Remnant 2
201
123
Homeworld 3
197
101
A Plague Tale: Requiem
209
122
Hitman 3
204
104
Average Power Draw
204.87⚡
111.62⚡
Winner: Core Ultra 7 265K
Thanks to its much more efficient process nodes, the 265K was more power efficient than the Core i7 14700K. This 46% lowering of power consumption, in conjunction with the similar performance in our benchmarks, makes the 265K much more power efficient than the 14700K.
Temperatures
Game
Core i7 14700K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
75
68
The Last Of Us Part 1
74
64
Cyberpunk 2077
70
66
Hogwarts Legacy
74
78
Remnant 2
67
67
Homeworld 3
65
65
A Plague Tale: Requiem
77
68
Hitman 3
66
76
Average Temperatures
71🌡️
69🌡️
Winner: Core Ultra 7 265K
In our testing, there was an unremarkable 3% difference in temperature between the two chips. The 14700K was a bit hotter, though neither processor reached a temperature where it was dangerous to operate.
Price And Value
CPU
Core i7 14700K
Core Ultra 7 265K
Price Difference
Launch MSRP
💲409
💲394
3.81%
Current Price
💲339
💲384
13.27%
Our research showed that the 14700K has degraded in price since its launch, whereas the Core Ultra 7 265K has not because of its recent launch date. As of late November 2024, the Core Ultra 7 265K is about $45 more expensive than the Core i7 14700K.
What We Recommend
Core Ultra 7 265K: This processor is an adequate chip, though its lower performance than its last-gen counterpart sticks out like a sore thumb in an industry where AMD is shooting past Intel. However, it is a good platform to invest in, as Intel will keep it alive for at least a few years.
Core i7 14700K: This chip has no upgrade path (besides getting the core i9 14900K and its KS variant) and has high power demands. It is better than the Core Ultra 7 265K in all aspects, including price, performance, and productivity.
We believe the Core Ultra 7 265K and the Core i7 14700K are very similar chips, with a few downgrades with each. Your choice should depend on your chosen platform and whether the extra power draw of the 14700K concerns you.
FAQs
Can I use DDR4 memory with the 265K or the 14700K?
The Core Ultra 7 265K can only use DDR5 memory, while the 14700K supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory.
Does the Core i7 14700K have hyperthreading?
Yes, the Core i7 14700K has hyperthreading, a feature forgone in Intel’s newer Core Ultra processors.
Do the Core i7 14700K and the Core Ultra 7 265K have the same platform?
No, the Core i7 14700K and the Core Ultra 7 265K use different platforms, and you cannot drop either into a system made for the other one.
What is the codename for the generation containing the Core Ultra 285K and 265K?
These processors are included in the Arrow Lake generation.
Do both of these chips have the same iGPU?
No, the Core i7 14700K has Intel UHD Graphics 770, different from the Intel Arc Xe2 graphics used with the 265K.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
V Rising will receive a major update in 2025 after a successful 1.0 launch.
The developers continue to tease its fans regarding the upcoming version 1.1 as it still isn’t ready to reveal a release window.
However, it did reveal why there hasn’t been an Xbox version or if there is going to be a PS5 Pro patch for the game.
V Rising early access was released exclusively to PC in early 2022, and after such a positive reception, the developers officially released the game along with a PS5 version. However, the game hasn’t been patched for PS5 Pro or hasn’t even been released for Xbox yet.
The developer successfully released version 1.0, and due to that, hype regarding the upcoming update has increased a lot. Fans must be looking forward to knowing about what awaits them in the upcoming update.
We were able to interview Jeremy Fielding, Community Manager at Stunlock Studios, the developer behind V Rising. He revealed some information about the upcoming version 1.1 and whether there will be a patch for the latest mid-gen refresh.
While No Release Window Foe V Rising Version 1.1 Is Confirmed Yet, It Is Set To Release In 2025
After the successful 1.0 launch, V Rising is steadily headed towards version 1.1. When exactly will the update be released in 2025? Can we get an exact release date, or a precise release window (or quarter)?
Jeremy Fielding: Sorry, gotta tease you and keep it vague. I can confidently say the patch will be released in 2025, but there are a few factors that we need to shake out to give an accurate estimate, let alone an exact date. Ask us again in a few months.
Barely anything has been revealed regarding the upcoming region in the 1.1 update. Are the devs ready to reveal the theme of this mysterious zone?
Jeremy Fielding: How dreadfully mysterious! I’m afraid I can’t reveal anything yet, but we’ve been leaving some clues around in dev blogs and interviews! Sorry if we’re being kind of snakes about the details, but we don’t want to risk poisoning the well.
I’ve noticed some returning veteran players complain about the nerfs that V Bloods have potentially experienced over the months. The gameplay in the Brutal Mode has become easier for them. Does Stunlock Studios seek to address this issue? Maybe the new update introduces even harder bosses?
Jeremy Fielding: This is one situation where returning players need to give themselves a bit more credit. Except for some adjustments to the difficulty curve (some bosses were adjusted down, but some were adjusted up) that happened after the first week or two, we haven’t really touched the difficulty of the V Bloods. Players are just getting better at the game!
Taking damage from the sun has always been a major part of V Rising's gameplay. Is it possible for an item to be added with unlimited Sun Resistance that lets you roam freely during the day without taking any damage at all?
Jeremy Fielding: There’s a Sun Resistance stat that gives you a little bit of leeway there, but we think it’s an integral part of the Vampire fantasy and don’t want to eliminate it completely.
Funny story, though. We had a set we jokingly named the ‘Twilight Set’ that used to give full sun immunity. It never made it into the game in any sense that it was available to players through normal means, but for a while, admins could summon it on private servers. I think there still might be a way to do it. It’s got a very… strappy look if you’re into that sort of thing.
For those who love to travel solo in V Rising, are there any plans to add AI companions or pets that travel alongside you and help in combat to add a tad bit more immersion in the game?
Jeremy Fielding: There were some early ideas to give ‘Vampire Familiars’ that didn’t quite pan out. If we did something like that, it would have to reinforce the Vampire fantasy and not wander too far off into other fantasies. Sometimes, keeping your game focused on what really works is a matter of restraint, so if we do add something like that, we don’t want it to feel super random, which could be really bad for immersion and communicating a clear fantasy.
One consideration was allowing you to take one of your servants with you as a sort of battle thrall, but it ended up feeling like they might often hinder boss fights that require careful attacks and decision-making. We felt it would be more frustrating than actually helpful or cool.
What about PvE raids? Players would certainly appreciate more ways and challenges to defend against hordes of NPCs attacking the castle. It would be a great feature, even on PvP servers, to add more chaos.
Jeremy Fielding: PvE raids have been a consideration since we first came up with the idea for V Rising, so I don’t think we disagree that it would be a cool feature. Well, it would be a lot of features that all add up into one cool feature, but there are problems to tackle to make it work the way we want it to.
All I can say is that it’s always on our minds, but as a feature, it does not actively have our attention right now.
Fans desire to see more diverse classes of creatures, like werewolves or humans, with distinct abilities. Have you ever considered adding playable factions or classes beyond vampires, and what would be the major challenges in implementing them?
Jeremy Fielding: The desire is there, sure, but this is a Vampire game! V Rising is about playing a Vampire, and we want to keep it that way. If anything, we’re constantly looking into ways to better accentuate that Vampire feeling, and we don’t want to lose focus on that.
We have considered it, don’t get me wrong. We consider pretty much everything that players ask us for, and we try to keep an open mind when it comes to development. Taking that route would be a huge task, though, you would have to reframe the game completely away from what it is, which right now is a game where you wake up as a Vampire, and your entire focus is drinking blood to gain power to overthrow Dracula.
If you were a Werewolf, a Vampire Hunter, or some kind of Gloomrot Experiment gone wrong, it would be a completely different game from top to bottom. Basically, it would be a huge task, practically a spinoff game in and of itself.
V Rising is not available on Xbox consoles. What are the main reasons why we haven’t seen it happen yet? Does Stunlock Studios ever plan to release it on the Xbox Series S|X?
Jeremy Fielding: One of the main reasons we didn’t develop for Xbox alongside PS5 is that there are very specific optimization requirements that require separate work to meet the standard we set for ourselves in what we want to give to our players. We could only focus on one, and the PS5 is the one that worked best for us at the time.
As for whether or not we plan to release on Xbox Series S|X, that’s something we still need to evaluate in terms of if we can spare the resources to do it. Being a small studio can be tough, constantly having to fight not to spread yourself too thin.
As a long-term goal, how do you plan to keep players engaged and avoid stagnation in a world that revolves around only vampires? Are there specific game elements you see as important for maintaining player interest?
Jeremy Fielding: We don’t really view V Rising as a game that has to maintain player interest forever, and we don’t really want you to force yourself to keep playing. If you enjoyed the experience, that’s enough for us.
Personally, I think vampires are cool as hell. I don’t view it as a limitation of our game. I view it as our strength.
Is V Rising being enhanced for the PlayStation 5 Pro console?
Jeremy Fielding: This is a maybe! Funny you ask, it’s something we’re looking into. It’s very possible we’ll be able to make some improvements for it, and I think it would be a nice treat for people who happen to pick up a Pro.
How does the content and design direction of version 1.1 align with your long-term vision for V Rising? Are there any hints you can share about what players can expect beyond this update?
Jeremy Fielding: Overall, it aligns pretty well! For 1.1 we decided to take an approach of adding content into the late-to-middle portion of the game that overall improves the experience of the game’s journey and adds in more content for the people who love our game. We’re really taking 1.1 as an opportunity to expand on the things about V Rising that our players love. We want to do it, of course, but we also view it as a way to give back to our community for supporting us all this time.
We would like to know about Stunlock Studios’ views on review bombing. Does the developer think it permanently affects the game and hurts developers’ morale? There have been instances where review bombing completely changed the games like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky.
Jeremy Fielding: Reviews should probably be used to give an honest review of a game that is reflective of the merits of the gameplay.
After successfully releasing version 1.0, the developer is hyping up the upcoming update, and rightfully so. Fans are highly anticipating the update, but unfortunately, there still isn’t a release window for it.
The developer will reveal it in a few months, so it is likely to be in mid-2025. That said, the mystery keeps piling up, leaving fans with even more questions that they can’t have answers to right now. All they can do now is wait and trust the developer to meet their expectations.
Jeremy Fielding also revealed some info about the PS5 Pro patch, but nothing is confirmed right now, so don’t get your hopes too high.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
New reports state that Xbox regrets pursuing exclusivity for Hellblade 2.
The game failed to reach notable sales figures on Xbox Series S|X and PC.
The gaming giant could still port the title to PlayStation at some point next year.
Xbox’s strategy has shifted drastically in 2024, leading to only one possible outcome. Following the company’s “Everything is an Xbox” promotion, the gaming giant is said to be moving away from exclusives altogether.
Multiple AAA titles have also been confirmed for rival platforms, but Xbox still launched big games like Hellblade 2 as exclusives earlier this year. According to a new report, the gaming giant believes this was the wrong thing to do.
Why it matters: Hellblade 2 was among the biggest first-party titles from Xbox this year. The gaming giant’s lineup for the first half of 2024 would have been quite barren without this release, so the report is nothing short of shocking.
Xbox Is Reportedly Dissatisfied With Its Decision Regarding Ninja Theory | Image via Twitter
This report comes from Jez Corden, who recently outlined a future without exclusives for Xbox.
Earlier comments from the insider spurred curiosity within fans, with one Twitter user asking why AAA titles like Hellblade 2, Avowed, and South of Midnight lack a PlayStation announcement compared to titles like Doom and Indiana Jones.
Sharing his thoughts on the situation, Jez Corden identified that Xbox actually regrets its decision not to release Hellblade 2 on PlayStation.
I heard they consider Hellblade 2 exclusivity a mistake.
-Jez Corden
This information is easy to believe, considering the fact that Hellblade 2 seemingly failed to do well commercially. Had the game been on PS5 from day one, it may have found more success during the initial launch period.
Even Halo Is Expected To Receive A PlayStation Port Eventually
Ninja Theory’s latest release could still make its way to PlayStation hardware eventually, but it may be unable to compete with the fresh AAA releases arriving next year. As such, Xbox’s regret is understandable.
Whatever the case may be, recent reports clarify that exclusives are no longer important for Xbox. The gaming giant is still not giving up on hardware and is said to be making a brand-new handheld, but these recent decisions raise questions about Xbox’s actual direction.
What are your thoughts on the report? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
