Gigabyte Announces Intel Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200S Plus CPU Support in New BIOS for Z890 Motherboards
Exciting developments are coming from Gigabyte, as they announce support for Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake “Core Ultra 200S Plus” Refresh CPUs. This enhancement is available through a new BIOS update for their Z890 motherboards. As the tech world braces for the next wave of processor launches, motherboard vendors are ensuring their products are ready to meet the demands of these new CPUs.
Latest BIOS Updates from Gigabyte & ASRock
Gigabyte takes the lead as the first manufacturer to secure compatibility with Intel’s Arrow Lake “Core Ultra 200S Plus” Refresh CPUs. Their new BIOS update incorporates the CPU microcode “m_82_c0662_0000011B” or 0x11B, along with the latest Intel Management Engine firmware. This update primes the Z890 motherboards for the anticipated Core Ultra 200S Plus Refresh, expected at CES 2026. These processors promise to boast higher clock speeds and enhanced core specifications in certain SKUs.
Meanwhile, ASRock has introduced their latest Z890 BIOS update, featuring an even newer microcode, 0x11D, dated October 2025. This update also includes the latest Intel ME firmware (v2095), signaling that ASRock is equally prepared for the imminent CPU launches.
Preparing for the New Era of CPUs
Both Intel and AMD are set to refresh their desktop processor lineups. Intel plans to launch the Arrow Lake “Core Ultra 200S Plus” CPUs, while AMD will introduce new 3D V-Cache SKUs utilizing the Zen 5 architecture. These updates are expected in the latter half of 2026, but current market conditions could cause further delays.
Intel has confirmed that its new processors will support DDR5 speeds up to 7200 MT/s, an improvement over the existing 6400 MT/s speeds. Users with Intel Z890 or 800-series motherboards should consider updating their BIOS to accommodate the upcoming CPUs.
Intel Core Ultra 200S “Arrow Lake” and Arrow Lake Refresh CPU Specs:
| CPU | Cores/Threads | Base Clock (P/E Core) | Max Boost (P/E Core) | Cache (L3 / L2) | Memory Support | TDP (PL1 / PL2) | Price (SEP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 290K Plus | 24/24 (8+16) | 3.7 / 3.2 GHz | 5.6 / 4.8 GHz | 36 MB / 40 MB | DDR5-7200 | 125W / 250W | TBD |
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 24/24 (8+16) | 3.7 / 3.2 GHz | 5.5 / 4.6 GHz | 36 MB / 40 MB | DDR5-6400 | 125W / 250W | $589 US |
| Core Ultra 7 270K Plus | 24/24 (8+16) | 3.7 / 3.2 GHz | 5.5 / 4.7 GHz | 36 MB / 40 MB | DDR5-7200 | 125W / 250W | TBD |
| Core Ultra 7 265K | 20/20 (8+12) | 3.9 / 3.3 GHz | 5.4 / 4.6 GHz | 30 MB / 36 MB | DDR5-6400 | 125W / 250W | $394 US |
| Core Ultra 7 265KF | 20/20 (8+12) | 3.9 / 3.3 GHz | 5.4 / 4.6 GHz | 30 MB / 36 MB | DDR5-6400 | 125W / 250W | $379 US |
| Core Ultra 5 250K Plus | 18/18 (6+12) | 4.2 / 3.5 GHz | 5.3 / 4.7 GHz | 24 MB / 26 MB ? | DDR5-7200 | 125W / 159W | TBD |
| Core Ultra 5 245K | 14/14 (6+8) | 4.2 / 3.6 GHz | 5.2 / 4.6 GHz | 24 MB / 26 MB | DDR5-6400 | 125W / 159W | $309 US |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 14/14 (6+8) | 4.2 / 3.6 GHz | 5.2 / 4.6 GHz | 24 MB / 26 MB | DDR5-6400 | 125W / 159W | $294 US |