ASUS, Gigabyte, and ASRock Release New Z890 Motherboard BIOS Update Featuring “0x114” Microcode from Intel Partners

Intel’s recent BIOS update, featuring the “0x114″microcode, has been eagerly anticipated by tech enthusiasts. Key partners like ASUS, Gigabyte, and ASRock have stepped up to provide this much-awaited update for their Z890 motherboards.

Major Manufacturers Release Updated BIOS for Z890 Motherboards

In a delightful pre-holiday surprise, Intel has introduced the “0x114″microcode as part of a BIOS update. This update aims to address the performance challenges that have been associated with the new Arrow Lake-S desktop CPUs. Given the significant impact these chips have on modern computing, the update is expected to enhance overall performance.

ASRock Z890 Motherboard BIOS Update — Image Source: OCN

Intel’s partners, including ASUS, Colorful, and ASRock, have already rolled out their respective versions of the BIOS update, though these versions are currently in the beta stage and not widely accessible yet. For those keen to explore these updates, here’s a list of where you might find the latest BIOS versions, thanks to insights from @9550pro and @harukaze5719:

Gigabyte Z890 Motherboard BIOS Update — Image Source: Gigabyte

For those unfamiliar, the Core Ultra 200S desktop CPUs from Intel have been under scrutiny due to their performance not meeting earlier expectations set by Team Blue. There has been notable concern regarding their capability, reflecting a gap between projected performance and actual user experiences.

Intel Performance Briefing — Image Source: Intel

In a previous announcement, Intel China revealed that the implementation of corrective measures had resulted in significant performance enhancements, with improvements shown in both synthetic and gaming benchmarks after the solutions were rolled out. This prompts curiosity about whether the new “0x114″microcode will yield similar benefits for consumer systems.

ASUS Z890 Motherboard BIOS Update — Image Source: ASUS ROG Forums

Looking ahead, Intel plans to host a media briefing during CES 2025. This event will likely provide additional insights into the performance issues surrounding the Core Ultra 200S series. As it stands, users are advised to exercise patience and await broader availability of these updates to avoid any unforeseen issues, as reliability is still a concern with early BIOS versions.

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