MSI and ASUS Will Not Release New Motherboards for Arrow Lake Refresh

The landscape of motherboard production is currently seeing a shift, with some of the leading manufacturers opting against releasing new motherboard lines for the Arrow Lake Refresh. Notably, MSI and ASUS have decided to focus their efforts elsewhere.

MSI and ASUS Shift Focus to DDR4 Motherboards

For those curious about the absence of new Z890 motherboards for the Arrow Lake Refresh, MSI’s strategy offers some clarity. According to informed sources, MSI intends to concentrate on DDR4 motherboards moving forward. The company believes that the current Z890 lineup sufficiently supports the Arrow Lake Refresh, eliminating the need for new releases.

The generally low demand for Arrow Lake processors has contributed to the decision to forgo the refresh of motherboards. Many vendors have recognized that existing Z890 models operate without issues for the Arrow Lake Refresh. However, MSI’s prioritization of DDR4-compatible motherboards raises eyebrows, particularly in light of the rising prices of DDR5 memory, which have drastically affected sales in that sector.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar MAX WIFI DDR4 Motherboard

Amid rising costs, the appetite for DDR5 motherboards has dwindled. Companies like ASRock have even begun producing Combo motherboards, which accommodate both DDR5 and DDR4 DIMMs. MSI seems to be leaning towards a revival of DDR4 motherboards, though it remains uncertain whether this will involve ramping up existing models or introducing new products.

Expected release of Colorful D3 series motherboards — Image Credit: Videocardz

Similarly, Colorful is looking into the reintroduction of its DDR3 motherboards as a response to ongoing price hikes for DDR4 memory. Reports from ChannelGate (via Videocardz) indicate that the D3 series is anticipated for launch by early May, as the company grapples with significant DRAM shortages.

In the case of ASUS, insights from GFF Events (shared via @unikoshardware) reveal that ASUS also sees no necessity to develop new Z890 motherboards for the Arrow Lake Refresh. Both ASUS and MSI maintain that the currently available motherboards adequately support the new Core Ultra 200S Plus CPUs. Given the ongoing DDR5 RAM shortages, releasing updated boards may not be as beneficial as it might seem.

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