New BIOS Update for Z890 Motherboard with “0x114” Microcode Released by Intel Partners: ASUS, Gigabyte & ASRock Prepared

The much-anticipated “0x114″microcode BIOS updates have officially been rolled out by Intel’s leading partners, including ASUS, Gigabyte, and ASRock, for their Z890 motherboard designs.

Intel Partners Release BIOS Update for Enhanced Performance

In a timely pre-Christmas surprise, Intel has unveiled the “0x114″microcode through a BIOS update that aims to address the performance shortcomings associated with the latest Arrow Lake-S desktop CPUs. This update is crucial for users experiencing less than expected performance from their new systems.

ASRock Z890 Motherboard with BIOS Update — Image Source: OCN

Interestingly, several manufacturers, including ASUS, Colorful, and ASRock, have already delivered their own versions of the BIOS adhering to the new microcode. While these BIOS updates are currently in the beta testing phase and not yet publicly accessible, we have gathered useful links for you to find these updates, citing sources from @9550pro and @harukaze5719.

Gigabyte Z890 Motherboard with BIOS Update — Image Source: Gigabyte

To provide context, the Intel Core Ultra 200S desktop CPUs encountered performance levels that fell short of Intel’s initial projections upon their release. Feedback from the tech community has indicated a pressing need for improvements.

Intel Performance Gain with New Microcode — Image Source: Intel

In previous discussions, we referenced Intel China’s media briefing, revealing that a significant double-digit performance increase could be achieved after addressing foundational issues. The results from subsequent synthetic tests and gaming benchmarks showcased marked improvements once Intel’s updates were implemented.

While it remains uncertain whether the “0x114″microcode will yield similar performance enhancements for consumer systems, early indications suggest potential benefits that could improve user experience significantly.

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

Furthermore, Intel is scheduled to conduct a media briefing during CES 2025, which will focus on the performance issues associated with the Core Ultra 200S series. It is anticipated that more widely accessible BIOS updates will coincide with this event. For consumers eager to experiment with the new microcode, it is advisable to exercise patience and await further expert guidance, as updates can introduce unforeseen challenges.

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