ASUS Prepares Motherboards for Upcoming Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs
Despite widespread speculation and numerous leaks ahead of CES 2026, Intel did not unveil its anticipated "Arrow Lake Refresh" desktop and laptop CPUs during the event. The absence of these new processors at the Las Vegas showcase left many in the tech community awaiting further updates. Now, nearly two weeks after CES, ASUS has begun promoting its readiness for Intel’s next wave of desktop chips, signaling that the launch is drawing closer.
ASUS recently announced via its main social media channels that its latest motherboards—including the W880, Z890, Q870, B860, and H810 models—are "BIOS READY" for the upcoming Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs. These BIOS updates are scheduled to roll out in late January, ensuring compatibility with Intel’s forthcoming processors as soon as they become available.
Intel Core Ultra 200 Plus: What to Expect
Leaked information points to the new CPUs being branded under the "Core Ultra 200 Plus" series, indicating that Intel is positioning these chips as part of its Core Ultra Series 2 generation. This approach is reminiscent of the previous "Raptor Lake" refresh, which was significant enough to be marketed as the 14th Gen Core series.
Interestingly, ASUS refers to the Arrow Lake Refresh as a "next generation" release, emphasizing a smooth upgrade path and enhanced performance. However, industry analysts tracking the gaming CPU market suggest that the "Plus" designation will be limited to just three SKUs: the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus, Core Ultra 9 270K Plus, and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. This focused lineup is expected to extend the relevance of Intel’s LGA 1851 platform until the arrival of the truly next-generation "Nova Lake-S" desktop CPUs, which will introduce the new LGA 1954 socket.
Launch Timeline and Platform Support
According to recent predictions from industry sources, including Golden Pig Upgrade, Intel is likely to launch the Ultra 200 Plus desktop and laptop (HX) processors within a March to April timeframe. This aligns with ASUS’s plans to release BIOS updates for its 800-series motherboards later this month, ensuring early adopters can upgrade without delay.
In parallel with the Arrow Lake Refresh, Intel and its hardware partners are also preparing to introduce the Core Ultra 300 "Panther Lake-H" mobile processors, further expanding the company’s high-performance CPU offerings for both desktop and mobile platforms.
As the industry anticipates Intel’s next moves, ASUS’s proactive support for the Arrow Lake Refresh demonstrates the close collaboration between motherboard manufacturers and CPU developers, ensuring a seamless upgrade experience for PC enthusiasts and professionals alike.
