ASUS is getting its Intel 800-series motherboards ready for Intel’s next desktop CPU wave, confirming that a new BIOS update will deliver out-of-the-box support for the still-unannounced Intel Arrow Lake Refresh processors.
In a recent update, ASUS said a wide range of its 800-series boards will soon be “BIOS-Ready” for Arrow Lake Refresh. For PC builders and upgraders, that matters because it means you won’t have to wait until launch week to ensure your motherboard recognizes the new chip. Once the BIOS update is available and installed, owners should have full compatibility when Arrow Lake Refresh arrives.
According to ASUS, BIOS updates are planned for several chipsets across its lineup later this month. That includes workstation-class W880 models, Q870 boards aimed at embedded and business-oriented systems, and popular consumer options such as Z890, B860, and the entry-level H810. In other words, ASUS is preparing coverage across performance desktops, mainstream builds, and more specialized systems.
Intel itself hasn’t officially revealed Arrow Lake Refresh yet. The company didn’t announce the refresh at CES, and public details remain limited. Still, leaks have been painting a clearer picture of what’s coming, especially for the desktop platform, where three new CPUs are widely expected.
The rumored lineup includes:
Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
Core Ultra 7 270K Plus
Core Ultra 9 290K Plus
These “Core Ultra Plus” chips are expected to improve on current Arrow Lake processors by offering either higher core counts, higher boost clocks, or both, depending on the model. While nothing is confirmed until Intel makes it official, the early BIOS preparation from motherboard makers suggests the launch window is getting closer.
Current rumors point to a release around March or April, but timing is still up in the air. What is clear is that motherboard vendors are moving ahead with compatibility updates now, which typically happens when a CPU launch is nearing.
ASUS isn’t alone in preparing for Arrow Lake Refresh, either. Other motherboard makers have also signaled readiness for the upcoming chips, including showcasing boards positioned as compatible with the refresh lineup. The industry now waits for Intel to confirm final specifications, pricing, and an official release date—details that many expect to arrive before the end of Q1.
For anyone planning a new Intel build or considering a CPU upgrade later this spring, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your motherboard’s support page for the latest BIOS release, especially if you’re running an 800-series Intel board and want a smooth, plug-and-play upgrade when Arrow Lake Refresh lands.
