Intel's new '200S Boost' tech: warranty-covered OC for Core Ultra 200K CPUs, Z890 motherboards

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Update - Intel contacted us with this message: "We would appreciate if you could clarify that only the new Boost BIOS settings are covered under warranty. Other warranty terms remain unchanged."

"Overclocking Intel processors with the 200S Boost profile will not void the limited processor warranty provided by Intel. All other warranty terms remain unchanged. This profile does not apply to processors overclocked before the profile launch date."

Original story continues...

Intel has just announced its new 200S Boost, an overclocking profile designed to optimize performance for Intel Core Ultra 200S series processors (K series CPUs).

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The new 200S Boost is an overclocking profile that has been designed by Intel for the Core Ultra 200S series CPUs when paired together with a compatible Z890 motherboard, and the correct Intel XMP memory modules. This allows users to achieved higher fabric, die-to-die, and memory frequencies, all providing more performance for low-latency workloads like gaming.

Not only that, but any and all overclocking done with an Intel Core Ultra 200S series CPU, and a Z890 motherboard, is fully covered under warranty from Intel. The CPUs included in the new Intel 200S Boost Overclocking Profiles are:

• Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
• Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
• Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
• Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
• Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF

Starting on April 22, select Intel Z890-based motherboards with the latest BIOS contain the option to run a 200S Boost overclocking profile. The motherboards from partenrs that have tested their Z890 motherboards with this 200S Boost overclocking profile include (and this isn't all of them).

• ASRock Z890 Taichi OCF
• ASRock Z890 Taichi
• ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z890 HERO
• COLORFUL iGame Z890 FLOW V20
• COLORFUL BATTLE-AX Z890M-PLUS V20
• GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS ULTRA
• GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS MASTER
• GIGABYTE Z890 EAGLE
• MAXSUN iCraft Z890 VERTX
• MAXSUN Terminator Z890-A WIFI
• MSI MEG Z890 ACE

Now, apart from an Intel Core Ultra 200S series CPU and Z890 motherboard, you'll need some Intel XMP memory modules, as Intel 200S Boost overclocking profiles have been designed for one stick of DDR5, with speeds of up to 8000 MT/s. Intel says that both UDIMM and CUDIMM memory modules will work, with DDR5 memory kits compatible with Intel 200S Boost including (and again, this isn't all of them):

• ADATA LANCER RGB DDR5-8000 32GB (2x16GB) CL38
• Corsair VENGEANCE RGB 48GB (2x24GB) DDR5 CUDIMM 8000MT/s CL38
• Corsair VENGEANCE RGB 48GB (2x24GB) DDR5 DRAM 7200MT/s CL36
• G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-8000 CL38 32GB (2x16GB)
• G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-8000 CL38 48GB (2x24GB)
• TEAMGROUP T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5 8000MHz 48GB (2x24GB), CL38
• V-Color Manta XFinity RGB DDR5 48GB (24GBx2) 8000MHz CL38

Hardware Limitations

Motherboard design, layout, BIOS optimizations, and other components play a crucial role in overclocking. Some motherboards may lack the necessary optimizations to activate the Intel 200S Boost profile. Additionally, not all memory modules are rated for the parameters of this program. As with all overclocking efforts, projected speeds are not guaranteed, and users may experience system instability until the overclock is reverted.

Two memory sticks per channel ("2DPC") configurations are not supported in the Intel 200S Boost program. Depending on the memory module and/or motherboard design, users could nevertheless see higher memory speeds with a 4 UDIMM configuration as well.

How to Apply 200S Boost Overclocking Profile

1. Update BIOS - Ensure your motherboard is running the latest BIOS version to access Intel 200S Boost
2. Enable 200S Boost Profile - Navigate to your BIOS overclocking section and select 'Intel 200S Boost' under the preset profiles
3. Restart Your System - Restart your desktop PC to enable the Intel 200S Boost profile
4. Run Stability Tests - Use programs like Cinebench to verify system stability
5. Monitor Performance - Utilize monitoring software like Intel XTU to track temperatures and voltage if desired

200S Boost Limitations and Warranty Disclaimers

• Overclocking Intel processors with the 200S Boost profile will not void the limited processor warranty provided by Intel. All other warranty terms remain unchanged. This profile does not apply to processors overclocked before the profile launch date.
• Overclocking results will vary. The 200S Boost profile does not guarantee that any overclocking frequencies will be achievable or stable or that any level of performance will be achievable.
• Nothing in the Intel® 200S Boost program changes or modifies the performance specifications provided in the product information for any Intel component.
• Intel's warranty does not cover damage caused to any non-Intel component as a result of overclocking.
• The 200S Boost warranty applies to Intel boxed processors. For boxed processors support, contact Intel support or place of purchase. If your PC was purchased through a system builder or OEM, your warranty and support for that warranty are provided exclusively by the system builder or OEM. Please contact your OEM or reseller for warranty support or with any questions about your warranty.