Intel Core Ultra 200S: A Patchy Performance Fix

2024-12-19

Intel’s Core Ultra 200S processors, initially met with lukewarm reception due to subpar gaming performance, are set to receive a series of performance-boosting patches.

The chipmaker has pinpointed five specific issues affecting the CPU’s performance and has already addressed four of them through BIOS and Windows 11 updates. The remaining issue is scheduled to be resolved in January 2025.

The five issues identified by Intel are:

1. Missing Performance & Power Management (PPM) package: This issue has been resolved through a Windows 11 update.
2. Intel Application Performance Optimizer (APO) not taking effect: This issue has also been fixed via a Windows 11 update.
3. BSODs when launching games using Easy Anti-Cheat: This issue has been addressed by an update to the Easy Anti-Cheat driver.
4. Misconfigured performance settings on early BIOS versions: This issue has been resolved through a BIOS update.
5. Remaining performance optimizations: These optimizations will be implemented in a future BIOS update scheduled for January 2025.

What Undercode Says:

Intel’s proactive approach to addressing these performance issues is commendable. By openly acknowledging the problems and providing detailed explanations, the company has shown a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

The initial performance boost from the first four fixes is expected to be significant, potentially reaching double-digit percentages in some cases. However, the impact of the final fix in January 2025 is anticipated to be more modest, likely resulting in a single-digit performance improvement.

It’s important to note that the actual performance gains will vary depending on individual system configurations and workloads. Nevertheless, these patches represent a substantial step forward in optimizing the Core Ultra 200S processors and improving their gaming performance.

While the initial launch of the Core Ultra 200S was somewhat disappointing, Intel’s swift response and dedication to resolving these issues demonstrate their commitment to delivering a high-performance product. With these patches in place, the Core Ultra 200S is poised to become a more competitive option in the CPU market.