MSI has become the first vendor to release Intel's latest microcode 0x116 for several LGA 181 motherboards.
Various MSI Z890 and B860 Models Get BIOS Update with Microcode 0x116, Claiming Improved Reliability of CPUs
Looks like Intel has been secretly working on another BIOS patch for the LGA 1851 platform. After releasing various BIOS updates in the previous months, it looked as if Intel's struggle to deliver its 'promised' performance had come to a halt. But no! It's once again sending its latest microcode patch for what seems to be a source of improving CPU reliability.
The new microcode patch was sent to MSI, which has officially released it through a new BIOS update. As of now, we have checked and found out that a lot of Z890 and B860 chipset motherboards can be updated to this new BIOS that carries the Microcode 0x116. If you aren't aware of these microcode patches, then let us clarify that the series of microcode patches were released to improve the 'gaming' performance of desktop Core Ultra Series 2 aka Core Ultra 200S processors.
The previous one was Microcode 0x114, which was released in December 2024 but failed to push the gaming performance to match Intel's expectations as well as users. Since the launch of these processors, Intel has been working on delivering update after update to reach the 'promised' performance and it looks like it is still trying to fix the issue with a new microcode.
As you can see in the release notes, the new Microcode 0x116 will be applied when users of MSI Z890 and B860 motherboards update to the latest BIOS. What exactly it does is unknown, but overall, the BIOS update states that it will improve the reliability of some non-K Intel Core Ultra 200S CPUs and will also enhance the compatibility with memory alongside better overclockability.
As of now, not every MSI Z890 and B860 model can be upgraded to the latest BIOS with the microcode 0x116 patch, but almost half of them can be. The platform is now due for further tests to see what changes the 0x116 patch introduces. I think this will hardly bring any noticeable improvements in gaming or raw performance, but it's best to wait a bit more.
News Source: @unikoshardware
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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