MSI releases new BIOS with Intel Microcode 0x116 for Z890 and B860 motherboards: Improved stability and overclocking possibilities?

Intel seems to be continuing to tweak the firmware in order to get what was originally promised out of the current processors. The new microcode 0x116, which is now available via MSI BIOS updates for various Z890 and B860 mainboards, is intended to improve stability and compatibility. But whether this will finally bring the hoped-for breakthrough or is just another iteration in an endless optimization attempt remains questionable.

Aim of the update: Bug fixes and a little hope for more reliability

After the rather sobering microcode 0x114, which was released in December 2024 and once again failed to deliver any major leaps in performance, Intel is now trying again with version 0x116. According to MSI, the update is primarily intended to improve the stability of the non-K Intel Core Ultra 200S processors, optimize memory compatibility and allegedly even expand overclocking options. Whether these promises will be kept in reality is another matter. Intel has already tried several BIOS updates in recent months to achieve a level of performance that was actually promised at launch.

Which MSI mainboards are affected?

Not every MSI mainboard with a Z890 or B860 chipset will receive the update – at least not immediately. So far, about half of the models seem to be compatible with the new BIOS version. If you want to try your luck, you should first check whether your own board appears in MSI’s list. Official information on this is rather sparse so far.

Microcode 0x116: A miracle cure or just old wine in new bottles?

MSI promises better reliability and memory compatibility in the release notes. However, no concrete performance improvements are mentioned – which already speaks volumes. Experience shows that Intel usually only achieves minimal effects with such updates, while many users end up wondering whether they even notice a difference. With its Core Ultra 200S CPUs, Intel has put itself in a situation where constant firmware improvements are apparently necessary in order to halfway fulfill the original expectations. A bad sign when you consider that there should actually be a mature product on the shelf here.

Another update with an uncertain effect

Intel and MSI once again deliver an update whose usefulness remains questionable. If you are already struggling with stability problems or memory incompatibilities, it may be worth a try. However, anyone hoping for a leap in performance should remain realistic. The next few weeks will show whether Microcode 0x116 actually makes a difference or whether it is just another episode in the endless “Fix it in Software” saga. Until then, it remains the same as always: wait and see whether independent tests can even detect a measurable difference.

Source: MSI