Intel has launched the ‘Core Ultra 200S Plus series’ – comprising the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and the Core Ultra 5 250K/KF Plus processors. According to the company, both the chips bring more cores, higher frequencies and a new software optimisation tool. The company says that the chips will go on sale from March 26, priced from $199 for the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and $299 for the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus.
What’s new in Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series
The most straightforward upgrade is core count. Intel has added four more efficiency cores (E-cores) to both new processors compared to their predecessors. This means that the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus now has 24 cores (8 performance cores + 16 efficiency cores), up from 20, and the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus comes with 18 cores (6 performance cores + 12 efficiency cores).Both chips also benefit from a boost of up to 900 MHz in die-to-die frequency compared to the previous Core Ultra 7 265K and Core Ultra 5 245K. In practical terms, this means faster internal connection, which in turn reduces system latency. Intel claims the new chips deliver up to 15% faster gaming performance compared to existing Core Ultra Series 2 desktop processors, and up to 103% better multithread performance compared to competing CPUs in the same price bracket.
Intel Binary Optimisation tool
Intel is adding the Binary Optimisation tool that the company describes as a first in the industry. In simple terms, it is a translation layer that takes software written for a different processor — whether that’s a competing x86 chip, a game console, or an older Intel architecture — and optimises it to run more efficiently on the new Intel hardware. The new chips support DDR5 memory at 7,200 MT/s – a step up from the 6,400 MT/s ceiling on the previous generation. For users who want to push further, Intel is also maintaining warranty support for memory overclocking up to 8,000 MT/s through its Core Ultra 200S Boost BIOS profile.The 200S Plus series also brings early support for a new and emerging memory format called 4-Rank CUDIMM, available on select motherboards with Intel 800 Series chipsets. These modules can hold up to 128GB of RAM per stick.Intel has also confirmed that the Core Ultra 200S Plus processors are fully compatible with all existing 800-series chipset motherboards. Users with a current Intel 800-series board will not need to upgrade their platform to use the new chips.
When and where to buy new Intel chips
Both processors go on sale through retail partners on March 26, 2026. Pre-built systems from OEM partners and system integrators powered by the new chips will also be available from the same date.
