Intel claims Core Ultra 200 patches improve gaming performance by up to 26% (Update: they don't)
Intel's Core Ultra 200 patches fail to enhance gaming performance as claimed.

Intel's Core Ultra 200 desktop processors, which launched as part of the Arrow Lake-S lineup, performed well in compute scenarios but lagged in gaming applications when compared to the older Raptor Lake models. Despite claims of performance improvements, benchmarks showed the patches fell short, with some scenarios showing worsened outcomes.
An initial diagnostic revealed permissible causes, including power plan misconfigurations, anti-cheat settings, and a significant absence of the PPM package. Intel attempted corrective measures through mandatory operating system updates and BIOS essential upgrades, but their improvements in gaming performance, such as a purported 26% gain in Cyberpunk: 2077, were not substantiated by subsequent evaluations.
Independent testing by Tom's Hardware confirmed the updates fell short, failing to resolve gaming disadvantages. Meanwhile, older Raptor Lake Refresh models demonstrated superior benefits from necessary OS updates, increasing the performance gap. This indicates unfulfilled potential from Intel's internal projections, leading to possible backlash against exceeding expectations with unachieved claims.