Intel Limits DLVR Bypass on Core Ultra 200S CPUs, Enabling Only for Extreme Overclocking

Intel has chosen to restrict DLVR Bypass on its Core Ultra 200S processors through the new microcode update (0x112), a decision expected to increase power dissipation under heavy workloads by removing the previously accessible bypass option. This adjustment, available in earlier BIOS versions, allowed users to bypass power regulations more freely.

Intel’s official statement notes that DLVR Bypass was disabled on Core Ultra 200S chips to prevent potential misuse, with plans to unlock it exclusively for extreme overclocking. The DLVR (Digital Linear Voltage Regulator), first introduced in 2021 and later incorporated into Raptor Lake processors, is now integrated into the Core Ultra 200S series, aiming to boost efficiency across these CPUs.

While DLVR offers power-saving benefits, there are limitations that Intel seeks to manage. Typically, users could control DLVR settings on Z890 motherboards, allowing them to bypass DLVR mode through BIOS configuration. However, with the latest BIOS update implementing microcode 0x112, the option to bypass DLVR is now removed, limiting user customization.

Community member “Quaver” from HardwareLUXX reported that their ASRock Z890 Pro RS motherboard no longer displays the “Power Gate Mode” in BIOS, previously used to control power dissipation. Now, only the “Stable Mode” is available, removing a critical feature for power efficiency under high loads.

DLVR’s dynamic voltage adjustment adapts power input based on workload, but when operating at high loads, it can lead to higher power dissipation, reaching up to 90W. This is due to the conversion of high input voltage to the optimal output voltage for CPU cores and clusters. While DLVR bypass offered a solution to this power drain in previous BIOS settings, the updated microcode limits this feature’s availability, focusing on extreme, sub-zero cooling environments like liquid nitrogen setups.

Intel’s restriction appears targeted at advanced overclocking scenarios, as noted in their statement, with DLVR Bypass only accessible under extreme cooling. Currently, ASRock and MSI have implemented the latest microcode 0x112, while other brands like Gigabyte and ASUS are yet to release updates.