Intel Arrow Lake Refresh: New Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Spotted Ahead of Launch
Intel’s highly anticipated “Arrow Lake Refresh” processors are nearing their official release, and recent developments suggest the lineup may be broader than previously expected. A new listing from a Romanian retailer has revealed an unannounced SKU: the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, identified by the code BX80768250KF. This processor stands out as the first in the Arrow Lake Refresh (ARLR) family to carry the “KF” designation, indicating the absence of integrated graphics. As with earlier KF models, users will need a dedicated GPU to pair with this CPU.
According to the retailer’s listing, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus features a base frequency of 4.2 GHz, which matches earlier rumors about the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. This suggests that the new KF variant will share most of its specifications with the 250K Plus, including an E-Core base speed of 3.5 GHz, E-Core turbo up to 4.7 GHz, and a P-Core boost frequency reaching 5.3 GHz. The primary distinction remains the lack of an integrated GPU, consistent with Intel’s approach to previous KF processors.
Additional Arrow Lake Refresh SKUs Appear in Retail Listings
The Romanian retailer’s database also includes listings for the Core Ultra 250K Plus (BX80768250K) and Core Ultra 270K Plus (BX80768270K). Notably, the flagship Ultra 9 290K Plus has yet to appear, though this absence likely reflects the preliminary nature of the listings rather than a lack of availability at launch.
Pricing for the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is set at 1,049 Romanian Leu, which converts to approximately $243 USD. This aligns with expectations for mid-range desktop CPUs in Intel’s upcoming lineup. With previous leaks pointing to a March or April release window for the Arrow Lake Refresh family, more detailed information and additional product listings are expected to surface soon.
Early benchmark results suggest that flagship Arrow Lake Refresh processors could deliver up to a 10% performance improvement over their predecessors. While these figures are promising for high-end models, it remains to be seen how the new mid-range chips, such as the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, will perform in real-world scenarios. As the official launch approaches, further testing and reviews will provide a clearer picture of what users can expect from Intel’s latest desktop CPU refresh.
