Additional confirmations regarding the launch of "Arrow Lake Refresh" have emerged, as Intel has updated its processor SKU support matrix for DDR5 technologies. The "Arrow Lake Refresh" processors will support faster DDR5 memory. Intel confirms that ARLR will ship with native support for DDR5 memory speeds reaching 7200 MT/s on CUDIMM modules. This enhanced speed rating applies only to DDR5 modules equipped with integrated clock driver circuits, commonly known as CUDIMMs, which improve signal integrity at higher frequencies. Standard UDIMMs and CSODIMMs will continue to operate within their existing specifications at 5600 MT/s and 6400 MT/s, respectively.

Intel attributes the speed boost to a refined integrated memory controller and subtle platform-level optimizations for LGA-1851 motherboards, not a new chipset. Core platform constraints, including the two-DIMMs-per-channel limit, remain unchanged, meaning the improvement simply provides additional headroom for compatible memory. Beyond memory improvements, select middle-class SKUs will gain extra efficiency cores or modest clock speed increases. Combined with the CUDIMM support, these changes should deliver measurable gains in specific workloads, though they will not dramatically shift Intel's competitive position. Overclocking enthusiasts can still exceed official speeds through manual tuning. Scheduled to debut in early 2026, just a few months before "Nova Lake," the update is primarily a refinement of Intel's existing technology rather than a completely new architecture. The fully new architecture is reserved for "Nova Lake-S."

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