Modder boots Windows 11 on AI-centric Intel Bartlett Lake CPU using Z790 motherboard

A PC enthusiast has made history in the world of hardware modding by successfully booting Intel’s OEM-exclusive Core 9 273PQE into Windows on a standard Asus Z790 motherboard (Amazon) using the LGA 1700 socket.

Intel’s OEM-Only Bartlett Lake CPU Runs on Z790 Thanks to Custom BIOS Hack

This story comes from Overclock.net user Kryptonfly, who got their hands on the rare and elusive Bartlett Lake CPU. They managed to get the PC to POST and reach the BIOS screen by creating a custom BIOS microcode using Claude AI.

After further work on the BIOS, the system finally boots into Windows without any dreaded 5F error codes or black screens. Describing the breakthrough, Kryptonfly wrote:

“HISTORICAL! We fixed the SA init by fooling the FSP-M with the Raptor Lake SA/PEG init. The Raptor Lake SA initialized after our Bartlett Lake patches for the memory-init side. No more 5F hanging, and I CAN BOOT INTO WINDOWS! The boot sequence is the same as my 13900K. No weird numbers.”

Intel’s Core 9 Processor 273PQE is a unique CPU from the Bartlett Lake-S family, as it’s intended only for embedded and edge-computing AI workstations rather than regular consumer-grade desktops. Interestingly, this processor features 12 performance cores and 24 threads with no efficiency cores.

Even though the 273PQE uses the same LGA 1700 socket and pin layout as Raptor Lake processors like the Core i9-14900K, motherboard manufacturers have never officially supported the CPU in consumer motherboards.

That’s where Kryptonfly steps into the picture. They patched the BIOS and tricked Intel’s firmware by making the early boot process treat the Core 9 273PQE as a Raptor Lake CPU during early initialization.

After this latest patchwork and the injection of the missing microcode, the system booted into Windows 11 without any issues. Screenshots shared by the user show the correct processor in CPU-Z with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a clock speed of 3,418 MHz.

At the end of the day, it’s a proof-of-concept, yet a historic moment for the modding community. However, the only problem is that a pure performance-core processor like the Core 9-273PQE isn’t available on the open market for the average PC enthusiast.

The modder may have gotten lucky in procuring the Bartlett Lake CPU to begin with, but it leaves the door open for performance enthusiasts to experiment with the platform, given the possibility of running it on consumer-grade PCs. Many gamers and PC enthusiasts are now wondering whether Intel will release an all-P-core processor similar to its Bartlett Lake lineup for regular users.