Difference between Z87 and Z97

[B0rTz1]

Hi! I was wondering what's the difference between Z87 and Z97 motherboard? I've heard that they have different sockets so on Z87 work only Intel 3xxx CPU and older and for Z97 4xxx and older. I've seen a guy buying an Intel Core i7 4770K and installing it on a Z87 board. So both can use the same processors?

 

[Joao Machado]

well , you see it here not that much http://www.ukgamingcomputers.co.uk/z97-and-z87-difference-a-59.html

 

[atmos929]

z87 support 4xxx series too, but they might need a bios update...
z97 already supports 4xxx and will support next gen as well, but they might need bios update too ... that's pretty much how it works.

z97 also supports m.2 slots... it's cool if you have the money for a storage option that uses that slot, supposed to be a lot faster than SSD.

Not many other differences between the 2.... if you can buy a cheaper z87, go for it... chances are, next time you have to update your system again, DDR4 will be mainstream, meaning we will need to buy MoBo, CPU and RAM again

 

[ceh4702]

If you buy a motherboard that has been around a little longer you might have to update the BIOS to use a specific CPU that the motherboard is not designed for. Often though some older models will come out with a newer revision number that has a better BIOS and even better hardware on the motherboard. Sometimes it is just a matter of the manufacturer working the kinks out of the early release and issuing a more refined more stable motherboard.