Differences between a Z170 vs Z270 motherboard?

[dhmnuts]

Looking on upgrading to a 6700k. Right now I'm leaning towards this motherboard
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

But I don't know the exact differences between that one and this one http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Is it just mainly newer tech? Should I be looking for a different motherboard. I was looking for something between those price ranges.

 

[dhmnuts]

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/YfHRRG This is pretty much the build I would have. I already have the CPU cooler, taking it off the system I have now. But everything else would be new.

 

[manddy123]

Main difference is that one is made natively for Intel Skylake 6th gen. CPUs (Z170) while the other is for Kaby Lake 7th gen. CPUs (Z270).

With that 6700K (6th gen.), you should look forward to Z170 motherboards.

Although, i'd recommend you to go for Kaby Lake, as they have similar prices and Kaby offers a slightly boost in performance.
So, to match those, go with a i7 7700K and a Z270 motherboard.

 

[dhmnuts]

Main difference is that one is made natively for Intel Skylake 6th gen. CPUs (Z170) while the other is for Kaby Lake 7th gen. CPUs (Z270).

With that 6700K (6th gen.), you should look forward to Z170 motherboards.

Although, i'd recommend you to go for Kaby Lake, as they have similar prices and Kaby offers a slightly boost in performance.
So, to match those, go with a i7 7700K and a Z270 motherboard.

So something like this i assume? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hJyVHN

 

[weberdarren97]

Z270 guarantees compatibility with both Skylake and Kaby Lake from factory.

Z170 can run Kaby Lake, but only after a BIOS update. BTW, you'd need a Skylake CPU to install the update.

 

[weberdarren97]

Main difference is that one is made natively for Intel Skylake 6th gen. CPUs (Z170) while the other is for Kaby Lake 7th gen. CPUs (Z270).

With that 6700K (6th gen.), you should look forward to Z170 motherboards.

Although, i'd recommend you to go for Kaby Lake, as they have similar prices and Kaby offers a slightly boost in performance.
So, to match those, go with a i7 7700K and a Z270 motherboard.

So something like this i assume? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hJyVHN

Sure, except for the fact that your AiO cooler is going to starve the VRMs for airflow.

Normally, the fan on the CPU air cooler provides airflow over the socket. Without this, components surrounding the socket get quite toasty. The Cryorig A40 series solves this problem by putting a small fan on the waterblock and aiming it directly at the VRM heatsink.

 

[manddy123]

So something like this i assume? https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hJyVHN

Yup, that's pretty much it.

 

[weberdarren97]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

As far as out of the box performance goes, there is almost no difference between the 6700k and 7700k. The main difference is that the 7700k is far better overclocker. Best to use Z270 w/ 7700k and Z170 w/ 6700k tho Z170 will work on 7700k w/ BIOS update which should be on all shipping boards at this point in time.

Th other significant difference is that with Z270 you get additional PCI-E lanes 24x PCI-E 3.0 w/ Z270 as opposed to 20 with Z170. This opens up additional M.2 storage options for you.

As far as cooling goes, there's one inescapable fact. CLC cooling never has competed with air cooling. The popular units can't catch the cheaper and better air coolers in either thermal and noise performance. Corsair's flagship H100i loses by 3C to the Noctua NH-D15 and to get that close it has to be 12 times as loud. Some if the more obscure units get close. match or in one case even edge the Noc w/ a 1C advantage in thermal performance but to do so, again, they must be much louder. Then again, the Cryorig R1 Universal air cooler edges the Noc also by 1C and while louder than the Noc, it's quieter than the CLC

For cooling, it's not so much a matter of fans but but of fan speed and radiator material. The amount of radiator required for thermal transfer can be calculated using tools found here:

http://www.overclock.net/t/1457426/radiator-size-estimator

for your typical 30mm thick, 120mm brass / copper radiator with a target Delta T of 10C

1000 rpm = 50 watts
1250 rpm = 60 watts
1400 rpm = 66 watts
1800 rpm = 81 watts
2200 rpm = 94 watts

for your typical 30mm thick, 140mm radiator

1000 rpm = 69 watts
1250 rpm = 82 watts
1400 rpm = 90 watts
1800 rpm = 110 watts
2200 rpm = 127 watts

Aluminum just doesn't do near as well which is why we see 2700 rpm fans on the H100i (2500 on H80)

Has to make you wonder about 'hybrid cooling" on GFX cards ... how do you make a single 120mm radiator handle a 250 + watt GFX card ?

 

[dhmnuts]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

 

[weberdarren97]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

 

[dhmnuts]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Now with all these responses I'm having a hard time picking between the 7700k and the 6700k. It'd be a 28 dollar difference which wouldnt matter much but still does in some way. The 7700k is $299 and the 6700k is $250, having a hard time choosing between the two.

If I go with the 7700k I'd have to go with this mobo http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to the amount and total price would be $418

 

[weberdarren97]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

 

[dhmnuts]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

 

[weberdarren97]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

There is literally no IPC improvement between Skylake (6th gen) and Kaby Lake (7th gen). The 6700K still competes well with the 7700K. Many people don't even have to increase voltage to the get 6700K to 4.5GHz (7700K stock turbo speed).

 

[dhmnuts]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

There is literally no IPC improvement between Skylake (6th gen) and Kaby Lake (7th gen). The 6700K still competes well with the 7700K. Many people don't even have to increase voltage to the get 6700K to 4.5GHz (7700K stock turbo speed).

At this point and time it'd honestly just be whatever one I would perfer having then. Anyway in the long run do u think it would matter?

 

[weberdarren97]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

There is literally no IPC improvement between Skylake (6th gen) and Kaby Lake (7th gen). The 6700K still competes well with the 7700K. Many people don't even have to increase voltage to the get 6700K to 4.5GHz (7700K stock turbo speed).

At this point and time it'd honestly just be whatever one I would perfer having then. Anyway in the long run do u think it would matter?

Kaby Lake is Skylake based. I don't think it'll really matter as both will likely become obsolete at relatively the same time.

 

[dhmnuts]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

There is literally no IPC improvement between Skylake (6th gen) and Kaby Lake (7th gen). The 6700K still competes well with the 7700K. Many people don't even have to increase voltage to the get 6700K to 4.5GHz (7700K stock turbo speed).

At this point and time it'd honestly just be whatever one I would perfer having then. Anyway in the long run do u think it would matter?

Kaby Lake is Skylake based. I don't think it'll really matter as both will likely become obsolete at relatively the same time.

To wrap up the thread and bring this to the end. If you were in my position which would you get?

 

[weberdarren97]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

There is literally no IPC improvement between Skylake (6th gen) and Kaby Lake (7th gen). The 6700K still competes well with the 7700K. Many people don't even have to increase voltage to the get 6700K to 4.5GHz (7700K stock turbo speed).

At this point and time it'd honestly just be whatever one I would perfer having then. Anyway in the long run do u think it would matter?

Kaby Lake is Skylake based. I don't think it'll really matter as both will likely become obsolete at relatively the same time.

To wrap up the thread and bring this to the end. If you were in my position which would you get?

6700K, because many Kaby Lake 7700K's have a higher default voltage.

 

[dhmnuts]

May I ask why you're using such a small radiator with an unlocked CPU that has a stock TDP of 91 watts? Is this because of fan mount limitations in your case?

The cooler is just what I've had the past 1-2 years, pretty sure 2 or close to it. I honestly have a 750D, so I doubt I have any mount limitations. Right now it's just money otherwise I would have a different cooler. Would it make that much of a difference?

It'll cool your CPU at stock clocks without issue, but may becoming overwhelmed if you increase CPU voltage to overclock.

It'd be kept stock at the time being. Going with the 7700k. Next on my list to upgrade is my GPU from a 760 4gig version to a 1060 or a 1070. Little worried about any bottlenecking with my current GPU.

So
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard
or
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474089/GA-Z270XP-SLI_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Edit;
I'd actually have to go with this http://www.microcenter.com/product/474112/GA-Z270-HD3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard due to my limit right now.

$140 for a 4+3 (maybe 4+2+1) power delivery system? Ugh, how about no.

I'd go with the HD3.

So to wrap this thread up right now in my head I'm stuck with the 7700k but still don't know what exactly to go for between the 6700k and the 7700k. I do a lot of gaming some video editing/rendering. I honestly don't know what to go for. EIther one would be an upgrade from my 8350 that I have currently. In total it would be $418 with the 7700k and the HD3 mobo.

6700k with just say the HD3 it would be a total of $374

I honestly don't know what to go for at this time. I honestly don't know what would be better for me between these two.
This is my current set up https://gyazo.com/227988ba73524c3c70e7c25df91c9df2

There is literally no IPC improvement between Skylake (6th gen) and Kaby Lake (7th gen). The 6700K still competes well with the 7700K. Many people don't even have to increase voltage to the get 6700K to 4.5GHz (7700K stock turbo speed).

At this point and time it'd honestly just be whatever one I would perfer having then. Anyway in the long run do u think it would matter?

Kaby Lake is Skylake based. I don't think it'll really matter as both will likely become obsolete at relatively the same time.

To wrap up the thread and bring this to the end. If you were in my position which would you get?

6700K, because many Kaby Lake 7700K's have a higher default voltage.

So, microcenter doesn't have the HD3 in stock, but said they do have this
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474111/GA-Z270P-D3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Is this just as fine or?

 

[weberdarren97]

So, microcenter doesn't have the HD3 in stock, but said they do have this
http://www.microcenter.com/product/474111/GA-Z270P-D3_LGA_1151_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

Is this just as fine or?

Odd design to put the VRMs above the socket and not beside it, but nothing about that board screams low quality to me. It should serve you well.