Need to replace motherboard question

[sirbassington]

Hi, so I have a question that might have been answered a thousand times here already but I can't seem to find the right forum posts that are similar to mine. SO this week my motherboard died and won't boot after the Windows Fall Creator Update and as a result I need a new motherboard for my Desktop PC.

-My current (dead) Mobo is a MSI Z170A Gaming Pro Carbdon (Form Factor is ATX) that supports 6th gen Intel processors and has the socket spec of LGA1151

-Current working CPU is an Intel i7-6700 (3.4 GHz at 8MB not sure if needed to know)

I wish to keep my CPU obviously and just wish to find another ATX Mobo that will fit my CPU but I'm not sure how to ask or research that. I see a LOT of Mobos in the ranges of Z270 mostly and was wondering if my CPU can be put onto a Z270 since I'm not really sure what the difference is between that and the Z170. And for reference, am I wrong for assuming that my CPU can be put onto a different board so long as the socket matches and any needed BIOS updates or whatnot are met?

Thanks in advance!

 

[volkgren]

Yes your CPU will fit and work in a Z270 without needing a BIOS update.

Z270 is backwards-compatible with 6th-gen, but Z170 is only forwards-compatible with 7th-gen with a BIOS update.

*Z270 (and Z170) is meant for overclocking, but you can still use it if you want to or maybe think you might get a K series CPU later. B250 and H270 are other options of motherboards you can get that may be cheaper, and of course B150 and H170.