Need a new MB, either Z170 or Z270 for overclocking!

wingman99 · Apr 27, 2017

Woomack said:
I haven't seen any difference in IMC between any SL and KL that I had. Regardless if I was using i3, i5 or i7, max clock was always limited by the motherboard and its design. In theory KL has better memory controller but in real it doesn't matter as we can't check how better it is because of motherboard limits.

Cheaper motherboards have thin PCB and not optimized traces layout. It's causing additional interference and worse memory OC. Only 2 slot motherboards can handle higher than 4266 memory clock. Most motherboards won't support more than 3866 memory clock and some only in single channel mode.
In the end if you want high memory clock then you have to invest in good motherboard. Z270 are generally better choice because more models have improved layout while on Z170 only some ITX boards with shorter traces and ASRock OCF/OCFM are supporting 4000+ memory in dual channel.
Every single Z170/Z270 motherboard has DDR4-3200 support and even then you may find additional info that it depends on CPU and IMC.

Right now I'm not sure why anyone would choose Z170 over Z270. Z270 has additional features ( depends on motherboard ) and is simply newer so compatibility updates and BIOS releases will be longer available.

Where did you acquire the PCB layout and thin quality facts? Because the $114.99 GIGABYTE Z170 HD3 has a maximum memory clock of 3466(O.C.) and the $114.99 GIGABYTE Z270 HD3 has a maximum memory clock of 3866(O.C.) and the $108.99 GIGABYTE Z270P-D3 has a different layout with achieving the same maximum memory clock of 3866(O.C.)

I know the $199.99 GIGABYTE AORUS GA-Z270X-Gaming K7 has a maximum of memory clock of 4133 (O.C.), I just wonder since it is a more expensive motherboard, then they do more testing to achieve that speed.

The maximum 3866(O.C.) has the same 2 oz Copper PCB.

azuza001 · Apr 27, 2017

These are the current boards I am looking at, the free game is a nice bonus since its a game I would buy anyways which makes a very nice saving. Any input on the current choices would be great.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132567 Asus z170 Pro Gaming - Has a free 60$ game with it, 125$
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132935 Asus Z270 Tuf Mark 2 - Has a free 60$ game with it, 130$
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157746 AsRock z270 Killer SLI - Has Wifi built in, 130$
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128971 Gigabyte GA-Z270X - Has free Wifi offer, sexy looking without looking goofy, 150$

I haven't used an Asus board in years, but I used to run an AsRock Z68 Gen 3 that I liked a lot, and that Gigabyte looks cool.... not that looks should matter honestly. Performance to cost is king to me.

Alaric · Apr 27, 2017

Built in and/or free wifi is good. My Z170x Giga board seems pretty solid so far. I don't think I would buy a Z170 board at this stage of the game, though. The Z270 chipsets are out so you may as well take advantage of the latest tech. Having said that, a Z170 board isn't likely to leave you wanting anything but the new number on the chipset, honestly. I've had good luck with Asus boards, too. My last rig is still going strong at 4400 MHz on a hex core FX 5 years later. I have no experience with Asrock, but they seem to have a good rep around here. Unless I really wanted the game I'd be looking at the Giga, then the Asrock. But that could just as easily be in opposite order. I just picked the manuf. I'm most familiar with regarding LGA 1151 first.

Need a new MB, either Z170 or Z270 for overclocking!

wingman99

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azuza001

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Alaric

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