z97 versus z170 MB

[Craig234]

After checking here, I got the ASrock extreme6 z97 MB to use with an i7-4790K for $120.

But now I see on sale a Z170 MB, "GIGABYTE G1 Gaming GA-Z170N-Gaming 5 (rev. 1.0) LGA 1151 Intel Z170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 Mini ITX" for $125.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...15-Index-_-IntelMotherboards-_-13128846-S1A2B

If the Z170 can use both DDR3 or DDR4, and the i7-4790K (5th generation, right), I'm wondering, why shouldn't I get a z170 MB?

It seems like for 'futureproofing' and updates etc., between the DDR4, USB 3.1, built-in Sounblaster X-Fi, and I assume other feathers, wouldn't that make sense? For gaming.

(The one I linked is a mini ITX whatever that is, and I assume ATX is better if you have room for it, but the point is, why not get a Z170 MB?)

This is a problem not being as well informed as I'd like on this purchase, despite reading quite a few reviews.

(Also I though I'd got the extreme6 for less than that but just saw the price on the invoice, any opinion whether that's a deal worth keeping, or any suggestion to get something else?)

 

[VirtualLarry]

If the Z170 can use both DDR3 or DDR4, and the i7-4790K (5th generation, right), I'm wondering, why shouldn't I get a z170 MB?

No, i7-4790K is 4th-gen Core, and goes on a socket 1150 motherboard, like a z97. Z170 is socket 1151, 6th-gen Core. Those require a i5-6600K or i7-6700K CPU, which is currently being price-gouged, due to limited supply.

Plus, you would have to invest in DDR4.

 

[Craig234]

OK, so the z170 isn't backwards-compatible to i7-4790K and DDR3, good to know.

So just stick with the $120 extreme6 as a good pick? (And I missed the 5th generation?)

 

[vailr]

Z170 is socket 1151, 6th-gen Core. Those require a i5-6600K or i7-6700K CPU, which is currently being price-gouged, due to limited supply.

Actually, Newegg currently lists 11 varieties of socket 1151 CPU's:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007671 600565702
There's also some others, yet to be listed on Newegg, such as "ultra low voltage" i5-6500T, i5-6600T, & i7-6700T.
https://www.colamco.com/intel-core-i5-i5-6600-i5-6600t-processor-cm8066201920601-1140259

 

[VirtualLarry]

Actually, Newegg currently lists 11 varieties of socket 1151 CPU's:

But those are the only two unlocked quad-cores, like the i7-4790K he picked out.

 

[Arachnotronic]

OK, so the z170 isn't backwards-compatible to i7-4790K and DDR3, good to know.

So just stick with the $120 extreme6 as a good pick? (And I missed the 5th generation?)

It's a great pick. Enjoy!

 

[Craig234]

It's a great pick. Enjoy!

Thanks, that helps feel good about the pick!

 

[Shmee]

Some boards for Z170 support DDR3, but they are generally the cheaper ones.

 

[Arachnotronic]

Some boards for Z170 support DDR3, but they are generally the cheaper ones.

AFAIK, it's DDR3L only.