Intel Z270 chipset: supported CPUs, overclocking, PCIe and USB
The Intel Z270 is an Intel chipset for the LGA1151 socket (Intel 200 series, launched Q1'17). Per its specification it supports 6th Gen Core, 7th Gen Core; CPU overclocking — yes, memory overclocking — yes; graphics card: —.
18 desktop CPUs from the FPSHQ catalogue are compatible with it (0 of them need a BIOS update); the fastest in games is the Core i7-7700K. Other chipsets of this platform: Intel H270, Intel B250, Intel Z170, Intel H170, Intel B150, Intel H110.
Key figures
Intel Z270 among LGA1151 chipsets
Official specifications of LGA1151 (6th–7th Gen) platform chipsets; switch the parameter.
Intel Z270 specifications
| Socket | LGA1151 (6th–7th Gen) |
|---|---|
| Series | Intel 200 |
| Launch | Q1'17 |
| Processors | 6th Gen Core, 7th Gen Core |
| Memory | DDR4 · DIMMs per channel: 2 (up to 4 slots) |
| CPU overclocking | yes |
| Memory overclocking | yes |
| BCLK overclocking | yes |
| PCIe from the chipset | PCIe 3.0 × 24 |
| USB 20 Gbps | 0 |
| USB 10 Gbps | 0 |
| USB 3.x ports | 10 |
| Total USB ports | 14 |
| SATA 6 Gbps ports | 6 |
These are the chipset’s capabilities per its specification; a specific board may have fewer ports and slots — check its specifications. Source: intel.com (ark)
CPUs for Intel Z270 boards
| Processor | Gaming Score | BIOS | Unlocked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-7700K | 3590 | no BIOS update | yes |
| Core i7-6700K | 3340 | no BIOS update | yes |
| Core i7-7700 | 3340 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i7-6700 | 3150 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i5-7600K | 3080 | no BIOS update | yes |
| Core i5-7600 | 2970 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i5-6600K | 2900 | no BIOS update | yes |
| Core i5-6600 | 2850 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i5-7500 | 2850 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i5-6500 | 2720 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i5-7400 | 2700 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i5-6400 | 2550 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i3-7100 | 2250 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i3-6100 | 2100 | no BIOS update | no |
| Pentium G4560 | 2040 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i3-7100T | 1840 | no BIOS update | no |
| Core i3-7100TE | 1800 | no BIOS update | no |
| Pentium G4400 | 1580 | no BIOS update | no |
Which CPUs does the Intel Z270 support and is a board with it worth buying?
The Intel Z270 is an Intel chipset for the LGA1151 socket (Intel 200, launched Q1'17). Per its official specification (checked Oct 8, 2026) it supports 6th Gen Core, 7th Gen Core; CPU overclocking — yes, memory overclocking — yes; PCIe for the graphics card — —. 18 desktop CPUs in the FPSHQ catalogue are compatible with it, 0 of them need a BIOS update; the fastest in games is the Core i7-7700K. A Intel Z270 board is a good fit if your CPU is in this list and its overclocking, USB and PCIe capabilities are enough for you; otherwise compare it with other chipsets of the platform: Intel H270, Intel B250, Intel Z170, Intel H170, Intel B150, Intel H110. A specific board may have fewer ports than the chipset specification — check its specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Which CPUs does the Intel Z270 support?
Can I overclock the CPU on a Intel Z270 board?
Which PCIe version does the graphics card get on a Intel Z270 board?
Which memory do Intel Z270 boards support?
Do I need a BIOS update for a new CPU on a Intel Z270 board?
Methodology and sources
Chipset specifications come from Intel ark (each chipset’s page) and AMD AM4/AM5 chipset pages, checked Oct 8, 2026. Compatibility: socket (for LGA1151 — generation) and the CPU family in the chipset’s support list; “BIOS” — per the chipset maker, firmware with support is required. The FPSHQ tip is a rule, not data: without overclocking — the newest mid-range chipset without a mandatory BIOS update; for overclocking — the newest one with CPU overclocking. Fields missing from the official source are shown as “—”. More about the methodology →
- Intel ark: desktop chipsets (Oct 8, 2026)