Tuesday, July 17th 2018

Intel Z370 Chipset Motherboards Get 8-core CPU Compatibility BIOS Updates

A variety of motherboards based on Intel Z370 Express chipset began receiving the first BIOS updates that add compatibility with upcoming Intel 8-core processors. The updates are flagged "beta" by the manufacturers. Given that only Z370 (and not other 300-series chipset models) have such updates, it's possible that Intel could restrict the first socket LGA1151 8-core processor SKUs (which could be unlocked "K" variants with higher TDP) to Z370 chipset, as the chipset has stronger VRM requirements than other chipset models that don't support CPU overclocking.

To support the upcoming processors, the BIOS needs to include the latest 06EC microcode revision. Various motherboard manufacturers, such as ASUS, ASRock, and MSI, have released beta BIOS updates with this microcode, as confirmed in AMI Aptio inspection tool screenshots. The 06EC microcode, detailed in this slide-deck from Intel, hardens the machine against newer variants of the "Spectre" vulnerability. Older revisions of this document also mentioned support for Intel Core "9000 series" processors, before Intel scampered to redact it.
Sources: momomo_us (Twitter), ComputerBase.de
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14 Comments on Intel Z370 Chipset Motherboards Get 8-core CPU Compatibility BIOS Updates

#1
Enterprise24
I am sure that Z170 and 270 with modded BIOS and pencil mod can continue to use these 8 core.
Posted on Reply
#2
R-T-B
Enterprise24I am sure that Z170 and 270 with modded BIOS and pencil mod can continue to use these 8 core.
The issue isn't the VRMs, it's the copper contacts that deliver the power.

I'd feel comfortable pushing 6-core with a quality z170 or z270 board. I'd worry about tacking two more cores on though, honestly.
Posted on Reply
#3
dwade
The only 8 cores CPU that matters.
Posted on Reply
#4
R-T-B
vpremThose motherboarders cannot make good money when they are made to churn-out "new"/virtually-no-difference motherboards - and THEY are all complaining to "Stoning The Intelligensia". After all, their "Fixed Costs" might seemingly be "sitting on their hands" but they ALL could be better "employed" when NOT designing/churning-out "new" motherboards, etc.. No wonder the $1k motherboard will soon be arriving, Ja, the $1k GPU having arrived Sooner than Later. Yes, Long Live $1k EVERYTHANG, especially when paid for churning out "news".
Pardon?
dwadeThe only 8 cores CPU that matters.
Market interest speaks a different story, but hey, everyone has an opinion I suppose.
Posted on Reply
#5
dj-electric
dwadeThe only 8 cores CPU that matters.
Not if they go bananas with pricing. Hold your excitement.
Posted on Reply
#6
Vya Domus
Would you look at that , turns out they can support newer CPUs with higher core counts without changing the socket. Who would have thought ?
R-T-BMarket interest speaks a different story, but hey, everyone has an opinion I suppose.
Just a troll , look at his past posts. Don't bother responding to that.
Posted on Reply
#7
techy1
but how are they gona market a z390 to us now? I mean since Z170 (3 years old at this point) - this platform has seen zero improvements (of course -the Optene support- how could I forget that :D), but intel still "managed" to market z270, then z370 to us... but what with z390now?
Posted on Reply
#8
bonehead123
techy1but how are they gona market a z390 to us now? I mean since Z170 (3 years old at this point) - this platform has seen zero improvements (of course -the Optene support- how could I forget that :D), but intel still "managed" to market z270, then z370 to us... but what with z390now?
word:

MiLk o_O
Posted on Reply
#9
Gasaraki
vpremThose motherboarders cannot make good money when they are made to churn-out "new"/virtually-no-difference motherboards - and THEY are all complaining to "Stoning The Intelligensia". After all, their "Fixed Costs" might seemingly be "sitting on their hands" but they ALL could be better "employed" when NOT designing/churning-out "new" motherboards, etc.. No wonder the $1k motherboard will soon be arriving, Ja, the $1k GPU having arrived Sooner than Later. Yes, Long Live $1k EVERYTHANG, especially when paid for churning out "news".
Excuse you.
Posted on Reply
#10
Kaotik
WTH? Where does it say those BIOS updates bring support for 8-core CPUs?
Nowhere - we know 9000-series exists but Intel has so far only confirmed up to 6 core CPUs for it. 8-core could just aswell be limited to Z390
Posted on Reply
#11
jboydgolfer
no new mobo required!>?!?! that would be nice for a change,huh? not needing a new mobo every 3 years if your interested in the newest lineup.
Posted on Reply
#12
Dave65
dwadeThe only 8 cores CPU that matters.
Not hardly, only a moron would say that.
Posted on Reply
#13
InVasMani
techy1but how are they gona market a z390 to us now? I mean since Z170 (3 years old at this point) - this platform has seen zero improvements (of course -the Optene support- how could I forget that :D), but intel still "managed" to market z270, then z370 to us... but what with z390now?
No I received the improvement of having my i3 BCLK OC wrecked by the spectre/meltdown patch oh and performance penalty on top of it and a upgrade path that's less worth while than than buying a AMD motherboard and CPU would be for either the i5 or i7. Plus they threw in a weak IMC and shoddy heat spreader. I have feeling this is simply going to piss more people off than it's going to make happy since both z170 and z270 owners are going to feel spurned big time by it.
Posted on Reply
#14
SolidAir79
KaotikWTH? Where does it say those BIOS updates bring support for 8-core CPUs?
Nowhere - we know 9000-series exists but Intel has so far only confirmed up to 6 core CPUs for it. 8-core could just aswell be limited to Z390
Just updated my z370 Taichi bios to 3.10 which states support for new intel 8 core processors .
Posted on Reply
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