Chipset & CPU Compatibility Help

[DatScrubBoi]

I'm trying to build a system and there's one thing I've never been able to understand or find a good explanation for, I'm not sure how the chipset and CPU are supposed to match up.

I'm looking at a Core i5 6600K and I was trying to shop for a motherboard on several sites by filtering the LGA1151 socket type, and I noticed that one of the boards I liked has a B150 chipset, and some of the more high-end boards have a Z170 chipset, I also read an article about how the Z170 was supposedly a good match for Skylake processors.

As far as I can tell if the socket fits then the CPU should be okay for the most part, but I'm afraid of spending so much money and things not being compatible. I know there is a large "compatibility check" section on Intel's site but I would just like to know if you really do have to check the compatibility of the chipset and CPU every time or if the socket is all that matters.

Also, what would be an optimal chipset for the 6600K?

Thank you guys for your help!

[HKZeroFive]

The K-series processors are CPUs that can be overclocked. To do so, you must pair them with the Z170 chipset. AFAIK, you cannot do it with the B150 and H170 chipsets - they're optimal for the 'locked' or non-K processors.

 

So in the case of the i5 6600K, it would be in your best interest to get a Z170 motherboard to allow for overclocking.

[DatScrubBoi]

Yeah after I found that out I wasn't planning on getting the B150 board anymore, but I just want to understand the correlation between the chipset and CPU

[Oshino Shinobu]

1 minute ago, skylerskinner said:

Yeah after I found that out I wasn't planning on getting the B150 board anymore, but I just want to understand the correlation between the chipset and CPU

A way to think of it is that the correct socket is what's required for the CPU to actually work, but then the different chipsets determine the features available. 

For example, features like overclocking and SLI support are not available on the B150 or H170 chipsets, only the Z170 (for consumer Skylake, at least). Typically, the Z and X chipsets have the most features and newer technologies, while the H and B chipsets are designed to work for what's needed. The B series is often used in mass-produced PCs for use in things like offices and schools, as it works, but doesn't have any unneeded features for those environments. 

There's also server and workstation chipsets, but with Skylake, Intel has moved Xeons away from the consumer platform, so you most likely don't need to worry about those. 

[HKZeroFive]

7 minutes ago, skylerskinner said:

Yeah after I found that out I wasn't planning on getting the B150 board anymore, but I just want to understand the correlation between the chipset and CPU

For most of the time, the chipset would only matter if you have a K-series CPU or not. For example, the a i5 6600K would be best suited with a Z170 for overclocking. As opposed to this a i5 6500 (non-K), would be better suited with a cheaper H170, B150 since you cannot overclock it anyway.

 

The socket is 'universal' in a sense (in this case LGA1151). While it wouldn't be the best choice, a Z170 could be paired with a i5 6500 and it would be compatible. Same goes for a B150 and a i5 6600K. Only problem is that you cannot overclock either.

 

I hope that answers your question.

[DatScrubBoi]

1 minute ago, HKZeroFive said:

For most of the time, the chipset would only matter if you have a K-series CPU or not. For example, the a i5 6600K would be best suited with a Z170 for overclocking. As opposed to this a i5 6500 (non-K), would be better suited with a cheaper H170, B150 since you cannot overclock it anyway.

 

The socket is 'universal' in a sense (in this case LGA1151). While it wouldn't be the best choice, a Z170 could be paired with a i5 6500 would be compatible. Only problem is that you cannot overclock.

 

I hope that answers your question.

That's exactly what I needed to know, thank you!