bit-tech: Can you go into more technical detail about why the new CPUs are not backwards-compatible with Z270 motherboards?
Andrew: Actually, it depends on Intel’s decision.
bit-tech: So it’s not a physical limitation? Intel said it was to do with power delivery.
Andrew: Not really. It [the power delivery] makes a little bit of difference, but not much.
bit-tech: So what are they referring to – the 20 or so unused pins from before?
Andrew: Yes.
bit-tech: So if you wanted and Intel let you, you could make Z270 compatible?
Andrew: Yes, but you also require an upgrade from the ME [Management Engine] and a BIOS update. Intel somehow has locked the compatibility.
bit-tech: The 20 previously unused pins that you mentioned, what are they now used for?
Andrew: Many of them are used for power control. It's possible that these are in preparation for the high-core count processors.
