Two Z970 motherboards from ASRock, the Live Mixer WiFi and Pro-A WiFi, have appeared in Vietnamese customs shipping records dated end of September 2026. The Z970 chipset is rumored to support CPU multiplier overclocking, potentially expanding unlocked SKUs beyond Intel's traditional high-end segment. Leaker Jaykihn reports it will replace most of the current B860 market, marking a significant shift from Intel's usual strategy of reserving overclocking for premium chipsets.
While Robert Hallock has previously stated the goal is more accessible overclocking, Intel has not yet officially announced Z970 or Z990. Details are expected at CES January 2027, aligning with the rumored launch window. If pricing aligns with B860, the platform could become the most interesting option for most builders.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing