The choice of a processor is not something you can do without care. Take care to ensure that it is compatible with the other components within your computer. Things to consider include the chipset, socket, and the likes. If you are searching for one of the best LGA 1151 CPU, then this guide got written with you in mind.
It is worth is worthy of note that the CPU socket is one of the most vital components to consider when buying a motherboard. Also, your choice of motherboard is dependent on the CPU that can get connected to it. In case you already have a CPU, it is ideal you buy a suitable motherboard.
With the evolution in CPU technology, there also comes an advancement of the supporting CPUs. For instance, you may find Intel releasing new CPUs that may not be compatible with the current 1151 socket CPU. Hence people who buy the new Intel CPU would have to buy the latest motherboards as well.
The Best Rated LGA 1151 CPU
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What Exactly Is LGA 1151?
Also, referred to as Socket H4, the LGA 1151 is a socket that comes installed on your motherboard? It has a compatibility with Intel microprocessors. Currently, there are two revisions of the LGA 1151 socket. The first one got created to support Intel’s Kaby Lake and Skylake CPUs. The second revision got designed for the Coffee Lake CPUs by Intel. This revision is often referred to as LGA 1151-2 or LGA 1151v2.
Note that the LGA 1151 succeeded in the LGA 1150 socket. The code 1151 is from the 1151 pins which help connect the processor to the pads. The motherboard features a return of the Integrated Voltage Regulator. The voltage regulator helps in the conversion of the voltage of 12 V or 5 V to lesser voltages for use by the CPU. You may imagine that 5V is quite low already; most of the modern-day CPUs need a voltage that is less than 1.5V to function. The low voltage level is to lower the power dissipation as well as overheating owing to the high frequency it operates.
10 Best LGA 1151 CPU You Should Know
1. Intel i9-9900K
The Intel i9-9900K is the most powerful CPU in the 9th generation of Intel. If you are a YouTube user or casual browser, this machine will take you beyond limits. If you are a designer or gamer, this machine will give you a performance boost.
Specifications
- It comes with 5GHz boost clock
- Possesses 16 threads and 8 cores
- It is overclockable
- 60 GHz base clock
- Designed with a 14nm manufacturing process
Features
Intel believes the Core i9-9900K is the best gaming desktop processor in the world. With features such as a 5GHz clock speed, this may not be hard to accept. It also comes with 8 cores and sixteen threads. This gives it a significant performance boost when compared with the offerings from the previous year.
In architecture, there hasn’t been much of an upgrade. It still deploys the 14 nano-meter design it has used for the past few years. The good thing about this is that you will be getting backward compatibility with chipsets such as the Z370.
The Intel i9 is also overclockable which means you can get more from it in its performance. It also comes with the Solder Thermal interface materials. This implies that Intel abandoned the thermal paste for thermal solder in the manufacturing. These among other reasons make the CPU one of the best LGA 1151 processors in the market.
2. Intel i9-9900
The Intel Core i9-9900 is a processor that comes with 8 cores and uses the Coffee Lake Refresh architecture along with the Socket 1151. It is a high-performance CPU suited for rendering and gaming.
Specifications
- It comes with a frequency of 3.1 GHz
- Base clock: 100MHz
- Turbo clock: 5GHz
- Not multiplier unlocked
- TDP: 65W
- Voltage: not fixed
- Memory support: dual-channel
- Number of cores: 8
- Number of threads: 16
- Graphics support: UHD 630
Features
The Intel Core i9-9900 is a processor that came with several upgrades over its processors. Because of Intel’s Hyper-threading, the core count saw a doubling over its predecessors making it 16 threads.
The Core i9-9900 also comes fitted with 16MB of L3 cache while operating on 3.1 GHz. It can get boosted up to 4.9GHz. This is dependent on the workload. It got built on a 14nm production node. The transistor count is not known.
Also, the multiplier on the i9-9900 got locked thus limiting its overclocking potential. Also is the fact that it comes with a TDP of 65W thus meaning that it consumes as much power as most modern-day PCs. The processor also supports the DDR4 memory along with a dual-channel interface.
To help with communicating with other components in the system, it deploys a PCI-Express Gen 3 connection. It comes fitted with a UHD 630 integrated graphics solution. The virtual performance got improved on the CPU with its hardware virtualization component. It is also the ideal CPUU for applications that are calculation intensive.
3. Intel-Core-i7-9700K
With features such as eight cores, turbo boost ratio, peak frequency, and solder based thermal interface, the i7-9700K is one of the best LGA 1151 CPUs around.
Specifications
- Number of threads: 8
- Number of cores: 8
- Base frequency: 3.6GHz
- Boost frequency: 4.9GHz
- Memory support: DDR4-2666
- Cache: 12MB
- TDP: 95W
Features
This processor got built upon the Intel 14nm manufacturing process. It comes fitted with the UHD 630 Graphics engine, supports the dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory. It also comes fitted with radio multipliers.
It also sports a memory capacity support of up to 128GB. Instead of the hyper-threading obtainable in its predecessors, Intel gives users two extra cores instead. It comes fitted with a 12MB L3 Cache memory as it is with the Core i7-8700K. Given the higher core count, it means less cache per core than what was obtainable with previous designs.
Furthermore, its solder based thermal interface material means there is an improvement in heat transfer between the heat spreader and die. This enables room for two more cores without negatives. The Core i7-9700K go clocked at a base frequency of about 3.6GHz. When you put into consideration the fact that the company provides Higher Turbo boost frequencies, you should get excited.
Be mindful of the fact that the 95W ceiling does not apply to the Turbo Boost clock rates. This means you will need a cooler for the best performance.
4. Intel i7 6700K
Built on a14nm Skylake architecture, the Intel i7 6700K is one CPU that stands out from the crowd among its generation. It is a quad-core processor that comes with impressive performance and clock speed.
Specifications
- Number of cores: 8
- Number of threads: 8
- Base frequency: 4.0GHz
- Peak frequency: 4.2 GHz
- IGP: Intel HD 530
- L3 cache: 8MB
- TDP: 91W
- Unlocked multiplier: yes
Feature
With a base clock speed of 4GHz that can peak at 4.2GHz, the frequency is quite impressive. It also comes fitted with an Intel HD530 graphics which is also compatible as the HD630 graphics card.
The Core i7 6700K differs in power consumption and design optimization. It comes with four CPU cores along with hyper-threading. It also has an 8MB last level cache, DDR3 memory controller, dual-channel, Intel graphics 530-series graphics core. It also comes with the LGA 1151 package.
The name Skylake is a code name given by Intel for the 14nm architecture.
5. Intel i7-8700
The Intel i7-8700 is not your regular processor. It is one of the best LGA 1151 CPUs for several reasons. It comes as a high-end processor with 6 cores built upon the Coffee Lake architecture. It clocks a base speed of 3.2 GHz and a peak speed of 4.6GHz and can execute twelve threads owing to hyperthreading.
Specifications
- Cache: 12MB
- The clock rate of 3.2 GHz-4.6GHz
- Number of threads: 12
- Number of cores: 6
- Manufacturing technology: 14 n
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Features
This CPU does not come with a clocked multiplier and has a lower TDP. Also, owing to the two added core, the performance on this CPU sees an almost 50 percent improvement on its predecessors. This CPU is the real deal for gaming and other demanding functions.
On the graphics side, it sports an Intel UHD Graphics 630 IGPU. This gives it higher performance. In power consumption, it has a TDP with 65 Watts. It means that ell dimensioned cooling systems ought to be able to take care of the heat issues.
It also has 64-bit support and got built on the 14 nm manufacturing process. It has level 1 cache of 384 KB, level 2 caches of 1.5MB, and level 3 caches of 12MB.
6. Intel-i5-8600K
For quite some time now, the Core i5-8600K has been the Processor to beat among mid-range builders for gaming. Even though it has been in the market for quite a while, demand is still quite strong for this processor.
Specifications
- Clock rate: 3600-4300 MHz
- Cache memory: 9MB
- Number of cores: 6
- Number of threads: 6
- TDP: 95Watts
- Manufacturing technology: 14nm
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Features
Performance-wise, the Core i5-8600K still has a reputation as one of the best CPUs for gaming in the world today. It comes with six overclockable cores. It also has a base clock speed of 3.6GHz as well as a Peak Turbo Boost speed of 4.3GHz.
In the gaming department, this processor is a monster as if offers unique speeds at both 1440p and 1080p. The two extra cores give it an extra advantage over its predecessors. The aggressive turbo boost gives it improved performance in threaded workloads.
Furthermore, it's a wonderful overclocking experience and its gaming capabilities make this CPU stand out on this socket 1151 CPU list.
7. Intel i5-8400
Also making this LGA 151 CPU list is the Intel i5 8400. This CPU turned out to be one of the surprises of the Coffee Lake CPUs for several reasons.
Specifications
- Number of cores: 6
- Number of threads: 6
- Peak turbo frequency: 4.00GHz
- Base frequency: 2.80GHz
- Cache: 9MB
- TDP: 65W
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Features
The Intel i5 8400 comes with six cores even though it does not have the hyperthreading feature. This means that it retains the six threads of processing power. The base clock speed is quite low at 2.8GHz even though it can get up to 4GHz. This is only applicable with the single-core as the chip usually sticks to a frequency of 3.8GHz.
It also features an L3 cache of 9MB and a TDP of 65W. It got built upon the 14nm architecture same as the Kaby Lake and Skylake.
Furthermore, it does not come with an option of backward compatibility. It will also only function with a 300-series chipset.
8. Intel-i5-9400F
Loaded with some unique updates, it comes with the features that define what a mid-range gaming CPU should be like. But the Intel i5-9400F comes with some unique features that make it one of the best LGA 1151 CPUs around.
Specifications
- Number of cores: 6
- Number of threads: 6
- Base frequency: 2.9
- Turbo frequency: 4.1
- L3 cache: 9MB
- Manufacturing process: 14nm
- Memory Speed DDR4-2666
Features
The core i5-9400F comes with six cores even though it doesn’t have the Hyper-threading function. It operates at a frequency of between 2.9-4.1GHz. This is plus the 9MB of L3 cache memory.
Furthermore, it has a power rating of 65Watts. It also comes with a locked multiplier while also being compatible with Intel's 300 series chipset motherboards. It is worthy of note that this F-Series processor does not have an integrated graphics core which means you have to use a graphics card when using it. You will also need a CPU cooler.
9. Intel-i3-8100
The Intel i3-8100 makes out a list of best 1151 CPUs for several unique reasons. It comes with a 3.6GHz clock and 4 threads.
Specifications
- CPU: Core i3-8100
- Core: 4
- Threads:4
- IGP: yes
- Technology: 14nm
- Graphics: Intel UHD 630
- L3 cache memory: 6MB
Features
This eight-generation Core i7 CPU of the Coffee Lake generation comes with the Kaby Lake architecture. It got made with 14nm manufacturing technology.
It features eight threads and four cores. It has a reputation as the most basic among the Core i3 family. It is best suited for desktop computers designated for work and gaming. it has a clock speed of 3.6 GHz and does not have the turbo boost technology.
Also, it has an L3 cache memory of 6MB and a TDP of 65. It also sports the Intel UHD 630 video graphics. It comes with the locked multiplier function hence you won’t be able to overclock it by modifying the multiplier.
10. Intel-i3-9100F
The final CPU on our list of the best CPU for LGA 1151 is the Intel i3-9100F. One of the most remarkable features of this CPU is that it is worth every penny and more!
Specifications
- Number of cores: quad-core
- Clock speed: 3.6GHz
- Peak turbo speed: 4.2GHz
- Cache memory: 6MB
- Number of threads: 4
- Manufacturing process: 14nm
Features
The Intel i3-9100F comes with four core and four threads. It also boasts of a base clock frequency of 3.6GHz and a peak frequency of 4.2GHz. Added to this is the 6MB of cache memory.
This CPU also comes with a 65W TDP and can support up to 64GB of RAM. It runs on the Intel 300 series motherboards as well. Note that it is not unlocked and this means that they are multiplier locked.
Important Things To Know Before Purchasing A CPU
It can be quite intimidating and confusing for new users when they hear terms such as clock speed, cores, frequency, and other related terms. Here is a breakdown of some important terms you should know before making the big decision.
Clock Speed
The clock speed is one of the most vital components of your CPU. This stands for the cycles per second which the core of your CPU can execute. More often than not, it gets measured in gigahertz and it stands for billions of cycles for each second which a CPU can execute.
There is another critical factor at play here: this is the clock cycles per instruction. It can take many clock cycles to execute one single instruction. Often, different processors need varying numbers of clock cycles to have instruction executed. This means that a 2.4 GHz processor which requires 4 cycles to carry out instructions. There is also one that is 1.2 GHz and requires 2 cycles for each instruction are functioning at the speed.
TDP
TDP stands for Thermal Design Power and it implies the amount of heat that your CPU can generate which your cooling unit will be able to handle. This number got defined by Intel as the mean power dissipation of the central processing unit when it is being operated at a peak workload.
Several CPUs come with an in-built cooling system which got designed to handle the TDP while some do not. Whichever the case may be, it is important to ensure that the amount of power that gets dispelled is enough to cause damage or overheat of your CPU. In the event you decide to overlock your CPU, this number becomes less relevant because the actual dissipation is usually quite higher.
IGP
One other important component to consider when choosing any of the best LGA 1151 CPUs is the IGP. This stands for the Integrated Graphics Processor. The processor is a chip that is in the motherboard and uses some of the processing power of the CPU to help process graphics. It thus serves as a graphics card. Their size is quite limited and they do not come with their dedicated cooling system such as what is obtainable in video cards. They are also soldered to the motherboard and they cannot get upgraded or replaced.
CPU core numbers
The processor and CPU can get used in tandem. A processor and CPU do not mean the same thing. A CPU core stands for a processor. And a processor can work on a single task. Having more Cores means that you will be able to handle more tasks every time. This thus means your computer will be operating at a faster capacity.
Note that not all processes derive benefits from possessing many cores. For instance, video games do not deploy all the available cores. Animation and video editing may benefit from having many cores. They are between 2 to 8 cores in the regular CPUs these days. You may even find the number going as high as 18 Cores in the case of workstations.
Maximum Turbo Frequency
Max Turbo Frequency refers to a term that is synonymous with Intel processors. By deploying this technology, each of the CPUs may function at higher frequencies when compared with its base frequency. While using this boost, ensure to avoid overheating.
Cache
The CPU cache is a memory module found close to the processor. What it does is to copy data from memory locations that gets visited always and store them for quicker access. This means your computer will analyze you and tell which memory location is most required. It is then stored in the cache so that there won’t be a need for your CPU does not have to navigate to the main memory to get.
There are several cache memories and they get denoted with L1, L2, L3, and the likes. L1 is the fastest and also the smallest. It is a vital component of the performance of your CPU as it can optimize your activities.
A Comparison Of LGA 1151 Revision 1 And Revision 2
It is interesting to note that LGA 1151 revision 1 supports both Kaby Lake and Skylake CPUs. This implies that you may need to put your focus on revision 2 if you intend to get the latest CPUs. Also, the majority of the motherboards with the LGA 1151 revision 1 socket are only known to support the DDR4 memory. Few come with DDR3 (L) support. The socket is compatible with the Intel 200 and 100 chipset series and this includes the B150, H110, B250, and the likes.
The LGA 1151 revision supports the Coffee Lake CPUs and it works with the 9th and 8th generation CPUs which use the 300 series chipset of Intel. They include the B360, H310, Z390, and Z370. Even though it is only a revision of the initial version, it still comes with the same features as the original version. There is some pin modification to give it some more power lines which would help it supports 8-core and 6-core CPUs.
Even with the physical compatibility, it does not come with backward compatibility with both revisions. The reason for this is the relocated processor pin. This implies that you will not be able to use revision one socket with a 300 series chipset.
You will also not be able to use revision two sockets for 200 and 100 series Intel Chipsets. Hence, you will have to be quite careful when purchasing any of the best LGA 1151 CPUs. The reason is that Intel does not recognize them with a formal name. You must use the proper chipset revision. To help you out with this, each manufacturer of motherboards often keeps a list of chipsets supported so that you won’t have issues getting the information.
LGA 1150 Vs LGA 1151
Also known as the H3 socket, the LGA 1150 socket succeeded in the LGA 1155 socket. This socket is compatible with Intel’s CPUs made on the Broadwell and Haswell microarchitectures.
Some of the core difference of both CPUs includes the following:
- LGA 1150 comes with one less contact that LGA 1151
- LGA 1150 is the predecessor of LGA 1151
- LGA 1151 got made for Kaby Lake, Skylake, and Coffee Lake processors. LGA 1150 supports Haswell-WS, Haswell, and Broadwell processors.
- LGA 1150 is DDR3 supporting while LGA 1151 is DDR4 supporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many contacts does the LGA 1151 have
The LGA 1151 socket comes with 1151 contacts which are contact more than the 1150 socket.
- What is the difference between Core i3, i5, and i7?
The numbers indicate their relative processing powers. It has nothing to do with the total number of neither cores each CPU has nor the speed. The family in which a CPU gets grouped is dependent on several factors. These include hyperthreading, Turbo Boost, and the likes.
- DO motherboards come with CPU?
No, they don’t. CPUs and motherboards are often sold apart. Selling them together will limit the PC builder.
- How can I tell if my CPU is compatible with my motherboard?
The best way to know this is via the socket and the memory as well as the chipset compatibility.
- What is the ideal amount I should spend on a motherboard?
This depends on your budget. For instance, you should only consider higher-end options if you intend using many graphics cards, or need to get your PC working to the limits.
Conclusion
Here you have it: the best LGA 1151 CPUs available in the market right now! We ensured that every item that made this list was tested and vetted. Your choice at the end of the day should factor in the intended use.
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