When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best LGA 1151 CPU (Budget, Gaming)

LGA 1151 is a popular CPU socket type used by many mainstream desktop processors, and choosing the best LGA 1151 CPU can be a daunting task.

With a wide range of processors available, each with its own set of features, specifications, and performance capabilities, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your needs.

When it comes to building or upgrading a desktop PC, the processor or CPU is one of the most important components to consider.

In this context, this topic will discuss and provide insights on the best LGA 1151 CPUs available in the market. It will cover a range of factors, including performance, power consumption, price, and compatibility with other components, to help readers make an informed decision when selecting a processor for their system.

Whether you are a casual user, a gamer, or a professional, this guide will provide valuable information to help you choose the best LGA 1151 CPU that meets your specific requirements.

Cut to the chase, LGA 1151 was initially introduced for Intel 6th Gen cores. In other terms processors with this socket were kept under the Skylake core generation line. This socket builds on four physical cores with eight logical hyperthreading cores. You don’t need to be overwhelmed by these terms. We will talk about core types, functions, and hyper thread cores further in the article. Coming towards the main difference between LGA 1151 socket, which is a successor to LGA 1150 socket. 

So unlike its predecessor, LGA 1151 comes with an improvised number of pins and memory support. These two are the main features that set these two sockets apart. It doesn’t mean that LGA 1150 is an obsolete core. But the main point is these both sockets are powerful and practical with their respective cores and motherboards. For example, LGA 1151 cores support DDR4 memory modules. Undeniably it is the latest memory iteration in the market after the DDR5 memory type. 

Another factor that differentiates LGA 1151 from its big brother LGA 1150 is the chipset support. In addition, there are many other crucial factors that are important for LGA 1151 CPUs. To discover these powerful factors and get a glance at the Best LGA 1151 CPUs you need to scroll down. So let’s proceed to unveil these CPUs and know what processor is best for you. For example, if you are a gamer Intel Core i9-9900K desktop processor with 8 cores would be the best match for your needs. 

Our recommended list of the Best LGA 1151 CPU

  1. Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor
  2. Intel i7-9700K Coffee Lake LGA 1151 CPU Processor
  3. Intel Core i5-8600K Desktop Processor
  4. Intel Core i5-9600K Desktop Processor
  5. Intel® Core™ i5-9400F Desktop Processor

1- Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor

Intel has always reserved its spot in the top 10 best CPUs in the market. Although AMD has also introduced its best Ryzen processor in the market. But for a significant number of users, Intel has its own supremacy. For instance, this i9-9900K octa-core processor has always remained on the buying list of users, especially gamers. Core i9-9900K has 8 hyper-threaded cores (8 cores and 16 threads). This technology helps in running tasks like video editing and graphic designing highly parallelizable. 

Furthermore, Intel just did not increase its core count in this generation of core processors. But also take note of the frequency performance and clock speed to appease the gamer’s community. Plus core i9-9900K is equipped with a 5 GHz turbo boost frequency to unleash good gaming performance. Moreover, the i9-9900K is the only processor from its generation line which is engineered with hyperthreading. You can play Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty games without any trouble or bottleneck issues. 

It is also integrated with Intel UHD graphics 630 cards to handle gaming tasks. It also provides support to accelerate video editing and graphic rendering operation. It means i9-9900K has the capability to display graphs with high frame rates. You can not only enjoy a good screen interaction experience in gaming with its integrated graphics card. But its stable overclocking feature helps you to crash any game. Not only for gamers, but you can also consider this top-text from Intel for regular use. The best part is for office use or regular purposes you don’t need to buy a discrete graphics card. 

Coming towards the memory module of i9-9900K is stocked with DDR4 memory iteration. It is one of the most latest memory channels in the market right now. This fastest memory helps the CPU to process and render information and data more quickly. Its ecosystem is designed to consume 95W (TDP), thus higher power will definitely grant you high performance. Overall, this processor is the best choice if you want to buy a new CPU or swap it with the existing one for a multi-threaded application. It means you can run different applications while streaming games without any worry. 

Pros

  • Intel series chipset
  • 95W (TDP)
  • DDR4 memory
  • 8 Hyper-threading cores
  • Integrated graphic card 

Cons

  • Expensive price tag 

2- Intel i7-9700K Coffee Lake LGA 1151 CPU Processor

Intel CPU model i7 is from the company’s 9th generation which was released 5 years ago. Now, you might be thinking if this processor is worth connecting with your LGA 1151 motherboard in 2023. Yes, it is completely worth buying this flagship in 2023 despite the fact it is a 5 years older process. But the main point is this process delivers exceptional performance in games that require higher fresh rates. Not only games it also provides significant support and performance in 3D modeling and design tasks. So whether you are a beginner gamer or a 3D modeler, you can grab this top tier.

Like all the other processors of intel, this core is also engineered with the best features like cores, frequency, architecture, TDP value, chipset, and many more. However, intel has performed some improvisations in the i7 model from the coffee lake generation. Unlike its predecessor, the i7 has better capability to handle overclocking and increased memory capacity. Plus it has more thermal power design value than AMD Ryzen’s latest 7 3700X models with 37% less pricing. Likewise, 12 MB memory capacity with the DDR4 memory module helps to run the processor for over years without latency issues. 

A turbo boost speed of 4.9GHz helps to achieve high performance in tasks like video editing, graphic rendering, and 3D modeling. In a nutshell, you can enjoy high frame rate performance in AAA titles games and can execute graphic editing simultaneously. For connectivity features 16x PCIe lanes to handle more peripherals. Like the i9-9900K, it is also equipped with Intel’s UHD graphics 630. It means you can easily enjoy high-quality videos and high gaming frame rates. 

Pros

  • 4.9GHz boost speed
  • 12MB memory cache
  • integrated graphic card 
  • Octa-core processor
  •  16x PCIe lanes 

Cons

  • No integrated cooler

3- Intel Core i5-8600K Desktop Processor

To solve all your gaming-related problems like high frame rates, bottleneck, latency, and overclocking stability let’s introduce another flagship from Intel. The i5 model is from the 8th generation of intel processors with enhanced features. To accommodate your gaming as well as content editing needs it comes with a dual memory lane. For memory capacity, it holds a 6MB cache to execute information and data accurately. Likewise, for cores and threads, it counts up to 8 for both core and threading.

Moreover, it is a single-threaded core with a 4.3 Max boost clock frequency. Unshackle high frame rates and epic gaming performance with its incredible VR. Plus, it prevents you from facing bottleneck issues while upgrading graphic cards. It means it can accommodate the latest graphic card without malfunction. It is worth mentioning that you can notice a notable change in the rise of frame rate and game graphics quality. For example, achieve up to 1440p at maximum setting in games like Arkham Knight.

However, this processor is significantly designed to work with motherboards based on the Intel300 series chipset. It means it is compatible with circuit boards that support Z390, B360, and H310 chipsets. So if you are looking CPU specifically for one of these motherboards then make a quick move to ship this good-performing processor with decent pricing. It is not only decent in pricing but also provides multi-functioning opportunities. For example, you can enjoy your favorite game while running music on Spotify. 

Further, it comes with a reasonable 95W thermal power design. This TDP value provides efficient energy so other counterparts can perform decently. So overall this CPU from LGA 1151 socket legacy is enough to control all headaches related to gaming. With the exception that i5 has a new type of LGA 1151. Thus it is only compatible with the 300 series motherboards as mentioned earlier.

Pros

  • HD gaming quality
  • High frame rates
  • 4.3 Max bosst frequency
  • Dual memory lane
  • Exceptional VR technology

Cons

  • Lack of Intel Turbo Boost technology 2.0

4-Intel Core i5-9600K Desktop Processor

Another reliable processor from Intel i5 line is the 9600K from Coffee Lake generation. Like its other siblings from the series, it comes with decent boost frequency, cores count, and Intel Virtualization technology. Most significantly is one of the higher-threaded processors from Intel providing exceptional capabilities. For example, this core is ideal for executing the multi-processing task. It can run different applications along with some 3D modeling tools. Not only content creation and graphic designing you can also consider the i5-9600K for gaming and unleashing games with a fast response rate. 

Based on Cofee lake architecture which uses a 14nm++ manufacturing process. The purpose of this architecture is to provide higher clock speed with improved graphics. It means you cannot only upgrade your PC system but can also upgrade your working experience. It features a DDR4 memory type with a 9MB memory capacity. Likewise, it also represents a 3.7GHz base frequency which can boost up to 4.6 GHz. For power-consuming purposes, it is built to consume 95W TDP. It means all the counterparts of the processor will get enough energy to process effectively. 

Moving towards the most interesting features of core i5-9600K are INtel Virtualization and AES New Instruction technology. Intel Virtualization technology allows hardware resource allocation. Putting it simply, you can share the same physical resource but in a secure and isolated way. Similarly, the AES New Instructions technology is also equipped with many benefits. For example, AES-NI offloads encryption and decryption, hence reducing the workload on the processor. It eventually minimizes the likelihood of bottleneck issues and increases the lifespan of your CPU. 

For connectivity options, it comes with PCI Express lanes. Moving on it is armed with the Intel Quick Sync Vidoe feature. The main purpose of this factor is to accelerate video processing like encoding and decoding. Plus this CPU confidently enables power management including voltage control. At last, if you are looking for an outperforming CPU with 6 cores and 6 threads and a reasonable boost frequency to match the wavelength of your task. Then this CPU is an ideal purchase to pair with your motherboard.

Pros:

  • Intel Virtualization technology 
  • AES New Instruction technology
  • Good overclocking 
  • 6x PCI Express Gen 3
  • 95W TDP

Cons

  • Restricted to only 300 series motherboards

5- Intel® Core™ i5-9400F Desktop Processor

To avoid all bugs and glitches, Intel has introduced one of its top tier 9th generation core lines. The i5-9400F desktop processor has received satisfied reviews and ratings over multiple platforms. Because reliable performance and providing great value in gaming is the basic principle of the functioning of this model. So let’s unveil all the integrated features of this efficient engineered core. But before going into details it is worth noting that this core belongs to the F breed of Intel processor. It means this group processor comes without an integrated graphic card. 

So you have to purchase a discrete graphics card if you are a professional content creator, 3D modeling designer, or enthusiast game player. But the best part is it comes with an effectively designed cooler. It means that this CPU is capable of handling heat dissipation accurately. Ultimately, you can overclock your processor up to its peak potential without bothering about temperature increment. For providing enough space for data and information execution it comes with a dual memory module. The i5-9400F is armed with a 9MB cache, 6 cores, 6 threads, and a 2.9 GHz base speed. 

Base frequency can be exceeded up to 4.1GHz turbo frequency without facing any lagging or latency issues. Compatibility wise it is designed to work with circuit boards that support Z390, B360, and H310 chipsets. With a subtle higher clock rate and improvised performance, i5-9400F takes a step over its predecessor. So overall, this is a good CPU to take care of your gaming and regular tasks.

Pros

  • 9MB memory
  • 4.1 GHz boost frequency
  •  Efficient Cooler
  • High performance for gaming
  • Low latency

Cons

  • No graphic card 

Best LGA 1151 CPU Buying Guide 

Socket 

Every CPU is not meant for every motherboard. As mentioned earlier if your CPU socket is not compatible with the motherboard then your motherboard will not accommodate the processor. That’s why before buying a processor you should check if it is compatible with your motherboard or not. In the above list mostly all LGA 1151 CPUs are compatible with 300 series motherboards.

TDP

Thermal Power Design is the value provided to the CPU to perform operations. Plus, higher TDP means the CPU is capable of managing high energy-demanding tasks. For example, most of the CPUs mentioned above feature 95W TDP.  So you can consider buying Intel Core i5-9600K 3.7GHz Coffee lake 9MB Desktop Processor for gaming purposes. 

Memory

Memory is another important element that plays a vital role in the performance of the processor. CPU with large memory capacity means it can execute instructions fastly and likewise can save more data. So if you need to play a game that requires fast data processing or any professional work. You can consider Intel Core i5-9600K Coffee Lake Desktop Processor.  It features a 9GB DDR4 dual memory lane.  

Clock rate

This factor determines the CPU speed it can process information per second. Undeniably higher clock speed means high performance. It also gives a margin to overclock CPUs for advanced gaming. Not only in games higher clock speed rate is also important while processing images or videos. 

Author

    by
  • Dave James

    Dave has been gaming since the days of Zaxxon and Lady Bug on the Colecovision, and code books for the Commodore Vic 20 (Death Race 2000!). He built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 16, and finally finished bug-fixing the Cyrix-based system around a year later. When he dropped it out of the window. He first started writing for Official PlayStation Magazine and Xbox World many decades ago, then moved onto PC Format full-time, then PC Gamer, TechRadar, and T3 among others. Now he's back, writing about the nightmarish graphics card market, CPUs with more cores than sense, gaming laptops hotter than the sun, and SSDs more capacious than a Cybertruck.

Leave a Comment