Top 7 Best LGA 1151 CPU in 2023

by Malcolm Woods

 

You're bored of browsing the internet, watching videos, and sending boring emails by your computer. You want to do something more dynamic such as playing a high-end game, do some graphic design work, etc.

And for that, you have to upgrade your PC. The first and foremost thing for you to get right now is a high-end processor that offers more cores/threads, high frequency, etc.

Well, that sounds like you're in need of the best LGA 1151 CPU. But yes, we know that there are a lot of options out there, and selecting the perfect one is a tough row to hoe.

No worries, we're going to back you up till the end throughout your quest. And we believe that you'll end up with the right CPU for turning your PC into a gaming beast.

Top LGA 1151 CPU by Editors

Summary Table for LGA 1151 CPU in 2023

Follow This Table For Quickly Select A Product

Product Image Name Editor's Rating Price
Intel Core i7-9700K 4.5 / 5.0 Price Check
Intel Core i3-8100 4.7 / 5.0 Price Check
Intel Core i9-9900K 4.6 / 5.0 Price Check
Intel Core i3-9100F 4.7 / 5.0 Price Check
Intel Core i7 6700K
4.7 / 5.0 Price Check

Benefits of Using LGA 1151 CPU

Benefits of Using LGA 1151 CPU
Benefits of Using LGA 1151 CPU

Some of the benefits that you'll get from using the LGA 1151 CPU are given underneath.

  • Integrates up to 8 MB of L3 cache, which is beneficial for heavy application user
  • Supports DDR4 memory that has a max data transfer rate up to 2133 MHz as well as DDR3L memory with a max data transfer rate up to 1600 MHz
  • Offers an array of compatibility such as with Intel H110, Q170, B150, Q150, H170, and Z170 desktop chipsets

The socket also supports PCI-Express 3.0, Direct Media Interface 3.0, and 3 display interfaces for extra convenience. With this CPU in your PC, you won't feel the need for an upgrade within a very long time.

Our experts have given their blood, sweat, and tears to test plenty of CPUs. It took them a long time to finally hit the jackpot and bring out the top 7 products for you. So, check them out to know more details.

Our Recommended 7 Best LGA 1151 CPU Reviews
Our Recommended 7 Best LGA 1151 CPU Reviews

1. Intel Core i7-9700K

Intel Core i7-9700K
Intel Core i7-9700K

Want to turn your PC into a gaming beast? Then, take this core i7-9700K from Intel. It carries a host of features that are going to make your PC stand out from others in regard to performance and efficiency.

To start with, it boasts a 3.6GHz of base clock speed, which you can boost to 4.9Ghz of speed. You'll be experiencing a faster execution of your tasks. However, when overclocking, you must install a top-notch liquid cooler as it doesn't come with a stock fan.

Plus, the thing that makes it the best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming is its Coffee Lake architecture allowing it to support DDR4-2666MHz memory. Thus, it'll operate at low voltage yet give you higher performance.

With this i7-97000K, you don't need to sacrifice your gaming fun for multitasking. And that's because it incorporates 8 cores as well as 8 threads. So, don't hold yourself back to do multiple tasks simultaneously.

Sometimes buying a high-end video card can cost you an arm and a leg. With that thought in mind, it comes with Intel UHD 630 Graphics so that you can carry on with your gaming delightfully without a dedicated GPU.

Another important aspect to mention is its thermal interface material that is solder based. Well, it means that the heat will transfer more efficiently, which means lower temperature under heavy load.

There are applications that utilize one core of a processor for greater performance. Guess what? This i7 9700K has the ability to provide single-core performance, which is a piece of great news for those kinds of apps that's going to run on your PC.

Highlighted Features

  • High clock speed for fast operations
  • Supports DDR4-2666MHz memory to give high performance
  • Smooth multitasking by the 8 cores and 8 threads
  • Solder based for transferring heat efficiently
  • Offers single-core performance for certain applications

2. Intel Core i9-9900K

Intel Core i9-9900K
Intel Core i9-9900K

Whether you're a gamer, designer, or a simple casual browser, you definitely want a CPU that'll stun you with a brilliant performance. With that thought in mind, we bring you the i9-9900K from Intel. It's the most powerful Intel processor you can find in the Intel 9th Generation.

Now, this CPU comes with a standard base clock speed of 3.6GHz. But the surprising fact is that it has a boost clock speed of 5GHz, which is going to enhance the performance. With this on your PC, you're going to enjoy a stunning in-game experience.

Plus, i9-9000K boasts 8 cores along with plenteous 16 threads. With that much, you'll be able to perform advanced tasks like graphic design, content creation, video editing with ease.

Most importantly, solder TIM or thermal interface material has been used between the die and heat spreader instead of paste. That's why it'll be able to disperse heat properly, meaning at the highest clock speed, the temperature will stay low.

When compatibility is a major concern while buying a CPU. This bad boy right here gives you the facility of backward compatibility with the Z370 motherboard.

Yes, intense gamers undoubtedly rely on a dedicated GPU. But if you can't get one, the i9-9000K is going to back you up with its incorporated UHD Graphics 630.

Highlighted Features

  • High clock speed for outstanding performance
  • A good number of cores and threads to execute advanced tasks
  • Solder TIM to keep the temperature low
  • Supports Z370 motherboard for convenience

3. Intel Core i3-9100F

Intel Core I3-9100F
Intel Core I3-9100F

Planning to create a low-budget gaming PC that can fulfill your desires? Well, no need to worry as we have got for you the i3-9100F from Intel. It's based on the 14nm Coffee Lake Refresh family.

As it stands, this CPU comes with a 3.6 GHz base clock that can reach up to 4.2GHz of max speed. For gaming, we think that's going to be bounteous to give you a pleasant experience.

This processor is multiplier locked, which means you can't overclock it. However, the good news is its unlocked bus speed will allow you to make some clock adjustments.

It's a very capable processor that has 4 cores along with 4 threads. Though it sounds underpowered, you'll be amazed by its snappy system. It can outperform in doing lightly threaded works than other expensive CPUs.

On top of that, it integrates Intel Smart Cache of 6MB and is compatible with Intel motherboards of 300 series chipset. With that being said, if you want to get the best performance out of it, you had better get a Z370, Z270, or Z390 motherboard.

Besides, since it uses 65W of TDP, you can rest assured that the temperature will be limited when you use it under loads. The aspect that we love the most about i3-9100F is that it tags along with a CPU cooler. See, not only it's saving your money but also giving you an added benefit.

Highlighted Features

  • Allows adjustment of clock speed by the unlocked bus speed
  • 4 cores deliver superb performance in lightly threaded work
  • Compatible with 300 series motherboards chipset
  • Produces low heat owing to 65W TDP
  • Saves money by providing stock cooler

4. Intel Core i7 6700K

Intel Core I7 6700K
Intel Core I7 6700K

You want to upgrade your PC to enjoy the fast and agile performance, which is fair enough. That said, try out the i7-6700K that can perfectly meet your needs and even will perform beyond your imagination.

The frequency of this processor is pretty impressive. That's because it has 4GHz of base clock speed that reaches 4.2GHz. With this CPU, it's going to be a satisfying gaming experience.

Aside from that, it has integrated Intel HD530 graphics that support up to 4096×2304 of display resolution. So, apart from gaming, you'll be enjoying brilliant video related works.

This is a 6th Generation processor that'll allow you to play 3D games. You'll get better details in higher resolution along with faster frame rates.

Besides, the i7-6700K comes with not only 4 cores but also impressive hyper-threading. Thus, each core will perform two tasks, simultaneously improving the performance of the processor. As a result, you can perform multiple tasks like 3D rendering, video editing effortlessly.

Plus, it incorporates an 8MB level cache though you won't see much difference while gaming. However, it's surely going to level up your video editing work to a new level. Moreover, this LGA 1151 CPU i7 supports both DDR4 and DDR3L. It also has a DDR3 memory controller for controlling the data that flows from and to the main memory of a computer.

Highlighted Features

  • Superior base clock speed to offer a smooth gaming experience
  • Intel HD530 graphics for better video quality
  • Offers hyper-threading to do multitasking with ease
  • Allows to perform extensive work by the 8MB cache

5. Intel Core i3-8100

Intel Core I3-8100
Intel Core I3-8100

The sixth CPU on our list is the i3-8100 from Intel. There are several reasons for including this right here, including the base clock, cores, and thread counts, along with many more. So, let's get into more details.

Though it lacks turbo boost technology, it has the potential to back you up. Yes, it has a 3.6GHz of base clock, which is sufficient enough to support you while gaming.

As it stands, you'll be able to execute your different tasks by this processor at ease, thanks to its 4 cores as well as 4 threads. Besides, this i3-8100 boasts 6MB of L3 cache memory to assist you while working on heavy video editing.

Aside from that, this CPU offers Intel UHD 630 graphics, which are going to be beneficial for you if you're not using the dedicated card. Moreover, it is compatible with 300 Series Chipset Motherboards for extra convenience.

Another important aspect to mention is that it supports Intel Optane Memory. This memory holds the data even when you power down the system. Thus, the boot up will accelerate as soon as you power on your PC.

Highlighted Features

  • Better gaming performance by 3.6GHz base clock
  • 6MB L3 cache for executing heavy-duty tasks
  • Intel UHD 630 for using without any dedicated graphics card
  • Offers fast boot-up by the Intel Optane Memory

6. Intel Core i5-7600K

Intel Core I5-7600K
Intel Core I5-7600K

It has been manufactured using a 14+ process variant giving the processor a better voltage curve. Thus, it'll deliver better and efficient performance that'll sweep off your feet.

On top of that, this i5-7600K comes with a base clock speed of 3.8GHz. Not only that, but it also offers a turbo speed of 4.2GHz, thanks to the Turbo Boost Technology.

As such, this CPU offers 4 cores that can handle 4 simultaneous threads. Therefore, we can say that it's well enough to meet your gaming desire profoundly.

Besides, it is rated for 91W of TDP, which means that there'll be less heat production. It also comes with a 6MB L3 cache that's going to support you a lot when doing other heavy works like video rendering.

Plus, the i5-7600K supports both DDR4-2133/2400 MHz as well as DDR3L-1333/1600 MHz at 1.35V. As a result, there'll be less bottlenecking when you're completely immersed in playing games.

Highlighted Features

  • 14+ process variant for efficient performance
  • Turbo Boost Technology for greater clock speed
  • Less heat builds up owing to the TDP of 91W
  • Supports DDR4 and DDR3L for less bottlenecking

7. Intel Core i5-9600K

Intel Core I5-9600K
Intel Core I5-9600K

If the price is holding you back from enjoying the improved performance while gaming, then try out the i5-9600K from Intel. It comes at an affordable price along with lots of bells and whistles.

The clock speed of this processor is 3.70GHz, which is already enough for gaming. Yet, it boasts 2.0 Turbo Boost Technology so that you can overclock it to 4.6GHz whenever you feel the need. And thanks to the unlocked multiplier, you can overclock pretty easily.

Plus, it has been manufactured on a 14nm++ architecture for providing 55% more performance. Besides, it has 6 cores and 6 threads, which will be making it a perfect CPU only for gaming.

If you're solely into playing video games, then this intel i5 1151 socket is going to be more than enough for you. Thanks to its single-core speed, you're going to enjoy a delightful gaming performance.

You can wave your worries about not having a dedicated graphics card. That's because the i5 9600K boasts UHD Graphics 630 that'll fill up the absence of a dedicated card.

Moreover, there's a thermal interface material between its heat spreader and die, which is mainly solder-based. The reason behind using it is to dissipate heat in a superior way, especially when the CPU is in turbo boost.

Highlighted Features

  • Turbo boost technology for running the cores faster
  • Provides pure gaming performance by the single-core speed
  • UHD Graphics 630 to counterbalance dedicated graphics card
  • Efficient heat dissipation by the solder-based TIM

Comparison Chart of 7 LGA 1151 CPU

Product Thermal Design Profile (TDP) Base Clock Speed Cores
Intel Core i7-9700K 95W 3.6GHz 8
Intel Core i5-9600K 95W 3.7GHz 6
Intel Core i9-9900K 95W 3.6GHz 8
Intel Core i3-9100F 65W 3.6GHz 4
Intel Core i7 6700K 91W 4GHz 4
Intel Core i3-8100 65W 3.6GHz 4
Intel Core i5-7600K 91W 3.8GHz 4

Things to Consider Before Buying LGA 1151 CPU

It can be quite confusing to figure out which one is the best CPU for LGA 1151 if you don't know the important factors.

Some criteria need to be fulfilled to achieve the perfect CPU for building your high-end PC. Otherwise, all your hard efforts will go in vain, let alone your hard-earned money.

Clock Speed

One of the most important factors before buying a CPU is to check its clock speed. The speed determines how fast the chip is going to operate. The higher the clock speed, the faster it's going to be.

It's measured in GHz or gigahertz. One GHz means one billion cycles per second. Modern CPUs come with a minimum or base clock speed and maximum or turbo speed.

TDP or Thermal Design Profile

This is another important consideration that you should keep in mind. TDP is the quantity of heat that a chip is going to produce at stock speeds. Its generally measured in watts.

Some CPUs have built-in cooling systems, while some don't have them.

So, you must ensure that you have installed a cooler that is capable of handling the heat dissipation.

On an important note, you should keep in mind that when you overclock the CPU, it's going to produce more heat. That's why you must know the TDP so that you can get a suitable cooling system.

Cores

Fundamentally, a core represents a processor. Each processor is able to process a single task, and most of the processors nowadays contain 4 to 8 cores. Therefore, if your CPU has more cores, then you'll be able to perform more tasks each time, which translates to faster computer operation.

However, it doesn't mean that you're going to get the benefits of more cores from every application. As an example, video editing and animation are likely to derive more benefits from many cores. At the same time, video games aren't going to take much of the benefits.

Threads

Read it carefully, as it might be tricky to grasp at first. A single core can make two threads that are known as multithreading. And most of the processors have this capability.

Now each of the threads has the capacity of executing a certain number of independent tasks. AMD calls it Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT), and Intel calls it Hyper-Threading.

In simple words, if your CPU has more threads, then you'll be able to do multitask smoothly. Not only that, but they also boost the performance of heavy apps.

Cache

The cache copies most frequently visited data and stores them so that you can access them quickly. There are three cache memories you'll find where the fastest is L1, but it's squeezed. L2 has more space, but it's slower, and L3 has ample room, but it's much slower than others.

However, if a CPU needs data that isn't available in these caches, it goes to the RAM, which is the slowest one. And that's because it's physically far away.

How to Install LGA 1151 CPU?

Well, installing socket 1151 processors is as easy as ABC. Just follow our below mentioned simple steps to get your work done with ease.

Open Load Plate

Pull up the lever to open the load plate of the plastic housing for the CPU on your motherboard. Remember to not touch the socket contact point.

Place CPU

Hold the LGA 1151 CPU by your thumb as well as the index finger. You'll see two divots on each side of it. Drop it in the plastic housing without sliding or tilting. And make sure that you align the socket notches along with the processor notches.

Remove Protective Cover

Now, remove the cover from the load plate but don't throw it away. Whenever you remove the processor from the socket, you can replace it with the cover.

Close the Load Plate

You'll need to apply a little amount of force for closing the load plate. Just hold it down and pull down the socket lever.

Top 2 LGA 1151 CPU Brands in The Market

There are two CPU brands that totally lead the industry. They both have advantages and some minor issues. We're going to give a brief discussion on both of them.

Intel

As single-core performance is vital for gaming, Intel has been leading for a long time to provide such benefits. In fact, it was the only choice for users to build PCs. Besides, if you talk about overclocking, this brand is superior in this regard too. Intel has been providing this advantage for a prolonged time.

However, you can only overclock the CPUs that are marked with a "K" at the end of the model number.

The only drawback that you are very likely to face with Intel CPU is that you may have to buy a new compatible motherboard during upgrading.

AMD

It was after 2010 when AMD got into the real competition and started to give a good fight with Intel. Most of the AMD Ryzen CPUs offer higher numbers of core and thread as well as multithreading benefits.

And the best part is that it was quite cheaper and came with brilliant stock coolers. If you talk about compatibility, AMD leads in this regard. As almost all the CPUs of AMD use AM4 socket, so you won't need to buy a separate motherboard.

However, it moves back when it comes to per-core performance, which is vital for delivering quality gaming performance.

LGA 1151 CPU Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many pins does LGA 1151 have?

LGA 1151 has 1151 sticking out like pins. They assist the CPU in creating contact with the pads placed on the processors.

2. Are all the LGA 1151 sockets similar?

The width and height of the socket of LGA 1151 and 1150 are the same. Yet, you can't physically fit the 1151 socket into the 1150 and vice versa.

3. How do I know if my new LGA 1151 is going to work with my motherboard?

Go to the mobo manufacturer's website to check. There you'll find a page that consists of the list of CPUs compatible with your motherboard. However, you may need to install particular BIOS on your motherboard for some CPUs to work.

4. How do I know if my CPU is dead?

If your computer gives a beep sequence or doesn't boot to bios, then it's probable that the CPU is dead. You'll see these symptoms while turning on the computer.

5. Is GPU bottlenecking bad for gaming?

GPU bottlenecking is good when you're gaming. That's because your CPU can process all the game and frame data quite faster than your GPU. As a consequence, you get to utilize your GPU completely.

Final Words for LGA 1151 CPU buyers

Well, now you have the best LGA 1151 CPU that you can get in the market. Every item was examined carefully so that you get what you pay for. It would be better for you to buy a CPU depending on where and how you plan to use it.

Because at the end of the day, it all depends on whether you're buying it for mainly playing games or other use.

Buy now at eBay, Walmart, Etsy (subject to availability)

Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0 GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 3.6 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Intel Core i5-8600K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.3 GHz Unlocked LGA 1151 300 Series - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intel Core i3-8100 Desktop Processor 4 Cores up to 3.6 GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intel Core i9-9900 Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 5.0GHz LGA1151 300 Series 65W - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Intel BX80662I76700K 4512 Core i7 6700K 4.00 GHz Unlocked Quad Core Sky Lake Desktop - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intel Core i7-8700 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.6 GHz LGA 1151 300 Series 65W - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.0 GHz LGA 1151 300 Series 65W - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intel® Core™ i5-9400F Desktop Processor 6 Cores 4.1 GHz Turbo Without Graphics - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor 4 Core Up to 4.2 GHz without Processor Graphics - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

About Malcolm Woods

Malcolm Woods is a blogger who enjoys writing about technology and solar power. He has a passion for learning new things, and loves to share his knowledge with others. Malcolm is also an advocate for sustainable living, and believes that everyone has a responsibility to do their part in preserving our planet.

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