Best LGA 1151 CPU

When you are assembling a computer from scratch on your own, there are a lot of things that you must consider. For example, if you are putting together your CPU, you would have to ensure that you are using the correct type of circuitry that would have the exact fit on your motherboard socket and are able to perform all of your required performance. However, you must keep in mind that if you would use Intel processor, it is not like the AMD processor which uses sockets like AM4. Instead, it utilizes LGA formatting plus particular pin count which would then create your CPU socket. In our case, this would be the LGA 1151.

The LGA 1151 CPU comes with 1151 pins. Selecting a CPU does not only mean that you would need to fit 1151 but rather, you would need to have one that would perform impressively. Hence, when you are choosing an LGA1151, you would need to research and ensure you choose one that would best suit your needs and preference. Do not worry, as through this article, we shall provide you a list of best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing LGA 1151 CPU

Motherboard

One of the most important parts of a CPU is a motherboard. A motherboard comes with a socket and in our case, you will need to have a mother board that has a socket which is compatible with 1151 LGA.

Cache Memory

Keep in mind that there are different types of memory. Ensure that you would get a processor which is fast and responsive. This means, that you will need a high cache memory. The lesser you go, the slower your system would be.

Clock Speed

The clock speed is one of the most vital part of your CPU. It is actually what decides on how long or smooth your system would be. Hence, when it comes to clock speed, we highly recommend for you to get more than the minimum of 3 GHz. The faster your overclock speed is the more benefits you will get.

Overclocking Capability

Overclocking is another factor you must consider as it ensures that you would not experience any lags during load-intensive tasks. Hence, ensure that when you are purchasing a CPU, ensure that you get one that has a reasonable overclocking headroom.

Cooling

Cooling system handles the proper thermal management which is important to ensure that you get the most out of your CPU. In fact, there are two types of cooling solutions and they are air coolers and liquid coolers. Liquid coolers are great in terms of overclocking.

The Best LGA 1151 CPUs

Intel Core i9-9900K

Specifications

• Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i9 Processors
• Lithography: 14nm
• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Cache: 16MB Intel Smart Cache
• Hyper-Threading: Yes
• Unlocked Multiplier: Yes
• Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
• Socket: LGA1151
• Base clock: 3.6GHz
• Boost clock: 5.0GHz
• Rated TDP: 95W
• Bundled cooler: No

The Intel Core i9-9900K is specifically designed for professional gamers and PC enthusiasts. It is a processor which is part of the powerful Intel Core 9th generation family of CPUs. It has the ability to process complex tasks and gaming activities. In fact, this processor is an overkill for YouTube and streaming fan.

This processor could overclock up to 3.6 GHz. It has about 8 cores and 16 threads of processor which makes this one very powerful. It also comes with a 16MB cache memory and Optane memory support which allows the processor itself to operate fast. This means, through this processor, you will be able to do multiple projects and activities without having to worry of lagging.

Lastly, through this processor, you will be able to save as it is uses Intel UHD Graphics 630. Moreover, it has dual memory channels and 2666MHz DDR4 and it supports 4.0 PCIe lane.

Pros

• Pre-integrated GPU
• Responsive and powerful
• Optane memory and turbo technology
• Best for gaming

Cons

• You would need a stock cooler
• Expensive

Intel Core i7-9700K

Specifications

• Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors
• Lithography: 14nm
• Cores: 8
• Threads: 8
• Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache
• Hyper-Threading: Yes
• Unlocked Multiplier: Yes
• Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
• Socket: LGA1151
• Base clock: 3.6GHz
• Boost clock: 4.9GHz
• Rated TDP: 95W
• Bundled cooler: No

The Intel Core i7-9700K is considered one of the best LGA 1151 CPU. Not only it is a more affordable option, it also has the ability to handle high tech games and other extended tasks. It comes with powerful single-core performance and though this one does not have any hyperthreading, it still has the ability to play AAA titled games.

This processor is unlocked which means you will be able to do multi-tasking without any problems. Moreover, its turbo technology, the clock speed increases from 3.6 GHz to 4.9 GHz. It also has 8 core and 8 thread as well. Lastly, it has 12MB cache memory and it comes with an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630.

Pros

• Effective thermal design
• Single-core performance
• Good overclocking
• UHD Graphics 630

Cons

• Does not have hyperthreading
• Slow multicore performance

Intel Core i3 9100F

Specifications

• Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i3 Processors
• Lithography: 14nm
• Cores: 4
• Threads: 4
• Cache: 6MB Intel Smart Cache
• Hyper-Threading: No
• Unlocked Multiplier: No
• Integrated graphics: No
• Socket: LGA1151
• Base clock: 3.6GHz
• Boost clock: 4.2GHz
• Rated TDP: 95W
• Bundled cooler: No

If you are on a tight budget, then this LGA 1151 CPU, Intel Core i3 9100F is a perfect option. Though this option is cheaper compared to other LGA 1151 CPUs, it is still able to fulfill all of your legal PC needs. Keep in mind, however, it does not come with maximum cores and though this is the case, do not worry as its performance is still amazing. It could handle low profile gaming and it also has basic 4 cores and 4 threads. Its clock speed is up to a maximum of 3.6 GHz at standard conditions.

This one comes with a turbo boost technology which could increase your clock speed up to 4.2 GHz. Keep in mind that this CPU is specifically designed for low workload and could be used on 1080p gaming. The only downside of this LGA CPU is its BIOS update as you would have to ensure that you update its BIOS before you mount your motherboard.

Pros

• Affordable
• Decent single-core performance
• Suitable for low profile tasks
• Comes with a cooler

Cons

• Does not have graphics cards

Intel Core i5 9600K

The Intel Core i5 9600K is another great budget gaming CPU. It comes with six cores and six threads. Keep in mind, though, if you plan on getting this one, that it does not have any hyperthreading. Do not worry if you just want a good gaming experience, then this one is a perfect fit. However, if you are planning to use this one for professional, demanding tasks and activities such as video editing, streaming and multi-threaded tasks, then, we suggest to look for another option.

This CPU comes with a turbo boost technology which has the ability to improve overclock from 3.7 GHz to 4.6 GHz. If you are going to use this CPU, keep in mind that you will need to essential tools – good cooler and a motherboard. As for cache, this gaming CPU has about 9 MB and it has dual-channel memory which could support DDR4-2666.

Pros

• Pocket friendly
• Good single core
• Good for gaming

Cons

• It is not designed for heavy loads
• Does not have hyperthreading

Intel Core i5-9400F

Specifications

• Series/Family: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors
• Lithography: 14nm
• Cores: 6
• Threads: 6
• Cache: 9MB Intel Smart Cache
• Hyper-Threading: No
• Unlocked Multiplier: No
• Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
• Socket: LGA1151
• Base clock: 2.9GHz
• Boost clock: 4.1GHz
• Rated TDP: 65W
• Bundled cooler: Yes

This one is another great option if you are in a budget. It is affordable and at the same time, it offers higher clock speeds, more cores and enhanced power utility. In fact, it comes with 6 cores and 6 threads. However, it does not have hyper-threading technology. This means, it lacks multi-tasking ability. Its base clock speed is 2.9 GHz which could be increased to 4.1 GHz. Moreover, it is highly efficient in terms of power and its memory support could handle dual-channel DDR memory.

Ad for performance, this CPU could handle AA titles with 1080p at 80+ fps resolution graphics which makes this one a close rival of AMD Ryzen 5 2600X.

Pros

• Affordable
• Great value for money
• Power efficient
• Good gaming performance

Cons

• Does not have integrated graphics
• No PCIe 4.0 support
• Locked processor

Intel Core i7-6700K

Specifications

• Series/Family: 6th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors
• Lithography: 14nm
• Cores: 4
• Threads: 8
• Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache
• Hyper-Threading: Yes
• Unlocked Multiplier: Yes
• Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 530
• Socket: LGA1151
• Base clock: 4.0GHz
• Boost clock: 4.2GHz
• Rated TDP: 91W
• Bundled cooler: No

The Intel Core i7-6700K is one of the best responsive CPUs. It has a user-friendly design and it is easy to install. It is easy to navigate and it is stable to be used for gaming. As for performance, this one proves to be fast and it comes with high resolution with its quad-core octa-thread solution. It it easy to overclock its clock speeds as well.

This processor supports 2133 MHz-DDR4 and 1600MHz-DDR3. It also comes with HD 530 GT2 graphics card as well.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Easy to use
• Overclock up to 4.6GHz
• Fast performance

Cons

• A bit on the expensive side
• You would need a new motherboard and cooler