Whenever new processors hit the shelves, gamers become way too excited. While it is natural for you to get all excited, it is also necessary that you research the processor that will be the most suitable for you.
The LGA 1151 CPU is hailed to be one of the best ones considering its speed. Various options ranging from high-powered to middle-powered and so on. You may want to consider researching which one will be the most beneficial for your pocket.
Intel is extremely famous for bringing in new sockets. There is no doubt that you will back out on choosing one considering the benefits they offer. One of the unique styles is their back catalogs that you can’t refrain from.
Our Best Picks of This Year
Your system design matters to you the most if you’re a gaming buff. Therefore, you may want to research which one will be the most suitable for you. This article is your complete guide to choosing the best LGA 1151 CPU.
These CPUs are designed to absorb heavy workloads and can be significantly used for video editing or gaming. The single-core performance of these CPUs is designed to serve the purpose. Despite being single-core workloads, these have the same benefits as multi-core workload performance.
Some of the best ones to choose include
1. Intel i9 9900K/KS – Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming
If you’re looking for a high-powered gaming processor, this may be the right choice to make. This provides all the key benefits of a single-core performance that you can benefit from in the long run. While the i7 features a 9900K, the i9 processor is supported in the KS version.
The i9 version is extremely powerful as it can overclock up to 5GHz out of the box. It has 16 threads and eight cores, which contribute to the 5GHz boost.
It is very much similar to its Ryzen competitor; the only benefit is that it is affordable. If you have a limited budget but need a processor for high-end gaming, you can always rely on these.
Features
- Decent graphics with Intel UHD graphics 630.
- One of the best gaming CPUs with highly effective single-core performance.
- Integrated with graphics
- High-end overclock ability.
- Integrated with graphics and functions on the Z370 motherboard.
2. Intel i5 9600 K/KF – Best CPU for Gaming
If you’re a little tight on budget, this might be the best choice to make. The i5 9600K is the perfect model if you need it only for gaming purposes. This will, however, prevent you from indulging in heavy-duty tasks such as multi-threaded tasks, streaming, video editing, etc.
The CPU features 6 threads and physical cores, each that are clocked at a 3.7 GHz base. Furthermore, the boost offered is around 4.6 GHz which is comparatively better than other models at the same pricing.
This unit can be one of your best bets if you need it only for video gaming. Furthermore, it features a pretty great single-core speed which is why you can rely on it for gaming purposes.
Features
- The presence of Intel UHD Graphics 630.
- Extremely great performance.
- It has integrated graphics models.
- Affordability
3. Intel i5 9400F – Best CPU for Gaming Beginners
If you are a beginner looking for a processor to start gaming, this might be one of your best choices. It is easy to use and affordable, so you can always rely on it. It won’t be wrong to say it is much cheaper than the other Intel models.
The processor is clocked at 2.9 GHz, which is why it may not be able to conduct heavy-duty tasks. It features a 6-thread and 6-core processor that can be highly efficient for gaming.
The processor comes with a 4.1 GHz boost. Since this processor isn’t as powerful as others, you may need to settle for fewer frames in your game when you use this.
Nonetheless, this is one of those processors that can offer maximum single-core speed. If you want to indulge in any heavy-duty activity, this may not be the choice for you but it can be extremely efficient for gaming.
Features
- Good quality single-core performance.
- Lightweight.
- Compatible for beginners.
- High-quality processor.
- Affordability.
4. Intel i3 9100F – Best Budget LGA CPU for Gaming
Finding the cheapest CPU can be tough, but i3 enables it. If you are starting out and want to build a PC that will fit your budget, you can always rely on Intel i3 9100F. Users go for this CPU due to its great compatibility with motherboards. Needless to say, this is one of the cheapest CPUs that you can get for less than $150.
Unlike other CPUs, this CPU features four threads and four cores, each of which are clocked at a 3.6GHz base and provide the benefit of a 5GHz boost. Although the four cores aren’t much in vogue these days, the CPU can fairly serve the purpose of single-core performance.
This is one of the best CPU processors to choose from if you have some strict naming policies. Although it can serve the purpose of single-core performance, it may not be effective for multi-core performance. It will burn out if you indulge in heavy-duty tasks, which is why it is advisable to refrain from trying any of these.
Features
- Highly efficient to first-time PC builders
- Has a stock cooler
- Affordable
- Effective single-core performance.
5. Intel i7 9700K
Although the i9 9900K has been taking the market by storm, the i7 is no less. One of the most prominent processors offers extra gaming compatibility with devices. Although it is compared to i9 in different ways, i7 is slightly better.
If you are looking for a gaming Megaforce that can serve almost all gaming functions, then Intel i7 9700K can offer the perfect choice. This gaming CPU unit is 5% faster than other processors, which is why you can always rely on it for effective single-core performance. Despite being a single-core system, it offers more functionalities similar to the hyperthreaded ones.
Although there is no hyperthreading, it does not mean that you may not be able to multitask. Well, you can multitask pretty efficiently. It has eight cores that contribute to the system’s functionality and can offer numerous benefits. If you are a creative professional, you can indulge in the benefit of creating multiplex programs and use them for gaming as well.
Compared to the i9 model, the i7 processor has a few shortcomings. Nonetheless, it can offer the best value for money which is why you can always rely on it. The processor can support modern AAA games and can easily read them with the availability of threads. However, you may want to opt for hyperthreading in the future because of all the benefits that it has to offer.
Features
- Supports AAA modern-day games
- Faster gaming than all the other models.
- Intel smart cache
- Presence of 8 cores.
6. Intel i7 6700K
The Intel i7 6700K is hailed to be one of the best CPUs amongst its generation because of the 14nm built. It runs on a quad-core processor known to offer one of the best clock speed performances.
While the CPU features a peak frequency of 4.2 GHz, the base frequency ranges at 4.0 GHz. As a result, it can be hailed that it has one of the best frequency ranges. The system follows Intel HD530 graphics which can also be compatible with the HD630 graphics card. It has 8 cores and 8 threads that are designed to offer compatibility.
It is also referred to as Skylake because of the 14nm architecture that contributes to the top-notch performance. The four core is aimed at offering hyper-threading. The last level cache of the same is measured at 8 MB and has various features like a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller. One of the best parts about the CPU is that it also has LGA 1151 packaging. The low-temperature level contributed to lower consumption.
Features
- 8 core and 8 threads.
- Frequency ranges from 4.0 GHz to 4.2 GHz
- The L3 cache is 8MB.
- Extensive multi-core performance.
- Low-temperature level.
7. Intel i7 8700
Intel i7 8700 is pretty different from your everyday processor and is hailed to be one of the best LGA 1151 CPUs for different reasons.
The high-end processor of Intel i7 8700 has around six cores that follow the Coffee Lake architecture. The base speed is around 3.2 GHz, whereas the peak speed is 4.6 GHz. It can efficiently function with the hyperthreading of about twelve threads.
Unlike other CPUs, this CPU does not feature a clocked multiplier and features a very low TDP. The extra added core contributes to the high performance of the device, which is far better than most of the predecessors. If you are looking for a CPU that can assist you in gaming and other high-end activities, you can always rely on this CPU.
For the graphics end, the CPU features Intel UHD Graphics with 630 IGPU, which contributes to the CPU’s higher performance. The TDP end has a power consumption facility of around 65 Watts. The CPU is also built upon the 14nm architecture, and the caches are divided into three levels.
Features
- Low power consumption.
- Extensive multi-core performance.
- Easy overclocking.
- Handles the threads easily.
- Higher performance.
8. Intel i5 8600K
Intel i5 8600K is hailed to be one of the most prominent mid-range processors for gamers. Despite being in the market for quite some time now, it is one of the most popular processors.
Intel i5 8600K is hailed to be one of the best CPUs for gaming featuring six overclockable cores. The speed range of the Intel i5 CPU ranges from 3.6 GHz to 4.3 GHz.
It won’t be wrong to call this a monster processor because it provides a turbo boost of speed ranging from 1440p to 1080p. The threaded workload contributes to enhancing the device’s performance, and this CPU has one of the best overclocking experiences.
Features
- High-quality overclocking headroom.
- Increased productivity for gaming.
- Better than various i7 models.
- Six clockable cores.
- Unique speed capacity.
9. Intel Pentium G4560
If you are a casual gamer and don’t want to break the bank, the Intel Pentium G4560 might be the perfect choice for you. It’s one of the cheapest CPUs on the market, but it still manages to pack a punch when it comes to gaming performance.
With two cores and four threads, the G4560 can handle most casual games without breaking a sweat. It has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and can boost up to 3.7 GHz, which is more than enough for most games. It also comes with Intel HD Graphics 610, which can handle most casual games at 1080p.
While it’s not the most powerful CPU out there, it’s certainly one of the most affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, the Intel Pentium G4560 is a great option for casual gaming.
Features:
- Affordable price point.
- Decent gaming performance for casual games.
- Two cores and four threads.
- Intel HD Graphics 610.
- Base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, boost up to 3.7 GHz.
10. Intel Core i9-11900K
For those who demand the best of the best, the Intel Core i9-11900K is the ultimate high-end CPU. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it’s capable of handling even the most demanding gaming and productivity tasks with ease.
The i9-11900K has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and can boost up to a whopping 5.3 GHz, making it one of the fastest CPUs on the market. It also comes with Intel UHD Graphics 750, which can handle most games at 1080p.
But the real power of the i9-11900K comes from its ability to handle multiple tasks at once. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or editing videos, this CPU can handle it all with ease. It’s the ultimate choice for anyone who demands the best performance possible.
Features:
- Ultimate high-end CPU for gaming and productivity.
- 8 cores and 16 threads.
- Base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, boost up to 5.3 GHz.
- Intel UHD Graphics 750.
- Can handle multiple tasks at once.
Buying Guide
If you are heading out to purchase a CPU for the first time, it can eventually be very confusing for you. This is mostly when you aren’t familiar with subjects such as cores, frequency, clock speed, and more.
If you want to buy a CPU, here are a few things you should know about it:
Clock Speed
Clock speed is one of the most important factors to consider while purchasing a CPU. The clock speed refers to the cycle per second that the CPU can execute, and the measurement of the same is done in gigahertz.
The clock cycles per instruction need to be measured. Depending on a single instruction, the cycle can eventually be executed. The processors will vary significantly, and the instructions will be executed accordingly.
CPU Core Numbers
CPU and processor are often used in tandem. However, these two aren’t the same thing. If your CPU has more cores, your CPU will be able to handle a wide range of tasks in no time. This will also help determine whether the computer will operate effectively.
If you use a CPU for any heavy-duty operation such as video editing, gaming, or animation, you need to choose a CPU with more core numbers. Generally, CPUs have 2 to 8 cores, but they can also range up to 18 cores in many cases, depending on the workstations.
Maximum Turbo Frequency
This is one of the most prominent technologies contributing to a higher frequency. Furthermore, it will also be helpful to prevent the overheating of the system.
Cache
The cache is one of the most prominent parts of the processor and is eventually divided into different levels. Depending on the cache level, the CPU activities are optimized accordingly.
FAQ
Do motherboards come with a CPU?
No. Motherboards do not come with a CPU. These are two different units to be sold separately. However, these can prove to be extremely effective in the long run. If these two units are sold together, PC builders can have many problems.
What is the difference between Core i3, i5, and i7?
The numbers of these play an important role in indicating the processing powers of the system. However, this is not related to the number of cores or the speed that a particular CPU offers. CPUs may be grouped into a family depending on different factors such as Turbo Boost, hyperthreading, and more.
How much should I spend on the motherboard?
Before you buy a CPU, you should consider planning your budget accordingly. You should opt for high-end models if you plan to use features such as graphics cards and more. Motherboards can be very expensive. Therefore, you should consider doing some research and setting your budget accordingly.
What factors should I consider when choosing an LGA 1151 CPU?
When choosing an LGA 1151 CPU, you should consider factors such as clock speed, CPU core numbers, maximum turbo frequency, cache size, and price.
What is clock speed, and why is it important?
Clock speed refers to the number of cycles per second that a CPU can execute. A higher clock speed generally means better performance, but other factors such as core numbers and cache size can also impact performance.
How many cores should an LGA 1151 CPU have?
The number of cores you need will depend on what you plan to use your CPU for. If you plan to use it for heavy-duty tasks such as video editing or gaming, you will likely want a CPU with more cores. Most LGA 1151 CPUs have between 2 and 8 cores, but some have up to 18 cores.
What is cache, and why is it important?
Cache is a type of memory used by a CPU to store frequently accessed data. A larger cache can help improve performance by reducing the amount of time the CPU spends accessing slower memory.
What is the maximum turbo frequency, and why is it important?
The maximum turbo frequency is the maximum clock speed that a CPU can reach under certain conditions. It is important because it can help improve performance in situations where the CPU needs an extra boost of power.
Which LGA 1151 CPU is the best value for the money?
The best value for money will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, some of the most affordable and high-performing LGA 1151 CPUs include the Intel i5 9600K/KF, i5 9400F, i3 9100F, and Pentium G4560.
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular LGA 1151 CPUs available in the market. You can always consider choosing a model depending on how you plan to use it and make sure to research the same to choose the appropriate one.
