Introduction to LGA 1150 CPUs
The LGA 1150 socket, also known as Socket H3, was released by Intel in 2013 as part of their Haswell microarchitecture. This socket was the successor to LGA 1155, improving performance and energy efficiency. This article will explore the best CPU for LGA 1150 socket and help you decide on your next upgrade or PC build.
Why Choose an LGA 1150 CPU
While LGA 1150 may not be the latest socket type, it still offers excellent performance for most tasks, including gaming, content creation, and productivity. In addition, LGA 1150 CPUs tend to be more affordable than their contemporary counterparts, making them an attractive option for those on a budget or looking to maximize price-to-performance.
Top 5 LGA 1150 CPUs
Here are our top 5 picks for the best LGA 1150 CPUs, ideal for enthusiasts seeking high-performance computing solutions and consistent processing power to tackle demanding tasks and applications.
#1 Intel Core i7-4790K
The Intel Core i7-4790K, also known as “Devil’s Canyon,” is the flagship processor for the LGA 1150 socket. It features four cores, eight threads, and a base clock of 4.1 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.4 GHz. This CPU offers exceptional performance for gaming and productivity tasks, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Overview
The i7-4790K is a powerful processor released in 2014 as an upgrade to the i7-4770K. It features a base clock speed of 4.1 GHz that can be boosted up to 4.4 GHz, making it one of the fastest CPUs available at its release. It also has 8MB of L3 cache and supports up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM.
Performance
Regarding performance, the i7-4790K is a top-performing processor that can handle even the most demanding tasks. Its multi-core performance is exceptional, making it perfect for tasks that require high processing power, such as gaming, video editing, and rendering. The processor’s single-core performance is also impressive, making it great for applications that rely on a single-core.
Features
The i7-4790K comes with various features that contribute to its excellent performance. One of its standout features is the ability to overclock the processor, which can further increase its clock speed and performance. It also comes with Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology that allows eight threads of processing power, enabling the CPU to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Pros and Cons
Price
As an older CPU model, the i7-4790K has seen a significant price drop since its initial release. Nowadays, depending on the retailer, you can find it available online for a more affordable price range of approximately $300-$400. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to build a cost-effective system without sacrificing too much performance.
Comparing
While the i7-4790K is a powerful processor, there are newer CPUs that offer better performance, such as the Intel Core i9-9900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. However, these newer processors come at a higher price point. They may require a new motherboard, memory, and cooling system, making them a more expensive upgrade.
Alternatives
If you’re contemplating an upgrade, several alternatives to the i7-4790K are worth considering. These include the Intel Core i7-6700K, known for its impressive performance and power efficiency; the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, a popular choice among gamers for its remarkable multi-core capability; and the Intel Core i5-10600K, a cost-effective option that still packs a punch.
Each of these processors offers comparable performance at a more attractive price point and is compatible with newer motherboards, making them great options for those looking to boost their system’s capabilities.
Overall, the Intel Core i7-4790K “Devil’s Canyon” is a powerful processor with exceptional gaming and productivity performance. While it may not be the latest and greatest CPU, it’s still a formidable option for those looking to upgrade their PCs without breaking the bank.
With its overclocking capability, hyper-threading technology, and impressive performance, the i7-4790K remains popular among gamers and enthusiasts. Consider all the factors, including price and compatibility, when deciding if the i7-4790K is the right CPU for you.
#2 Intel Core i5-4690K
The Intel Core i5-4690K is a competent quad-core processor featuring a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, which can ramp up to an impressive turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz. Equipped with advanced architecture and an efficient thermal design, this CPU delivers solid performance and is an excellent choice for avid gamers, content creators, and multitaskers who desire reliable power without spending a fortune. Its compatibility with various chipsets and the ability to overclock make it a versatile option for those looking to get the most out of their system.
Overview
The Intel Core i5-4690K is a quad-core CPU with a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz. It was released in 2014 and is part of Intel’s Haswell Refresh lineup. This CPU is compatible with LGA 1150 motherboards and supports DDR3 memory.
Performance
In terms of performance, the i5-4690K is a strong contender in its price range. It offers excellent single-threaded performance, making it ideal for gaming, and it can easily handle multi-threaded workloads. It also includes Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, allowing each core to handle two threads simultaneously. This CPU is fast, efficient, and can easily handle various tasks.
Features
The i5-4690K includes Intel’s HD Graphics 4600, which offers decent integrated graphics performance. It also supports Intel’s QuickSync Video technology, which can help speed up video transcoding and rendering. This CPU is unlocked and can be overclocked to achieve even higher performance. It also supports Intel’s Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, automatically increasing the clock speed when needed.
Pros and Cons
Price
The i5-4690K is currently priced around $200-250, making it an affordable option for those looking to build a gaming PC or create content on a budget.
Comparing
Compared to newer CPUs such as the i5-10600K or Ryzen 5 5600X, the i5-4690K needs to improve performance and features. However, the i5-4690K is still a strong performer and can easily handle most tasks. It’s also significantly more affordable than newer CPUs, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Alternatives
If you want an affordable CPU with solid performance and the latest features, consider the Ryzen 5 5600X or the i5-10600K. These CPUs offer better performance than the i5-4690K but come at a higher price point. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Ryzen 5 2600 or the i5-8400, which offer decent performance at a lower cost.
Overall, the Intel Core i5-4690K is a powerful and affordable CPU with excellent gaming and content creation performance. While it may not have the latest features and technologies, it’s still a perfect choice for those on a budget. Suppose you want to build a gaming PC or create content without breaking the bank. In that case, the i5-4690K is worth considering.
#3 Intel Core i7-4770K
The Intel Core i7-4770K is another high-performance LGA 1150 CPU, featuring four cores, eight threads, and a base clock of 3.5 GHz. Its turbo frequency can reach up to 3.9 GHz, providing impressive performance for gaming and multitasking.
Overview
The Intel Core i7-4770K is a fourth-generation CPU released in 2013. It features a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, which can turbo up to 3.9 GHz. With four cores and eight threads, this CPU can easily handle multitasking. It also supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies, which maximize performance when needed.
Performance
The i7-4770K is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. Thanks to its fast clock speed and robust processor, it excels in gaming. Additionally, it can easily handle intense multitasking, making it an excellent choice for content creation, video editing, and more. With 8MB of Intel Smart Cache, the processor delivers faster access to essential data and applications.
Features
The Intel Core i7-4770K has features that make it a top-performing CPU. It supports the latest DDR3 memory, features Intel HD Graphics 4600, and supports Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX), which enables faster Floating Point Operations (FLOPS). It also features Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-d), allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single CPU.
Pros and Cons
Price
The i7-4770K has been out of production since 2018 but is still available in various online stores. Its price ranges from $200-300, making it an affordable choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a high-performance CPU.
Comparing
Compared to its successor, the i7-4790K, the i7-4770K offers similar performance. However, the i7-4790K has a slightly higher base and turbo frequency, making it a more powerful processor. Compared to modern CPUs like the i9-9900K, the i7-4770K is about 30% slower, but it still needs to be more capable of handling high-performance tasks.
Alternatives
If you’re in the market for a newer generation CPU, some popular alternatives to the i7-4770K include the i7-9700K and i7-10700K. These processors offer better performance but come with a higher price tag.
Overall, the Intel Core i7-4770K is an excellent CPU for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a powerful and affordable processor. Its impressive performance, features, and compatibility make it an attractive option for those seeking great value for their money. While it may not be the latest or greatest CPU, it remains a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their system without breaking the bank.
#4 Intel Core i5-4590
The Intel Core i5-4590 is a budget-friendly option that still delivers a solid performance. It has four cores, a base clock of 3.3 GHz, and a turbo frequency of 3.7 GHz. This CPU is ideal for those looking to build a capable gaming or productivity system without overspending.
Overview
The Intel Core i5-4590 is a quad-core CPU with a base clock of 3.3 GHz and a turbo frequency of 3.7 GHz. It is built on the Haswell microarchitecture and comes with Intel HD Graphics 4600. It has a TDP of 84 watts and uses the LGA 1150 socket. It also supports DDR3 memory.
Performance
The Intel Core i5-4590 offers solid performance for both gaming and productivity. It can handle most modern games at decent settings and can run multiple applications smoothly. Its four cores and high clock speed make it an excellent choice for multitasking.
Features
In addition to its impressive performance, the Intel Core i5-4590 has several features. Intel Turbo Boost Technology allows it to increase its clock speed automatically when needed. Intel Hyper-Threading Technology also enables it to execute multiple threads simultaneously.
Pros and Cons
Price
The Intel Core i5-4590 is currently priced at around $120-$150, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to build a capable gaming or productivity system without overspending.
Comparing
Compared to other CPUs in its price range, the Intel Core i5-4590 offers competitive performance. Its closest competitor is the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G, which offers similar performance but lacks Intel’s hyper-threading technology.
Alternatives
If you’re willing to spend more, the Intel Core i5-4690 offers slightly better performance but comes at a higher price point. The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is a good alternative if you’re on a tighter budget.
Overall, the Intel Core i5-4590 is an excellent budget-friendly option for gamers and productivity users. It boasts solid performance, multiple features, and a competitive price point. Suppose you’re looking for a CPU that can handle gaming and multitasking without breaking the bank. In that case, the Intel Core i5-4590 is worth considering.
#5 Intel Core i3-4160
The Intel Core i3-4160 is an entry-level LGA 1150 CPU with two cores, four threads, and a base clock of 3.6 GHz. While it may not have the raw power of the i7 or i5 options, it still provides decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Overview
The Intel Core i3-4160 was released in 2014 as part of the Haswell Refresh line of processors. It’s built on a 22nm process and features two cores, four threads, and a base clock of 3.6 GHz. The CPU supports Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which allows it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it suitable for general use or light gaming.
Performance
While less powerful than its i5 or i7 counterparts, the i3-4160 can still easily handle most everyday tasks. It’s useful for web browsing, office work, and media consumption. The CPU is also a decent option for entry-level gaming thanks to its clock speed and Intel HD Graphics 4400 GPU. However, it might not be suitable for more demanding titles, and you may experience some bottlenecking.
Features
The Intel Core i3-4160 has several features that make it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers and enthusiasts. It supports Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) and Intel Quick Sync Video, accelerating video encoding and decoding. Additionally, the CPU has a maximum memory size of 32 GB, supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, and has an integrated PCIe 3.0 controller for faster communication with other hardware.
Pros and Cons
Price
One of the most significant advantages of the Intel Core i3-4160 is its low price point. Currently, you can find it for around $60 to $90, depending on where you buy it. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers and system builders who want to save money.
Comparing
It needs to catch up in performance when comparing the Intel Core i3-4160 to other CPUs. However, it’s important to note that it’s an entry-level CPU and shouldn’t be expected to perform on par with higher-end models. Compared to other budget CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G or Intel Core i3-10100, it still holds up as a decent option for those on a tight budget.
Alternatives
Some other CPU options are worth considering if you’re looking for better performance or have a slightly larger budget. The Intel Core i5-4570 is an older mid-range CPU with better performance but a higher price tag. Alternatively, the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is a more modern option that offers better performance and more cores, making it suitable for more demanding games and tasks.
Overall, the Intel Core i3-4160 is an entry-level CPU with a lot to offer regarding features and performance. While it might not be suitable for more demanding tasks or games, it’s affordable for budget-conscious gamers and enthusiasts. It’s also a good choice for those who plan to use their computer for general tasks such as web browsing, office work, and media consumption. The Intel Core i3-4160 is a reliable and cost-effective option for those on a tight budget.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an LGA 1150 CPU
When choosing the ideal LGA 1150 CPU to suit your requirements, take into account the following factors:
- Performance: Evaluate the performance of each CPU based on your specific needs. If you’re an avid gamer or content creator, a higher-end processor like the i7-4790K is the best choice. On the other hand, for general use and light gaming, the i3-4160 may be sufficient.
- Price: Determine your budget and find a CPU that offers the best performance within that price range. Remember, a more expensive CPU doesn’t always mean better performance, so compare the price-to-performance ratio of different options.
- Power Consumption: Consider the power consumption of the CPU, especially if you’re building a small form factor (SFF) PC or trying to minimize your energy usage. Lower power consumption typically means less heat generation, which can result in quieter and more efficient cooling solutions.
- Overclocking Potential: If you’re an enthusiast looking to push your CPU to its limits, consider its overclocking potential. Some CPUs, such as the i7-4790K and i5-4690K, have unlocked multipliers, making them easier to overclock.
LGA 1150 Motherboards
Remember that an LGA 1150 CPU necessitates a compatible motherboard. These motherboards generally support DDR3 RAM and are available in a variety of form factors, including ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. When selecting a motherboard, it is crucial to ensure it possesses the required features and connectivity options to suit your specific build.
Some of these features may include USB ports, SATA ports, PCIe slots, and support for external peripherals like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Additionally, assess the motherboard’s chipset compatibility, as well as its ability to accommodate future upgrades or expansion. Keep these factors in mind when choosing the right motherboard for your LGA 1150 CPU.
Cooling Solutions
Adequate cooling is vital for preserving the performance and lifespan of your CPU. LGA 1150 CPUs can be efficiently cooled using either air coolers or liquid cooling solutions. When selecting a cooling option, consider the dimensions of your computer case, your preferences for noise levels, your budget, and your desired level of thermal performance. Keep in mind that while air coolers are generally more affordable and easier to install, liquid cooling solutions are known for superior cooling capabilities and quieter operation, making them popular among enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best CPU for LGA 1150 Socket is crucial to ensuring optimal performance for your computer system. We have provided a comprehensive guide on the top CPUs for LGA 1150 Socket in this blog, highlighting their key features, specifications, and performance benchmarks. With this information, you can make an informed decision on which CPU to choose for your specific needs and budget.
The LGA 1150 socket, despite its age, continues to deliver impressive performance for the majority of users. By evaluating aspects like performance, affordability, energy efficiency, and overclocking capabilities, you can identify the best LGA 1150 CPU that suits your requirements. Combine your chosen processor with a compatible motherboard and an effective cooling system to guarantee top-notch performance.
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