Comprehensive LGA 1151 CPU List: Compatible Intel Processors Guide

Why Choosing the Right LGA 1151 CPU Matters

Building or upgrading a PC? One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right processor—it’s the brain of your system, after all. If your motherboard uses the LGA 1151 socket (also known as Socket H4), you’re in luck. This versatile socket supports a wide range of Intel CPUs, from 6th Gen Skylake to 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh processors.

But with so many generations and models, understanding CPU compatibility with LGA 1151 can be confusing. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or building a budget desktop, pairing the right processor with your motherboard ensures maximum performance, efficiency, and system stability.

In this guide, you’ll find a full LGA 1151 CPU List and LGA 1151-compatible CPUs. Let’s help you find the perfect CPU for your LGA 1151 build.

What Is LGA 1151?

LGA 1151, also known as Socket H4, is a CPU socket introduced by Intel in 2015. It succeeded the LGA 1150 and brought enhanced support for newer processor architectures and technologies. Designed primarily for desktop platforms, this socket became a staple in both mainstream and enthusiast PC builds due to its wide compatibility across multiple Intel processor generations.

Unlike older sockets, LGA 1151 uses 1151 pins to make contact with the processor’s pads, allowing for better electrical connections and improved performance efficiency.

Which Intel Generations Use LGA 1151?

LGA 1151 is unique in that it supports two distinct socket versions, even though they share the same physical layout. This means compatibility depends not just on the CPU but also on the chipset (e.g., H110, B250, Z370, Z390) on your motherboard.

Here’s a breakdown of the Intel CPU generations supported:

• 6th Gen – Skylake (2015):
  First CPUs to use LGA 1151. Require 100-series chipsets (e.g., H110, B150, Z170).
• 7th Gen – Kaby Lake (2017):
  Backward-compatible with 100-series chipsets but optimized for 200-series (e.g., B250, Z270).
• 8th Gen – Coffee Lake (2017):
  Although physically the same socket, these CPUs require 300-series chipsets (e.g., Z370). Not compatible with 100/200-series boards.
• 9th Gen – Coffee Lake Refresh (2018):
  Final generation for LGA 1151. Works on 300-series motherboards with a BIOS update, offering improved core counts and thermal performance.

Note: Despite the socket being physically identical across these generations, cross-compatibility is limited. Always check motherboard BIOS compatibility before upgrading CPUs.

LGA 1151 CPU Compatibility

Understanding CPU compatibility is essential when building or upgrading a PC using an LGA 1151 socket. While the socket is physically consistent across multiple Intel generations, motherboard chipset compatibility differs, making it crucial to pair the right CPU with the correct chipset.

Intel 6th & 7th Gen CPUs (Skylake & Kaby Lake)

These early LGA 1151 processors are compatible with 100-series and 200-series chipsets:

• 100-Series Chipsets: H110, B150, H170, Z170
• 200-Series Chipsets: B250, H270, Z270

Both generations use the same architecture foundation, so motherboards supporting 6th-gen CPUs generally support 7th-gen CPUs with a simple BIOS update.

Tip: If you’re upgrading from a 6th-gen to a 7th-gen CPU, check your motherboard manufacturer’s site for the latest BIOS.

Intel 8th & 9th Gen CPUs (Coffee Lake & Coffee Lake Refresh)

Intel made significant architectural changes starting with the 8th Gen, requiring newer 300-series chipsets:

• 300-Series Chipsets: H310, B360, H370, Z370, Z390

Important Note:

• 8th and 9th Gen CPUs are not backward-compatible with 100 or 200-series motherboards, despite using the same socket.
• Z370 motherboards may require a BIOS update to support 9th Gen CPUs.
• Z390 motherboards typically support 9th Gen out of the box.

Why this matters: Plugging a 9th-gen CPU into an incompatible motherboard will result in boot failure—even though the CPU fits physically.

Comprehensive LGA 1151 CPU List

Intel’s LGA 1151 socket spans across several processor generations and product tiers—from budget-friendly options to high-performance CPUs. Below is a categorized list of supported CPUs, helping users at all levels find the best fit for their build or upgrade.

Intel Core i3 Series (Entry-Level Performance)

Ideal for general computing, light multitasking, and budget builds.

Intel Core i5 Series (Mid-Range Performance)

Best for gaming, office work, and light content creation.

Intel Core i7 Series (High-End Consumer CPUs)

Ideal for advanced workloads, gaming, and creative software.

Intel Core i9 Series (Enthusiast-Level Performance)

Designed for power users, heavy multitasking, and content professionals.

Intel Pentium & Celeron Series (Budget Options)

Perfect for basic computing, education setups, or HTPCs.

Upgrading your CPU? Don’t forget to give your processor a proper clean first. Follow our Step-by-Step CPU Cleaning Guide to ensure safe handling and better performance.

Top LGA 1151 CPUs by Use Case

Choosing the right LGA 1151 CPU depends on your specific needs—whether you’re building a gaming rig, a budget-friendly setup, or a productivity powerhouse. Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing processors in each category:

Best LGA 1151 CPUs for Gaming

Gaming relies heavily on strong single-core performance and clock speeds. These CPUs deliver excellent frame rates in modern titles, especially when paired with a capable GPU.

Best Budget LGA 1151 CPUs

Looking to build a functional, affordable PC for everyday tasks or entry-level gaming? These CPUs offer solid performance without breaking the bank.

Best LGA 1151 CPUs for Productivity

For professionals using demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro, AutoCAD, or doing tasks like multitasking, video editing, and data crunching, these CPUs shine.

Pro Tip: When selecting a CPU, always consider pairing it with the right chipset (100, 200, or 300 series) and ensure BIOS compatibility, especially for 9th Gen chips on older boards.

Applications of LGA 1151 CPUs

Understanding how LGA 1151 CPUs perform in real-world scenarios can help you decide which model suits your specific needs—whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or everyday user.

Gaming Performance

LGA 1151 processors offer excellent gaming capabilities, especially in mid to high-end builds. The performance depends on the generation, core count, and clock speed.

• Intel Core i5-9600K and i7-8700K are ideal for 1080p and 1440p gaming, delivering smooth frame rates in titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Cyberpunk 2077.
• Core i9-9900K stands out for 4K gaming and streaming simultaneously thanks to its 8-core/16-thread architecture.
• Entry-level CPUs like the i3-8100 can still handle popular esports titles such as CS:GO, League of Legends, and Valorant with ease.

For competitive or AAA gaming, go for an unlocked i5 or higher; for casual gaming, a Core i3 or Pentium G4560 is a solid budget choice.

Content Creation

Whether you’re editing videos, rendering 3D models, or working with large datasets, LGA 1151 CPUs can handle the load—if you choose the right one.

• i7-9700K provides excellent performance in Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, handling 4K timelines and multitasking fluidly.
• i9-9900K excels in rendering-intensive tasks such as 3D animation, Blender workloads, and After Effects compositions.
• Lower-end CPUs like the i5-6500 or i3-7100 may struggle under heavy creative workloads but are adequate for light photo editing and basic graphic design.

Creators should prioritize CPUs with high core/thread counts like the i7 and i9 series for best results.

Everyday Use

For general computing tasks—web browsing, streaming, Office apps, and multitasking—LGA 1151 processors across the board perform very well.

• Even budget-friendly options like the Pentium G4560 or Celeron G3930 handle everyday workloads efficiently.
• Mid-range CPUs like the i5-7500 or i3-8100 ensure snappy performance and better multitasking for students and home offices.
• Higher-end models may be overkill for basic tasks but provide headroom for background processes and longevity.

Choose based on your multitasking needs. For basic use, even entry-level models will suffice.

LGA 1151 CPU List Compatible with Windows 11

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced stringent system requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a supported processor. While many LGA 1151 CPUs are powerful enough, not all are officially supported by Microsoft for Windows 11.

Officially Supported LGA 1151 CPUs for Windows 11

Microsoft’s list includes primarily 8th Gen (Coffee Lake) and 9th Gen (Coffee Lake Refresh) Intel processors. These chips meet the security and performance requirements for Windows 11.

Note: Your motherboard must support TPM 2.0, and you may need to enable it in BIOS under “PTT” or “Intel Platform Trust Technology.”

LGA 1151 CPUs NOT Supported by Windows 11

Intel 6th Gen (Skylake) and 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) processors are not officially supported, even though they may still work with registry workarounds.

Examples include:

• i5-6500, i5-7500
• i7-6700K, i7-7700K
• Pentium G4560, Celeron G3930

Important: These CPUs may run Windows 11 via a bypass method, but you won’t receive security updates or full support from Microsoft.

How to Check Compatibility

• Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 11 Compatibility Tool.
• Ensure TPM 2.0 is enabled in BIOS.
• Use tools like WhyNotWin11 for detailed breakdowns.

FAQ’s

What CPUs will fit LGA 1151?

The LGA 1151 socket supports two generations of Intel CPUs, but they are split into two distinct compatibility groups based on the chipset:

• 6th Gen (Skylake) and 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) Intel Core processors work with 100-series and 200-series motherboards (e.g., H110, B250, Z270).
• 8th Gen (Coffee Lake) and 9th Gen (Coffee Lake Refresh) processors require 300-series motherboards (e.g., B360, Z370, Z390).

Note: Despite sharing the same socket, these generations are not cross-compatible due to electrical and BIOS differences.

What is the most powerful LGA 1151 processor?

The most powerful processor for LGA 1151 is the Intel Core i9-9900K. It features:

• 8 cores and 16 threads
• 3.6 GHz base clock and up to 5.0 GHz boost clock
• Excellent performance for both gaming and multitasking workloads

Is LGA 1151 good for gaming?

Yes, LGA 1151 can still provide good gaming performance, especially with CPUs like the i5-9600K, i7-8700K, and i9-9900K. These processors are capable of running modern games smoothly when paired with a decent graphics card. However, newer platforms offer better performance and features such as DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support.

Is LGA 1151 discontinued?

Yes, LGA 1151 is officially discontinued. Intel has transitioned to newer sockets like LGA 1200 for 10th and 11th Gen CPUs and LGA 1700 for 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. While discontinued, LGA 1151 systems are still available in the used market and are viable for budget builds.

Does LGA 1151 support 9th gen?

Yes, LGA 1151 supports 9th Gen Intel Core processors, but only when used with 300-series motherboards such as Z370 and Z390. Some motherboards may require a BIOS update to be compatible with 9th Gen CPUs.

How long did LGA 1151 last?

LGA 1151 was introduced in 2015 with the 6th Gen Skylake CPUs and remained in use through 2019 with the release of 9th Gen processors. It had a lifespan of approximately four years, making it one of Intel’s longer-supported mainstream sockets.

Once you've chosen your CPU, make sure it's running at a safe temperature. Learn how to monitor it with our guide: How to Check CPU Temperature in Windows 10

Conclusion

Selecting the right LGA 1151 CPU depends on your specific needs, whether it’s gaming, content creation, or general use. By understanding the compatibility and features of each processor, you can make an informed decision that ensures optimal performance and longevity for your system.