Thinking of upgrading your PC or starting a fresh build with an LGA 1151 socket? You’re in the right place.

The LGA 1151 socket introduced by Intel in 2015, has powered some of the most popular desktop CPUs across four generations, from 6th-gen Skylake to 9th-gen Coffee Lake Refresh. Whether you’re a gamer looking for peak FPS, a content creator who needs smooth rendering, or a casual user assembling a reliable home PC, there’s an LGA 1151 processor tailored to your needs.

But here’s the catch: not all LGA 1151 CPUs are created equal and not every motherboard supports every generation. That’s why choosing the right CPU for this socket isn’t just about performance, it’s about compatibility, value, and purpose.

In this article, you’ll discover a complete, categorized list of Intel LGA 1151 CPUs

Let’s dive into the definitive Socket 1151 CPU list guide that balances expert depth with beginner clarity.

LGA 1151 Socket

The LGA 1151 socket, also known as Socket H4, was introduced by Intel in 2015 as the successor to LGA 1150. It quickly became a staple in both consumer and professional grade desktop PCs due to its wide processor support and platform longevity.

Key Specs at a Glance:

• Release Year: 2015
• Socket Type: LGA 1151 (Land Grid Array with 1151 pins)
• Supported CPU Generations:
  • 6th Gen – Skylake (2015)
  • 7th Gen – Kaby Lake (2017)
  • 8th Gen – Coffee Lake (2017)
  • 9th Gen – Coffee Lake Refresh (2018–2019)

Memory Support:

• DDR4 RAM (up to 64GB or more depending on the motherboard)
• Some early 6th and 7th gen motherboards support DDR3L, but DDR4 is standard and optimal.

Chipset Compatibility:

Intel released three chipset families for the LGA 1151 platform. Compatibility depends on the CPU generation:

Important Compatibility Note:

While 6th/7th gen and 8th/9th gen CPUs share the same LGA 1151 socket, they are not cross compatible. You must pair the CPU with the correct chipset generation:

• 6th/7th Gen CPUs → 100/200 series motherboards
• 8th/9th Gen CPUs → 300 series motherboards

Comprehensive Socket 1151 CPU List

The LGA 1151 socket supports a wide range of Intel processors across multiple generations, offering flexibility for various use cases from entry level systems to high end gaming and workstation builds. Below is a categorized list of the most notable CPUs compatible with the LGA 1151 platform.

Intel Core i9 Series – High-End Performance (9th Gen Only)

Ideal for: High end gaming, streaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.

Intel Core i7 Series – Upper Mid-Range to High-End

Ideal for: Enthusiast gaming, streaming, and productivity on a budget.

Intel Core i5 Series – Mid-Range Performance

Ideal for: Gaming focused builds and general productivity.

Intel Core i3 Series – Entry-Level Performance

Ideal for: Office PCs, HTPCs, and budget systems.

Intel Pentium & Celeron Series – Budget Builds

Ideal for: Light workloads, school computers, basic browsing.

Intel Xeon E Series – Workstation-Class CPUs

Ideal for: Content creation, CAD, rendering, and ECC-memory applications.

Compatibility Reminder:

• 6th & 7th Gen CPUs are only compatible with 100/200-series chipsets.
• 8th & 9th Gen CPUs require 300-series chipsets.
• Xeon E-series CPUs require a compatible C246 workstation class motherboard for full functionality (especially ECC RAM).

Performance Benchmarks

When evaluating a CPU, real world performance data is key. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or compiling code, your processor’s capabilities will heavily impact your experience. Below, we break down how LGA 1151 CPUs stack up in gaming, productivity, and synthetic benchmarks.

Gaming Performance: Which LGA 1151 CPU Wins?

If you’re building a system for high performance gaming, CPU clock speed and single-core efficiency are critical. Here’s how the top contenders perform:

Verdict:

• Best Overall for Gaming: Intel Core i9-9900K
• Best Value Gaming CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K

Productivity & Multi-Threaded Workloads

For creators, coders, and professionals, core count and multi-threading make a difference.

PassMark Scores – Synthetic Benchmark Comparison

PassMark scores offer a standardized way to compare CPU performance using a variety of workloads:

Expert Insight: What the Community Recommends

According to Reddit’s r/buildapc, and Tom’s Hardware community feedback, the i9-9900K remains the top recommended chip for performance enthusiasts using LGA 1151, especially for longevity and gaming stability. For budget conscious users, the i5-9600K strikes a balance between cost and performance, with easy overclocking potential.

Want full compatibility details? Explore our Comprehensive LGA 1151 CPU List: Compatible Intel Processors Guide for an in-depth look at supported chipsets, generation breakdowns, and the best CPUs for every use case. 

Overclocking Potential: Unlocking Extra Performance

Overclocking can breathe new life into your CPU, especially if you’re pushing for higher frame rates or faster render times. The LGA 1151 platform offers great overclocking flexibility, if you pair the right CPU with the right motherboard.

Which LGA 1151 CPUs Are Overclockable?

Look for Intel’s K-series CPUs, which come unlocked and ready for fine-tuning.

Tip: With proper cooling (like a 240mm AIO or a high-end air cooler), these CPUs can hit stable overclocks for noticeable performance boosts in games and productivity apps.

Motherboard Requirements for Overclocking

To unlock the full potential of K-series CPUs, you need a Z-series chipset motherboard, which enables voltage tweaking, multiplier adjustments, and memory overclocking.

Note: Lower-tier chipsets like H310, B360, B365, and H370 do not support CPU overclocking even with K-series chips.

Cooling Considerations

Overclocking produces more heat. To maintain stability and avoid thermal throttling, quality cooling is essential:

• Recommended Coolers for Overclocking:
  • Air: Noctua NH-D15, be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
  • AIO Liquid: Corsair H100i, NZXT Kraken X63

Also, make sure your case has adequate airflow and your power supply can handle higher power draw under load.

Real-World OC Gains

• Gaming: Expect 5–15% FPS gains in CPU bound titles like CS:GO, Valorant, and Flight Simulator 2020.
• Productivity: Faster compile times, rendering, and video export speeds in apps like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, and Photoshop.

“Overclocking my i5-9600K to 5.0 GHz gave me a noticeable boost in 1080p gaming without spending extra on a new CPU.”
— User on r/overclocking

Integrated Graphics Comparison: UHD 630 vs HD 630/530

Not everyone needs a discrete graphics card. For users focused on office work, media consumption, or even light gaming, Intel’s integrated graphics in LGA 1151 CPUs can be surprisingly capable. Let’s break down what each generation offers.

Intel UHD Graphics 630 (8th & 9th Gen)

Found in most 8th and 9th Gen Core CPUs (like the i5-9600K or i7-9700K), the UHD 630 is a refined version of Intel’s integrated GPU built on the Gen9.5 architecture.

Key Features:

• Base Frequency: 350 MHz
• Max Dynamic Frequency: ~1.2 GHz (varies by CPU)
• 4K Support: Yes (60Hz via DisplayPort)
• DirectX Support: 12
• Media Features: Hardware acceleration for HEVC, VP9
• Multi-display Support: Up to 3 monitors

Real-World Usage:

• Web Browsing / Streaming: Smooth 4K playback on YouTube and Netflix
• Light Gaming: Playable frame rates in League of Legends, DOTA 2, and CS:GO on low settings at 720p or 1080p
• Productivity: Efficient in multi-display office setups

Intel HD Graphics 530 / 630 (6th & 7th Gen)

Integrated into 6th Gen (Skylake) and 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) CPUs, these older GPUs are still viable for general tasks.

Intel HD Graphics 530:

• Found in CPUs like the i7-6700K
• DirectX 12 support
• 4K support (30Hz HDMI, 60Hz DisplayPort)
• Suitable for basic 1080p media and applications

Intel HD Graphics 630:

• Slight improvement over the 530
• Found in CPUs like i7-7700K
• Better 3D rendering and HEVC support
• Still entry-level, but a small step closer to UHD 630 in feature set

Comparison Table: UHD 630 vs HD 630 vs HD 530

Should You Rely on Integrated Graphics?

Go for it if you’re:

• Building a budget system without a GPU
• Focused on office work, media streaming, or general browsing
• Needing a temporary solution before upgrading to a discrete GPU

Skip it if you:

• Want to play modern AAA games
• Work with GPU accelerated workloads (e.g., 3D rendering, video editing)

“UHD 630 handled 4K Netflix and 2D design work better than I expected. A good short term solution while I waited for my GTX 1660 to arrive.”
— User on Tom’s Hardware Forum

Expert Insights & Community Opinions: What the Pros and Users Say About LGA 1151 CPUs

When it comes to choosing the right LGA 1151 processor, real world feedback and expert analysis are invaluable. Here’s what seasoned enthusiasts, tech reviewers, and community members say about the most popular CPUs for this socket.

Reddit & Forum Discussions: Community Favorites

Reddit’s r/buildapc and r/intel communities consistently favor certain LGA 1151 CPUs for their reliable performance, overclocking ability, and overall value.

Intel Core i7-8700K

• Why it stands out: Solid 6-core/12-thread performance, great for gaming and productivity.
• Community verdict: Considered the “sweet spot” for budget conscious gamers and multitaskers.
• User Insight:

“The i7-8700K still crushes 1080p gaming. No need to upgrade unless you’re jumping to DDR5 or want more threads.”
— u/CompyRacer, r/buildapc

Intel Core i5-9600K

• Praised for its affordable entry into overclocking and strong gaming performance.
• Often paired with Z390 motherboards to unlock its full potential.

Professional Reviews: Industry Expert Takeaways

Leading tech publications and reviewers have tested these CPUs under a range of workloads. Their conclusions reinforce the community’s views especially around the high-end i9 and i7 chips.

Intel Core i9-9900K

• Reviewed by: Tom’s Hardware, TechSpot, AnandTech, Gamers Nexus
• Top Remarks:
  • Gaming: “Still one of the best 8-core CPUs for pure gaming, even in 2025.”
  • Content Creation: “Excellent for streamers and multitasking creators , thanks to 8 cores and 16 threads.”
• Expert Insight:

“If you’re gaming and streaming on the same rig, the 9900K handles it like a champ.”
— Steve Burke, Gamers Nexus

Intel Xeon E-2288G

• Preferred by professionals in CAD, 3D modeling, and workstation tasks.
• ECC memory support and iGPU inclusion make it a rare blend of power and stability.

Verdict from Both Worlds

TL;DR from the Community:

• Budget-minded? Go i5-9600K.
• Mid-range value? Grab an i7-8700K.
• Top-tier gaming/streaming? The i9-9900K is your beast.
• Pro workloads? Xeon has your back.

 Exploring older builds or budget-friendly options? Don’t miss our Comprehensive LGA 1150 CPU List: Top Picks & Specifications — a complete guide to the best processors for the LGA 1150 socket, with specs, performance insights, and upgrade tips. 

FAQ’s

Q1: Are all LGA 1151 CPUs compatible with any LGA 1151 motherboard?

Not necessarily. Compatibility depends on the motherboard’s chipset and BIOS version. For instance, 8th and 9th gen CPUs require 300-series chipsets.MS.Codes+1Reddit+1

Q2: Which LGA 1151 CPU is best for gaming?

The i9-9900K offers exceptional gaming performance, but the i7-9700K and i5-9600K are also excellent choices depending on budget.

Q3: Can I overclock all LGA 1151 CPUs?

Only K-series CPUs (e.g., i7-9700K) are unlocked for overclocking, and a compatible Z-series motherboard is required.

Q4: Do LGA 1151 CPUs support DDR4 RAM?

Yes, LGA 1151 CPUs support DDR4 RAM, with varying maximum speeds depending on the specific CPU and motherboard. 

Conclusion: Socket 1151 CPU List – Which Processor Is Right for You?

Even in 2025, LGA 1151 CPUs can still deliver excellent performance when paired with enough RAM and a modern SSD. If you’re building or maintaining a system using this platform, you don’t need to rush into a full upgrade especially if your needs are met by a CPU like the i7-8700K or i9-9900K.

From power users to casual builders, there’s a processor in this list that fits your needs without breaking your budget.

Have questions or want personal build advice? Drop them in the comments , we’re here to help you get the most out of your setup.