6 Best LGA 1151 CPU For Gaming In 2023

Do you want the finest CPU for gaming? If you want adaptability, the i9 9900K is unquestionably the greatest LGA 1151 CPU. It’s fantastic for gaming, but with 16 threads, it’s also a capable workstation. In fact, it won’t stifle a potent GPU & boasts incredible clock speeds as well as single-core efficiency.

The Intel 8th & 9th gen CPUs are still widely used today and are placed on the legendary LGA 1151 socket. The LGA 1151 socket is compatible with a wide range of processors. You can read this post to learn more about the best CPU.

Top Products:

In addition, we’ve evaluated & ranked the top LGA 1151 CPUs available here. We’ll examine the best possibilities, some solutions that rank in the center of the pack, and those that are also more cost-effective. It’s without a doubt one of the fastest LGA 1151 CPUs available. Let’s examine the most compatible options.

Quick Shopping Tips

Cores:

The first and the most important factor you must consider is the total number of cores in a processor. A core is like a path in a chip that performs a certain number of tasks in a given time. The minimum limit for the core count is four—any chip with either four or more cores is fine for you. If there are two processors, go for the one with a higher core count. 

Threads and Hyper-Threading:

If I simplify the definition of thread, it’s a virtual version of a CPU core. It behaves pretty much like the normal core inside a processor. In addition, hyper-threading is the ability of a chip to use more than one thread at a time. On average, a CPU with at least an equal number of threads as the cores is considered good for gaming. 

Cache memory:

Cache memory is the fastest type of memory in a computer that acts as a middle-man between RAM and the CPU. It stores all the information that the chip requires in order to save time and boost overall efficiency. When purchasing a processor, make sure to buy with at least 8MB cache memory or one with higher so it can perform well. 

Overclocking:

Each chip has a certain base clock speed that can increase up to a particular boost clock in order to increase the performance and overall operational speed. There are both types of processors, overclockable and non-overclockable. If you want to play games or do content creation, go for overclocking—but budget-conscious users can go for non-overclockable ones. 

TDP and CPU heating:

TDP or Thermal Design Power is the average power dissipation or heat generated by a processor. A processor with a higher TDP value is capable of delivering more performance than the one with a lesser value. You must go for one with a higher count but make sure it has a built-in cooling system so it can tackle that much heat without any damage.

Compatibility:

The compatibility between the CPU and motherboard can be divided into two aspects. We have already discussed the first one which is socket compatibility. But the second one is the motherboard’s chipset which must be according to the processor. You can choose between the 400-series or 300-series chipsets depending upon the chip.

List Of The Best LGA 1151 CPU For Gaming You Can Buy

AwardDesignCPUsRetailer
Best Flagship LGA 1151 CPU
Staff PickIntel Core i7-9700K
VIew on Amazon
Best Overall LGA 1151 CPU
Best PickIntel Core i9-9900K
VIew on Amazon
Best Premium LGA 1151 CPU
Intel Core i7-6700K
VIew on Amazon
Best Budget LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming
Budget PickIntel Core i5-9600K
VIew on Amazon
Best Mid-Tier LGA 1151 CPU
Intel Core i5-9400F
VIew on Amazon
Best Entry-Level LGA 1151 CPU
Intel Core i3-9100F
VIew on Amazon
Staff Pick
Intel Core i7-9700K
Intel Core i7-9700K (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i7-9700K

Best Flagship LGA 1151 CPU

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 8 | Threads: 8 | Multi-threading: No | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 3.60 GHz | Boost clock: 4.90 GHz | Rated TDP: 95 W | Cache memory: 12MB Intel Smart Cache

PROS

Excellent single-core performance

Great gaming capabilities

Strong thermals 

Integrated graphics

CONS

No Hyper-Threading

Lacks PCIe 4.0 support

The previous processor, the Core i9-9900k, is a great 8-core chip with excellent performance capabilities. But if you’re a tech enthusiast who doesn’t want that much processing power for the system and can workout with slightly lesser power, the Intel Core i7-9700k is for you.

It’s a fine-quality unlocked processor with pretty much everything that you may require to run the current-era AAA titles at peak graphics. This LGA 1151 processor is a slightly demoted version of the Core i9-9900k in simple. 

Being from the Intel 9th generation Coffee Lake processors family, it’s built on a 14nm manufacturing lithography. As far as the specifications matter, it comes with 8 threads and 8 cores but lacks Hyper-threading which is not good news.

So the cores may feel it challenging to perform complex operations since they can’t use multiple threads at a time. Anyhow, it still knocked out the AMD Ryzen 7 3700x which is its main rival being an eight-core mainstream machine. 

Apart from that, there is still a lot to discuss and prove its identity as the best flagship 1151 CPU for gaming and content creation. Its efficient core architecture and impactful gaming performance are enough to provide a robust power output.

In contrast, there are some downsides to this chip as well. Firstly, there is no bundled cooler in the box so you have to spend some extra money to get that. Also, the lack of PCIe 4.0 support is also not a piece of good news for me. 

Final verdict:

The Intel Core i7-9700k is the fastest LGA 1151 CPU and a great alternative to the pricey Core i9-9900k processor. It provides pretty much the same performance but at a reasonable price. It comes with a 100MHz lesser base clock and 200MHZ more boost clock than the i7-8700k. However, it lacks the bundled cooler as I mentioned earlier so you have to spend some extra bucks. Other than the lack of Hyper-Threading, there is no reason to not choose this chip.

Best Pick
Intel Core i9-9900K
Intel Core i9-9900K (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i9-9900K

Best Overall LGA 1151 CPU

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Multi-threading: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 3.60 GHz | Boost clock: 5.0 GHz | Rated TDP: 95 W | Cache memory: 16MB Intel Smart Cache

PROS

Good gaming performance

Unlocked multiplier

5GHz peak one-core clock

Solder TIM

CONS

No cooler included

Cooling requirement

The software and games are getting modern and heavy so are the computers too. Every CPU manufacturer is trying its best to deliver the best processor to its users and Intel is one of those names.

We can see the same reflection of power in the Intel Core i9-9900k which is the best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming and other uses. It stands against AMD’s Ryzen 7 series processors and is given a toe-to-toe competition and becomes a perfect fit for gamers and content creators. 

If we compare it with the previous i7 family, there is about a 30% increase in clock speeds plus it comes with Hyper-Threading unlike its other brother in the i9 series. Looking at the specifications of this chip on our LGA 1151 CPU list, it’s based on a 14nm lithography and features 8 cores, 16 threads, and 16MB Intel Smart Cache.

Not only that, the hyper-threading enabled it to almost double its performance during multi-tasking operations and boost the gaming speeds. Check out the best top 7 CPU for Plex Server in 2022.

Since it’s a “K” variant, it’s unlocked for overclocking. It can take its 3.6GHz base clock speed up to a 5.0GHz boost clock to get the most out of the system. But you can’t overclock the chip using an ordinary motherboard, rather need a good-quality Z390 or Z370 mobo to support the processor.

Other features of this masterpiece include Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics with 1.2GHz GPU frequency and PCIe 3.0 support for expansion purposes. 

Final verdict:

The Intel Core i9-9900k is the best overall LGA 1151 CPU with pretty much everything you may need for gaming and content creation. It features more cores, higher frequencies, performance-boosting solder TIM, and more at one spot. If I uncover the gaming performance stats, the chip can provide 80+ fps at 2k and 40+ at 4k graphics resolution when paired with a graphics card like RTX 3080 Ti—it’s perfect if you fully utilize the rig’s power.

Intel Core i7-6700K
Intel Core i7-6700K (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i7-6700K

Best Premium LGA 1151 CPU

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 4 | Threads: 8 | Multi-threading: Yes | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 530 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 4.0 GHz | Boost clock: 4.2 GHz | Rated TDP: 91W | Cache memory: 8MB Intel Smart Cache |

PROS

Easy to use

Overclockable up to 4.6GHz

Fastest performance

Hyper-Threading enabled

CONS

No bundled cooler

Undoubtedly, Intel has all types of products for all types of users and usages with a bunch of excellent features and specifications. The next product from the brand is the Intel Core i7-6700k which is like a black horse in a crowd of best CPUs.

It’s the best premium LGA 1151 CPU to pair with the current-era graphics cards and get peak performance at a mid-tier price. You can play the current-era games with super-fast performance and do content creation without any lag. 

Like most of the advanced processors from the brand, the i7-6700k is based on the 14nm Skylake architecture. Moreover, it features 4 cores and 8 threads along with Hyper-threading technology. It means you can get the most out of any system, especially during multithreading and multitasking.

There is an 8MB cache memory which is not as much as the competitors but still enough to support the processor. Overall, it’s the best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming with a great value.

It’s an unlocked chip so can vary its clock speed depending upon the load at any time. But the difference of 0.2GHz between the 4.0GHz base and 4.2GHz boost clock is not that much to let the CPU play on its own.

If I further add to the chip’s description, it’s the best LGA 1151 CPU 6th gen and supports DDR4-2133 and DDR3-1600 memory. The addition of the integrated graphics support is another good piece of news but the absence of the bundled cooler is a bad one.

Final verdict:

The Intel Core i7-6700k is the first sixth-generation CPU with a lot of good-quality features and technologies. Most importantly, the overclocking is quite easy to navigate with this chip than in the previous models. There are some extra PCIe lanes than what the brand has been offering previously. If you pair an excellent cooler with this chip, it may increase your budget but you can get more than 60 fps in the most demanding games.

Budget Pick
Intel Core i5-9600K
Intel Core i5-9600K (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i5-9600K

Best Budget LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Multi-threading: No | Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 3.70 GHz | Boost clock: 4.60 GHz | Rated TDP: 95W | Cache memory: 9MB Intel Smart Cache |

PROS

Single-threaded performance

Gaming performance

Unlocked multiplier for overclocking

Excellent base clock speed

Excellent boost clock speed for gaming

CONS

No bundled cooler

Requires Z-series motherboard to overclock

Outdated to thermals

The Intel Core i5-9600k is an iterative upgrade over the previous-generation processors with an impactful set of features and technologies. Moreover, this is the best budget LGA 1151 CPU for gaming and for those who don’t want to put too many bucks into the only chip but also save to later buy a graphic card.

There are several rivals to it in the AMD family, but still, it’s worth spending the bucks. It’s unmatchable in terms of the excellent performance-to-price ratio and its all-rounder placement in the post. 

The i5-9600k is about 15% faster than its forerunner, the i5-8600k, and is capable of running the current-era stressful applications. If we look at the specifications sheet, it features a basic pack of 6 cores and 6 threads along with a 9MB Intel Smart Cache and a 3.7GHZ base clock that can increase up to 4.6GHz boost clock speed.

However, the pitfall of having this best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming is the absence of the Hyper-Threading which may affect the CPU’s performance in multitasking. 

Following the ritual of providing integrated graphics, the brand has embedded the UHD Graphics 630 support to further enhance its suitability for gaming. We have tested its capabilities by pairing it with the G.Skill Smash 16GB DDR4 memory and the i5-9600k impresses us while handling the XMP for memory overclocking. The outdated thermals with the chip and the absence of the bundled cooler are two bad news for me—if these are not issues, just go for it. 

Final verdict:

The Intel Core i5-9600k is a great update over the previous-generation models and the best gaming CPU for LGA 1155. If you’re a tech enthusiast who wants an affordable processor, this is a perfect masterpiece for you.

As far as the performance matters, you can consider it if you want any in-game resolution up to 1920×1080 quality. However, it lacks an effective thermal and bundled cooler so keep these factors in your mind before going to the market.

Intel Core i5-9400F
Intel Core i5-9400F (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i5-9400F

Best Mid-Tier LGA 1151 CPU

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Multi-threading: No | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 2.9 GHz | Boost clock: 4.1 GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Cache memory: 9MB Intel Smart Cache

PROS

Extra affordable

Leading gaming performance

3D inbuilt graphics

Power efficient

CONS

Locked processor

No integrated graphics

No PCIe 4.0 support

Once again, we have something affordable on the list. If you feel that the Core i3-9100F isn’t enough for your usage then the Intel Core i5-9400F must be a perfect choice for you. It offers more cores, higher clock speeds, and some other good features.

But at the time, it lacked integrated graphics support so you had to pair a dedicated graphics card to get used to it. In addition, it has a locked multiplier so it can’t overclock or underclock to clock speed and can’t reduce the power consumption. 

The Core i5 9400F is from the 9th generation of the processor family and is built on a 14nm manufacturing lithography. It has 6 cores and 6 threads along with 9MB Intel Smart Cache. If we compare it with its unlocked version in the series, there is not a big difference other than the locked multiplier.

Overall, it’s the best mid-tier LGA 1151 CPU in terms of price, value, and performance at the same time. The locked multiplier and absence of integrated graphics are the only flaws to it.

There is a rated TDP of only 65W so an ordinary type of cooler can even handle the heat production without any issue. Other than the lower power consumption, you can connect the DDR4 type volatile memory to get 41.6GB/s of memory bandwidth.

However, this processor doesn’t support the PCIe 4.0 connection rather PCIe 3.0 support is given for expansion purposes. In short, you must go for it if you prefer an excellent performance-to-price ratio rather than pricey items.

Final verdict:

The Intel Core i5-9400F is a great update on the previous-generation processors to carry the mid-range gaming crown. The AMD Ryzen 5 2600x is the closest rival to it that even wins some extra points since the i5-9400F lacks Hyper-Threading and locked multiplier. However, it’s the fastest chip in single-thread functionalities and can tackle the current-era gaming applications. It can run the latest AAA titles with 1080p 100+ fps with a three-digit refresh rate. 

Intel Core i3-9100F
Intel Core i3-9100F (Image credit: Amazon)

Intel Core i3-9100F

Best Entry-Level LGA 1151 CPU

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Intel | Cores: 4 | Threads: 4 | Multi-threading: No | Integrated graphics: No | Socket: LGA 1151 | Base clock: 3.6 GHz | Boost clock: 4.2 GHz | Rated TDP: 65W | Cache memory: 6MB Intel Smart Cache |

PROS

Quite affordable

Made for mid-tier usage

Excellent single-core performance

Has Hyper-Threading

Comes with a cooler

CONS

No integrated graphics

We have tried our best to introduce you to a wide range of products in this post where some are quite affordable while some are known for their performance. The previous Core i5-9600k is perfect for budget-conscious users but for those who want something with even lesser bucks, the Intel Core i3-9100F is for you.

It’s the best entry-level LGA 1151 CPU with a lot of fine features but lacks integrated graphics. Other than that, there is no reason not to go for such a mind-blowing processor. 

The Core i3-9100F is based on the 14nm Coffee Lake architecture and is a successful successor of the previous-generation Core i3-8100. It comes with the most basic setup of 4 cores and 4 threads along with a basic pack of 6MB Intel Smart Cache.

The brand hasn’t installed any type of flashy features but rather kept everything minimal to give a low-budget product. Sadly, it’s a locked processor plus doesn’t feature Hyper-Threading so be aware before purchasing it. 

It’s not to tackle the heavy-duty workloads but to take down lightly threaded workloads even better than some of its expensive siblings. It’s undoubtedly the best gaming CPU for LGA 1155 socket with a lot of impressive technologies.

We have seen many pricey chips lacking a bundled cooler but this one comes with the traditional pancake CPU cooler to save your bucks. This cooler is enough to handle 65W of heat production and will not let the temperature affect the performance. 

Final verdict:

The Intel Core i3-9100F is an excellent entry-level quad-core processor for basic desktop usage. It’s one of the desktop PCs based on the Coffee Lake architecture from Intel’s family. There are several advantages of having this chip including an affordable price tag, fine performance, and an included cooler.

At the same time, some downsides to this item include a locked multiplier and the absence of integrated graphics—so, consider these factors before buying one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LGA 1151 outdated?

Intel released the LGA 1151 socket back in 2015 in order to perform well with the good-quality 300-series motherboards. In my opinion, the LGA 1151 is not outdated since you can still find excellent motherboards and other computer elements to pair with. You can still take the performance up to the next level using the LGA 1151 processor.

What CPUs can fit LGA 1151?

There is a long list of processors that come with the Intel LGA 1151 socket including the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation chips in the family. When there are so many options available in the market, it becomes quite difficult to choose one. But we have introduced some of the best LGA 1151 processors in this post—read the whole to get a better idea.

What CPU is best for LGA 1151?

The Intel Core i9-9900k is the best gaming CPU for LGA 1155 with all the features to tackle the current-era AAA titles. It comes with 8 cores and 16 threads along with Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier to get the most out of any system. But the bundled cooler is not included in the box. If this is not an issue, this is a perfect masterpiece for you.

What CPU goes with LGA 1151?

There are a number of processors that can perfectly be paired and go with the LGA 1151 motherboards. But the Intel Core i5-9600k is perfect in terms of budget and performance. It comes with 6 cores and 6 threads along with an unlocked multiplier but lacks the Hyper-Threading technology. Overall, it’s a great pick for value for money and gaming output for current-era AAA titles. 

Conclusion:

A processor is one of the most essential elements is a computer supervising the overall performance of other elements plus their selection. But you have to double check the CPU’s socket since it defines the compatibility between the processor and motherboard. In this post, we have tried our best to find the best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming with all the features and specifications to get the most out of the gaming rig. Remember, choose one according to your usage and requirements. 

There is a wide variety of all types of processors in this post so all can have at least one perfect chip for them. If you’re looking for an affordable CPU, you can choose between the Intel Core i5-9600k, i3-9100F, or i5-9400F depending upon the bucks in your pocket.

In contrast, the tech enthusiasts who want the best out of the bests without worrying about the price tag can go for the Intel Core i9-9900k. If you are looking for a different chip, go and check the list to find one for you.