The term socket is very familiar to PC builders or even anyone who uses a PC. It is a deeply involved thing that connects a motherboard and a CPU. The LGA 1150 whose other name is socket H3, is a microprocessor socket released for Intel architect. It comes with 1150 pins and was updated from the LGA 1155. The LGA 1151 is the successor of this socket. It supports Haswell, Haswell-WS, Broadwell built processors. The memory type it supports is DDR3. This socket does not support high voltage as the CPU will be damaged by this. Though Socket H3 is old, still there is plenty of use of it and many of us are getting one for our special needs.

Since it has one of the best functions, one should get the best LGA 1150 CPU while they can. It has been almost six years since it was released which is why people are getting 1151, the successor of 1150 because of better performance. So, more and more CPUs & motherboards are released being compatible with the newest releases. For that reason, we should get the best CPU for LGA 1150 as well as the best compatible motherboard.

We hope that you will be able to build a good PC surrounding the LGA 1150 through this article.

Table of Contents

The 5 Best LGA 1150 CPU

Model Cores /
Threads
Core Clock /
Boost Clock
Price
4/8 3.40/3.90 GHz Check Price
4/8 4.0/4.40 GHz Check Price
4/4 3.2/3.6GHz Check Price
4/8 3.60/4.0 GHz Check Price
4/4 3.5/3.9 GHz Check Price

Intel I7-4770 Quad-Core

Intel I7-4770 Quad-Core

The Intel i7-4770 is a powerful and fast lga 1150 processor despite its age. It was definitely future-proof when it was released and is still going on with the standard of 4/8 cores/threads. Whether you want it for gaming, overclocking, video editing/encoding, it will really satisfy you. But it offers the best performance in video encoding or even editing. As a professional content creator, you will love to work with this little one. It works great and fast. The installation process is easy and simple. It supports unlocked cores that are responsible for overclocking. This solid processor supports integrated HD Graphics 4600 which offers better graphics output.

The TDP of this CPU is only 84W which is why it has low power consumption and is a lot cooler than AMD processors. However, it gets heated fast under load and that’s why an aftermarket cooler is necessary to keep it alive for a longer time. The price is also reasonable and affordable for budget builders. It is really fast and also allows multitasking. The Core 7 4770 quad-core is an all-rounder CPU that can finish any work you throw at it easily and fast. But you need to have a good cooler, a motherboard, and a better GPU (if you want it for a workstation). Though it supports overclocking, not doing it will be better for both your PC and the CPU. It does not do any good, rather eats up the lifetime of this CPU.

The stock cooler is not that good but not bad as well. It is kind of weak and should have been better with the fan and so. But it does offer good performance for regular work and that way you don’t even have to buy an additional cooler. Apart from some drawbacks, overall it shows great performances. It runs very fast, has good energy efficiency, runs cool, supports multitasking, and is worth the money.

Specification

CPU Intel i7-4770 quad-core
Cores 4
Threads 8
Integrated Graphics HD 4600
TDP Rating 84W
Base Clock 3.4 GHz
Boost Clock 3.90 GHz
Socket LGA 1150

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Intel i7 4770 quad-core comes with 4/8 cores/threads, HD Graphics 4600, and a total TDP of 84W. Its lithography manufacture is 22nm. The Base frequency is 3.40 GHz and the Max Turbo Frequency is 3.90 GHz. It features 5 GT/s of bus speed, 8 MB cache, 2 GB graphics max memory. Moreover, it includes 2 x DDR3 memory channels supporting 32 GB max memory and 25.6 GB/s memory clock speed.

Downsides: This processor gets heated fast during intense load. The stock cooler is not sufficient if you use it for high-end gaming and video editing. Also, it does not support good overclocking.

Pros
  • Impressive performance
  • Fast and energy-efficient
  • Low power consumption
  • Supports multitasking
  • You get what you pay for
  • Awesome video editing performance
Cons
  • High temperature under load
  • Not for overclocking

Intel Core I7-4790K

Intel Core i7-4790k

Intel Core i7 4790K is a stable processor with some reasonable features and performances. Both i7 4790 and this K version are relatively great but this one has an unlocked multiplier which unleashes the overclocking abilities. Also, there are a few differences as to why the K version is better. This one is also really old but still is future-proof. You can still get the best of it like it’s brand new. Moreover, it was one of the best releases of its time. It is pretty easy to install and set up. One thing to note is that this CPU needs an Intel Z97 motherboard to be paired up. Otherwise, the purchase will be a failure literally. These Z97 boards are becoming rare to get hold onto.

It has got pretty good Integrated Graphics and a stock cooler, though you might have to compromise. Unless you can deal with the low resolution and framerate, the integration is really good. However, graphics quality and speed really matter whether we are gaming or editing video/image. That’s why you may have to get a dedicated GPU for your build. Though the GPU abilities are improved compared to its predecessor. The stock cooler is pretty quiet, though it runs hot under load. The i7 4790K is a perfect choice as well if you are wanting to upgrade your old CPU. It definitely gives life to older PCs (Of course it should be checked whether they are compatible). If you have gotten a Z97 board, then it works super great.

The Core i7-4790K is definitely an insanely good CPU thanks to its 4 cores and 8 threads. Multitasking has become easy for it and you can get it done fastly as well. Gaming with 4790K has gotten better and will be even better if you have a good graphics card. Moreover, the video editing performance is satisfying thanks to its hyperthreading. Overclocking is also pretty decent due to the unlocked multiplier. The price is rising gradually for this CPU. We don’t know why but maybe because of the availability.

Specification

CPU Intel Core I7-4790K
Cores 4
Threads 8
Integrated Graphics HD 4600
TDP Rating 88W
Base Clock 4.0 GHz
Boost Clock 4.40 GHz
Socket LGA 1150

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Intel Core i7 4790K features 4/8 cores/threads, HD Graphics 4600, and 88W of total TDP. It also features 5GT/s of Bus Speed, 22nm of lithography, and 8 MB of total cache. The Base frequency is 4.0 GHz and the Max Turbo Frequency is 4.40 GHz. It includes 2 x DDR3 memory channels that support 32 GB max memory and 25.6 Gb/s memory clock speed.

Downsides: The stock cooler is flimsy and the price is getting higher day by day.

Pros
  • Runs faster at stock speed
  • Runs pretty cool and fast
  • Class-leading performance
  • Easy to install
  • Hyperthreading and Multitasking
  • Unlocked multiplier
Cons
  • The graphics have no improvement
  • Increasing Price
  • Unavailability of Z97 boards

Intel Core I5 4570

Intel Core I5 4570

This i5 processor is a decent and good valued LGA 1150 CPU. It is a fast chip and also runs quite cool. It consumes less power compared to its powerful performances. The Core i5 4570 is stable, comes with a reasonable price, though it has some remarkable drawbacks. It also has the same integrated graphics as the 4790K and 4770 quad-core CPUs. That’s why it runs pretty similar performances with them. 4K video processing or photography processing is something fast and easy with this processor. Since it is affordable, it is a great go for those who want to build a budget PC for video/photo editing. If you want a processor for daily use and do not do intense work or even don’t overclock, then it is literally made for you.

Though there are other awesome CPUs with much cheaper prices, it is an LGA 1150 CPU and they are not. It also does not consume much power that is a plus point for your electricity bill and the stock cooler. Unless you tweak it super hard and push it, it won’t rebel. Though you will need to buy a decent cooler if you want it for gaming and other working purposes. Its installation process is easy and painless. Even though it has some deficits, it is still a powerful chip with fast and stable outputs. It offers decent gaming performance making itself a great LGA 1150 CPU for gaming. Because of the locked multiplier, it does not support overclocking though. Also, it does not support hyperthreading.

It runs fast and is also cool thanks to the stock heatsink and fan. The single-core performance is speedy and powerful. It does its job pretty well and is efficient.

Specification

CPU Intel Core I5 4570
Cores 4
Threads 4
Integrated Graphics HD 4600
TDP Rating 84W
Base Clock 3.2 GHz
Boost Clock 3.6 GHz
Socket LGA 1150

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Intel Core i5 4570 comes with 4/4 cores/threads, 84W of TDP, and HD Graphics 4600. It features 6 MB of cache, 22nm lithography manufacture, and 5 GT/s Bus Speed. Its Base frequency is 3.20 GHz, and the Max Turbo Frequency is 3.60 GHz. Moreover, it features max 16 x PCI Express 3.0, and 2 x DDR3 memory channels with 32 GB max memory size, and 25.6 GB/s memory speed.

Downsides: This one also has no good stock cooler and does not support overclocking due to the locked multiplier.

Pros
  • Decent Gaming Performance
  • Low power consumption
  • Budget for video editing
  • Fast and stable
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Locked multiplier
  • Flimsy stock cooler

Intel Core I7 4790

Intel Core I7 4790

As-built on the Haswell architecture, the Intel Core i7 4790 has taken its place as one of the best workable LGA 1150 CPUs. It offers strong performance along with having a great value. It has been released with strong cores to improve the output levels of its predecessor. The clock speed & hyperthreading with additional features make the processor’s performance even better and smoother. The installation process is easy. It is also a great option to improve your old CPU and it will definitely make your PC brand new with lots of powerful outputs. The power consumption is low while providing awesome performance. It has nothing to lose rather than many things to gain.

It has got a great Base clock and Boosts clock speed and that is the reason why this one rocks in performance. Though it is relatively old in other categories, it still is evergreen as a best lga 1150 gaming CPU. The stable and strong performances are enough to prove its evergreen characteristics. Gaming sessions with this Core i7-4790 are impressive and solid. The gaming performance has improved a lot compared to intel’s last release. Whether you are a gamer or an editor, it is definitely a good one to choose. Moreover, it features IVT (Intel Virtualization Technology) that helps the processor to enable multiple OS from different resources. Though it does not offer fast outputs or gaming sessions, those performances are solid and satisfying.

Its stock cooler is really great compared to the other ones. Since this CPU does not consume much power, 4790 itself does not run extremely hot under load. However, if you push it hard or do intensive work, that is different. Getting an aftermarket cooler is the best option then.

Specification

CPU Intel Core I7 4790
Cores 4
Threads 8
Integrated Graphics HD 4600
TDP Rating 84W
Base Clock 3.6 GHz
Boost Clock 4.0 GHz
Socket LGA 1150

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Intel Core i7 4790 comes with 4/8 cores/threads and 84W of total Thermal Design Power (TDP). It features 22nm of lithography manufacturing, 5 GT/s Bus Speed, Intel 8 MB cache, and Intel HD Graphics 4600. Its Base Clock frequency is 3.60 GHz and its Max Boost Clock frequency is 4.00 GHz. It has got max 16 of PCI Express 3.0 lanes. Lastly, it includes 2 x DDR3 memory channels and they support 32 GB of max memory and 25.6 Gb/s memory clock speed.

Downsides: The stock cooler is good but cannot hold much load. Also, it does not have overclocking ability.

Pros
  • Excellent base clock speed and boost clock speed for improved performance
  • Good value
  • Great core performance
  • Good power efficiency
Cons
  • The stock cooler could have been better
  • No overclocking headrooms

Intel Core I5-4690K

Intel Core I5-4690K

The Intel Core i5 4690K runs pretty coolly just as Intel has advertised. If you are looking forward to gaming and overclocking, this definitely a good choice. However, it will be a very bad idea to get this for rendering or video editing. Since video editing or film rendering requires hyperthreading for fast and better results, i5 4690k is not up for it. Though we have mentioned another i5 which is good for video editing, i7 is the best choice in terms of that. Hyper-Threading and multitasking with strong core performance are what a video editor needs. Anyway, this processor may not have that point but it is a beastly one for gaming and pretty good overclocking. The ram capacity, base & boost clock speed, and HD 4600 integrated graphics are more than enough for blowing out gaming.

The Intel HD Graphics 4600 is surely enough to deal with modern PC games at medium settings. However, if you wish to get the best of every game on high settings, and enjoy the snappy & smooth graphics, you will have to get a dedicated Graphics card. It has got an unlocked multiplier which makes it capable of overclocking. It overclocks easily and has lots of overclocking headroom. This CPU runs fast and cool. The stock fan and cooler also have decent quality, though it is not that powerful. Of course, you will need an additional cooler if you plan to run heavy works or push it more. The installation process is also easy and simple.

As an LGA 1150 processor for gaming, Core i5 4690K definitely lives up to the expectations. You can use it for work purposes as well and it will run smoothly. Though it lacks hyperthreading needed for video editing, it still offers better performance at a light and intense-free video editing. The multitasking performance is not that mighty but better than not having at all. The price is also relatively high. However, it runs amazingly even for the price.

Specification

CPU Intel Core I5-4690K
Cores 4
Threads 4
Integrated Graphics HD 4600
TDP Rating 88W
Base Clock 3.5 GHz
Boost Clock 3.9 GHz
Socket LGA 1150

Key Features & Downsides

Key Features: The Intel Core i5 4690K comes with 4/4 cores/threads, Intel HD Graphics 4600, and 88W of TDP. Its base clock speed is 3.50 GHz, and the Max Boost clock speed is 3.90 GHz. It features 22nm of lithography manufacturing, 6 MB cache, 5 GT/s of Bus Speed, and max 16 x PCI express 3.0 lanes. Moreover, it has 2 x DDR3 memory channel. They support 32 GB memory size and 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth.

Downsides: Sometimes it becomes hot during intensive gaming sessions which can not be handled by the stock cooler.

Pros
  • Strong Core performance
  • Awesome for gaming
  • Easy overclocking
  • Unlocked multiplier
  • Easy to install
  • Efficient features for gaming
Cons
  • Heatsink not included
  • A bit pricey
  • Average multitasking


GamingSpice author image
Sherman R.

I am a total tech geek! I'm obsessed with computers and anything remotely related to them -building, tinkering, upgrading...you name it. My friends are probably sick of hearing me talk about the latest hardware innovations and whatnot but, I hope you all appreciate it!