Deciding what the best LGA 1150 CPU is, is difficult, especially if you do not know a lot about computer components and hardware. Fortunately, our guide clears all your doubts by listing, reviewing, and rating the ultimate picks.
So, the LGA 1150 CPU list will show the product’s most important features and specifications, making it easier for beginners to determine the ideal choice. Henceforth, by the time you are done reading our thorough buying guide, you will understand the details and pros and cons.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Intel Core i7 4790K
|
Intel Core i7-4790
|
Intel Core i7-4770
|
Intel Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell
|
Intel Core i5 4690 Quad Core CPU
|
|
| Processor speed | 4 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| CPU socket | Socket H3 (LGA 1150) | Socket H3 (LGA 1150) | Socket H3 (LGA 1150) | Socket H3 (LGA 1150) | Socket H3 (LGA 1150) |
| Maximum RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | DDR3 – SDRAM | DDR3 – SDRAM | DDR3 – SDRAM | DDR3 – SDRAM | DDR3 – SDRAM |
| Max clock speed | 4.4 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Core frequency | 350 MHz | 350 MHz | 350 MHz | 350 MHz | 350 MHz |
| GPU frequency | 1250 MHz | 1200 MHz | 1200 MHz | 1100 MHz | 1200 MHz |
| Product dimensions | 4.4 x 3.1 x 4.6 inches | 4.6 x 3.3 x 4.6 inches | 1.4 x 4 x 1.4 inches | 4.5 x 4.4 x 3.2 inches | 3.9 x 1.5 x 3.9 inches |
Intel Core I7 4790K
Pros:
- It is an extremely powerful quad-core processor
- Hyper-threading gives customers up to 8 threads
- It reaches stunning clock speeds
- It offers enough thermal headroom for overclocking
- It is readily available
Cons:
- It is one of the most expensive CPUs
- It is discontinued by Intel
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 9.5 out of 10
Graphics Support: 8 out of 10
Efficiency: 9 out of 10
Clock speed: 10 out of 10
These shortlists show that the Intel i7-4790K is the ideal all-in-one gen core processor featuring stunning specifications. First, this CPU performs exceptionally well, getting a nearly perfect score of 9.5 out of 10 for the performance criterion. Although it is an older model, this processor manages to outperform some new models within a similar price range. So, this is the ideal product if you are looking for outstanding performance.
The second important criterion is graphics support, and the 4790K model does not lack any support. Namely, this is the fastest CPU featured here, clocking in at 1250 MHz of GPU speed. This speed is ideal by today’s standards, so you would not have any troubles with modern games. As a result, the final verdict is a score of 8 out of 10 for the graphics support criterion.
Additionally, the 4790K model is extremely efficient considering the 4 GHz base speed and the 4.4 GHz max speed. Namely, this incredible model only draws around 88 watts of energy, which is less than average. Henceforth, it gets a score of 9 out of 10 for the efficiency criterion. So, you are guaranteed to get an efficient CPU, although being older and more expensive.
Finally, the last criterion to rate is speed, which was mentioned several times before. Our experts tested its incredible speed and are convinced the base 4 GHz base speed is more than enough for most games. Moreover, you can boost the rate to 4.4 GHz, which is considered a high-end speed by experts and gamers. Thus, this processor gets a perfect score of 10 out of 10 for the speed criterion.
Overview: The Intel 4790K model is packed with incredible speed, performance, and graphics support. So, if you are a gamer looking for the ideal CPU for modern games, the 4790K is the ideal product due to its incredible specs. Our experts highly recommend this processor.
Intel Core i7-4790
Pros:
- It is an extremely versatile CPU ideal for work and gaming
- The price is incredibly affordable by today’s standards
- This powerful quad-core processor can handle any heavy operation
- The eight threads can multitask stunningly well
- The memory bandwidth is above average
- It comes with a CPU cooler
Cons:
- It does not achieve a high base speed
- The max resolution could have been better
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 9 out of 10
Graphics Support: 7.5 out of 10
Efficiency: 9.5 out of 10
Clock speed: 6.5 out of 10
Although the Intel i7-4790 is not the fastest nor the best processor featured in this list, it delivers an incredible performance, as confirmed by our tests. The 4790-chip held up the course of time well because this CPU can compete with current models. Additionally, the price is significantly lower than the previous model so that you can save some money. As a result, the final score for the performance criterion is 9 out of 10.
Next, the graphics support is average by many standards and benchmarks, so we gave this criterion a final score of 7.5 out of 10. So, you get 1200 GHz of GPU frequency, which is not great compared to similar models. However, you should not be worried about the GPU frequency if it is something that does not bother you. The most frequently asked questions by thousands of users are about efficiency and speed.
First, the best criterion this CPU has is efficiency. Although this model is less expensive than the 4790K, it is more efficient because it only consumes around 70 watts of power. Even if you overclock the CPU and push it to the limit, it will not consume more than 80 watts. As a result, this processor gets a fair score of 9.5 out of 10 for the efficiency criterion.
On the flip side, this processor’s most significant drawback is the base speed being only 3.2 GHz. Although you can overclock it to 4.0 GHz, the base speed is insufficient. Hence, the score we provide for the base clock speed criterion is 6.5 out of 10. Our experts believe Intel should have done a better job regarding this specification.
Overview: The Intel i7-4790 processor performs incredibly well and is very efficient, although it does not have a decent speed. So, if you are a customer looking for an affordable processor performing well, this is the ideal choice. You will get a great deal and save some money.
Intel Core i7-4770
Pros:
- It is packed with 32 GB of memory
- It achieves great Hyper-Threading for excellent multithreading
- It features 3.9 GHz Turbo Boost Technology
- It comes at a reasonable price
- The performance is great
Cons:
- It does not hold well against higher-end GPUs
- It does not achieve a fast base clock speed
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 8.5 out of 10
Graphics Support: 7.5 out of 10
Efficiency: 8 out of 10
Clock speed: 7 out of 10
The following desktop processor compatible with the LGA 1150 socket is the Intel i7-4770, a 4th gen CPU. The Intel i7-4770 processor is a great choice for gamers on a budget trying to save some money for other components. Fortunately, this processor offers incredible specifications despite being cheaper than similar models. So, this model proved to perform well, as confirmed by our experts. As a result, the final verdict is a score of 8.5 out of 10 for the performance criterion.
Additionally, all the processors featured in our guide share similar graphics support, so their scores are not very different. Namely, this CPU is identical to the Intel i7-4790 because it provides 1200 GHz of GPU frequency. Again, this is not terrible by today’s standards. Henceforth, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the graphics support criterion.
On the flip side, this processor differs efficiently from the Intel i7-4790 model. Namely, the Intel i7-4770 consumes more power than similar products, but it is nothing you should be worried about. So, users should expect average power consumption of around 85 watts, which is okay. So, all things considered, the final score for the efficiency criterion is 8 out of 10.
Finally, the clock speed is not this processor’s best feature. Namely, the base speed customers can get 3.4 GHz. Fortunately, you can use the Turbo Boost Technology to achieve a speed of 3.9 GHz. As a result, the base clock speed criterion deserves a final score of 7 out of 10.
Overview: The Intel i7-4770 processor offers fair performance and efficiency but lacks proper graphics support and base clock speed. However, this is the best choice if you are a customer looking for a cheaper alternative with decent specs.
Intel Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell
Pros:
- This model offers ECC memory support
- It is exceptionally energy-efficient
- The price tag is reasonable
- The boosted clock speed is sufficient for gaming and editing
- It is readily available
Cons:
- · It does not come with integrated Intel graphics facilities
- · The base clock is low for modern games
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 8 out of 10
Graphics Support: 6.5 out of 10
Efficiency: 9 out of 10
Clock speed: 6 out of 10
Like all other processors featured in this guide, the Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell performs incredibly well despite being an older model. As a result, you can enjoy most modern games at average settings, but you can play more aged titles at high settings. Consequently, this CPU deserves a score of 8 out of 10 for the performance criterion, similar to the previous models.
However, this CPU’s most significant drawback is the graphics support because it does not have integrated Intel graphics facilities. So, you do not get more than 1200 GHz GPU frequency, which is not enough by modern standards. So, although you can experience games without lags, the processor will struggle after extended use.
On the flip side, the Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell is one of the best processors regarding efficiency and low power consumption. Namely, this CPU consumes less than 70 watts of energy or around 70 watts during overclocking. So, you cannot go wrong with the Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell if you only care about efficiency and power consumption.
Ultimately, this is not the best or worst processor featured in this guide regarding the base clock speed. Namely, the Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell is packed with a 3.3 GHz base clock speed, which is low by most parameters. Moreover, you cannot overclock this CPU over 3.7 GHz, so you should expect some troubles. Consequently, this processor gets a low score of 6 out of 10 for the clock speed criterion.
Overview: The Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell processor lacks certain features, but it is extremely efficient and performs well. So, if you are a gamer looking for efficient processors which do not cost a fortune, the Xeon E3-1230V3 Haswell is the ideal choice. However, expect a slow base clock speed and insufficient graphics support.
Intel Core i5-4690
Pros:
- The base clock speed is excellent for the price
- It comes with a single-core functionality enough for a proper gaming experience
- The max clock speed is 3.9 GHz
- It is amazing money for a value product
- It is compatible with the LGA 1150 socket
Cons:
- It does include any Hyper-Threading
- It is poor for multitasking
- It is not future-proofed
The key criteria of the product are:
Performance: 6.5 out of 10
Graphics Support: 8.5 out of 10
Efficiency: 7.5 out of 10
Clock speed: 8 out of 10
The Intel i5-4690 processor’s most significant drawback is the performance because it cannot handle multitasking well. The main culprit for the horrible multitasking is the lack of Hyper-Threading, which is essential by today’s standards. As a result, this processor’s lowest grade is 6.5 out of 10 for the performance criterion. It would be best to expect lags when performing several tasks at once.
However, all other criteria scores prove that the Intel i5-4690 processor is not only a waste of money. For example, it offers better graphics support than the Xeon, clocking in at 1200 GHz, identical to some previous models. As a result, the final verdict for the graphic support criterion is a score of 8.5 out of 10. This is not the only great specification, however.
Namely, this model is incredibly efficient when performing individual tasks because it does not consume much power. However, not only will you get a terrible performance if you push it over the limit, but you will experience a more significant power consumption. Consequently, we provide a final score of 7.5 out of 10 for the efficiency criterion. This processor will get the job done if you do not multitask or comment cancel reply.
Finally, the base clock speed is excellent for the price of this processor. Namely, similarly priced CPUs have a lower base clock speed, which is a great quality indicator. So, regarding the base clock speed criterion and the MB cache, the Intel i5-4690 gets a final score of 8 out of 10. Furthermore, you can overclock this processor to 3.9 GHz.
Overview: The Intel i5-4690 processor offers incredible graphics support and a base clock speed, but it lacks proper performance, especially with modern games. So, this is the ideal processor if you are looking for cheap processors with great clock speeds. In addition, you will be happy to have saved money you can invest in other components.
Final Conclusion
You must be cautious when purchasing a processor because not every unit is compatible with the LGA 1150 socket. Fortunately, we created this guide to help beginners and experts when buying the best processors for the H3 socket. So, it would be best to opt for the Intel i7 4790K processor if you want an ideal all-in-one product with incredible specifications and features.
On the flip side, we recommend getting the Intel i7-4770 processor as a cheaper alternative because it shares similar specifications with the Intel i7 4790K. Nevertheless, you will not make a single mistake purchasing any of the five products featured in our comprehensive guide.