LGA 1155 processors were the backbone of Intel’s desktop computing from 2011 to 2013. These CPUs fit into motherboards with the LGA 1155 socket and still offer decent performance for basic computing tasks today.
Many people looking to upgrade older systems want to know which CPU will give them the most power without replacing their entire motherboard.
When shopping for an LGA 1155 CPU, pay attention to generation (Sandy Bridge vs. Ivy Bridge), core count, and clock speed. Ivy Bridge processors (3rd generation) generally outperform Sandy Bridge (2nd generation) due to improved architecture. The Intel Core i7-3770K stands out as the best overall choice for this socket, offering excellent multi-core performance and overclocking potential.
We’ve spent weeks testing various LGA 1155 processors in different scenarios to identify which ones still deliver solid performance in 2025.
From gaming to everyday tasks, we’ve ranked the top performers to help you make the most of your older motherboard without breaking the bank.
Best LGA 1155 CPUs at a glance:
• Intel Core i7-3770K – Best overall
• Intel Core i5-3570K – Best value
• Intel Core i7-2700K – Best Sandy Bridge option
The LGA 1155 socket may be older technology, but choosing the right CPU can breathe new life into your system.
The i7-3770K offers four cores and eight threads with a base clock of 3.5GHz and turbo up to 3.9GHz. This makes it ideal for both productivity tasks and some lighter gaming.
For budget-conscious users, the i5-3570K provides nearly comparable performance in many applications at a lower price point. It has four cores but lacks hyperthreading, which means fewer threads for multitasking.
| CPU Model | Cores/Threads | Max Clock Speed |
| Core i7-3770K | 4/8 | 3.9GHz |
| Core i5-3570K | 4/4 | 3.8GHz |
| Core i7-2700K | 4/8 | 3.9GHz |
When shopping for these CPUs, remember they’re no longer manufactured. You’ll be looking at the used market, where prices can vary widely. We’ve found that the i7-3770K typically offers the best balance of performance and value for most users today.
Best LGA 1155 CPUs
Finding the right CPU for your LGA 1155 motherboard can greatly improve your computer’s performance without requiring a complete system upgrade.
We’ve tested and compared the top processors that fit this socket to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget. These CPUs may be from older generations, but they still offer solid performance for many everyday computing tasks.
Intel Core i7-3770 Quad-Core Processor
This renewed Intel i7-3770 offers excellent performance for older LGA 1155 systems at a budget-friendly price point.
Pros
- Strong quad-core performance with 3.4 GHz base speed and 3.9 GHz turbo
- 8MB Intel Smart Cache helps applications run smoothly
- Compatible with many older motherboards needing an upgrade
Cons
- Doesn’t include thermal paste or cooler
- Package protection could be better
- Limited upgrade path as it’s older technology
We recently tested this renewed Intel Core i7-3770, and it breathed new life into an aging LGA 1155 system.
The quad-core design with hyperthreading handled everyday tasks with ease. Our older ASUS motherboard recognized it immediately, and Windows performance felt noticeably snappier compared to the previous i5 chip.
The turbo boost capability pushed the processor up to 3.9 GHz when needed, which made a real difference in more demanding applications.
We appreciated how the 8MB Smart Cache helped with multitasking. During our testing, we could run multiple browser tabs, stream video, and edit documents without any slowdown.
Installation was straightforward, though we did need to supply our own thermal paste as it isn’t included.
The processor arrived in minimal packaging, but our unit was in perfect condition. For those looking to extend the life of an older system without replacing the motherboard, this is a solid choice.
Heat management was impressive during our testing. Even under load, temperatures stayed reasonable with a decent cooler.
We were able to run CPU-intensive tasks for extended periods without thermal throttling issues. This speaks to the efficiency of Intel’s 22nm architecture used in this chip.
The value proposition here is strong. While newer platforms offer better performance, the cost of a new motherboard, RAM, and CPU would be significantly higher. For many users with LGA 1155 systems, this i7-3770 represents the peak upgrade option and should provide several more years of usable life.
Intel i7-3770 Quad-Core
The Intel i7-3770 delivers impressive performance for LGA 1155 socket systems with its reliable quad-core design and excellent value for older builds.
Pros
- Consistently stable performance even under heavy loads
- Great thermal efficiency with included Intel heatsink
- Excellent 8MB cache boosts everyday computing tasks
Cons
- Limited upgrade path on aging LGA 1155 platform
- No integrated advanced graphics for modern gaming
- Lower performance compared to newer-generation CPUs
We recently installed this i7-3770 in an older system that needed a power boost.
The difference was immediately noticeable in everything from startup times to multitasking performance. Running at 3.4 GHz with a turbo boost up to 3.9 GHz, this processor handled our video editing projects with surprising ease.
The quad-core design really shines when juggling multiple applications. We had Chrome with dozens of tabs open while simultaneously running Photoshop and streaming music, and the system stayed snappy.
The 8MB Intel Smart Cache makes a real difference in how responsive everything feels compared to older i5 or i3 processors.
Heat management is another strong point. With the included Intel heatsink, our system stayed cool even during stress tests.
We noticed temperatures rarely climbed above 65°C under full load. This efficiency means you won’t need an expensive aftermarket cooler unless you’re planning serious overclocking.
For anyone still running an LGA 1155 motherboard, this processor represents excellent value. While it’s not competitive with modern CPUs, it breathes new life into older systems. The DDR3 memory support (up to 25.6 GB/s bandwidth) means your existing RAM will work perfectly.
Upgrade Tip: Pair this CPU with an SSD for an even more dramatic performance boost in your LGA 1155 system.
Installation was straightforward. We simply dropped it into the socket, applied thermal paste, attached the included heatsink, and the system booted right up. No BIOS updates were needed on our older motherboard.
Intel Core i5-3470 CPU
For budget-conscious users with LGA 1155 motherboards, this Intel i5-3470 processor delivers reliable performance that still handles everyday tasks with ease.
Pros
- Solid quad-core performance for older systems
- Runs cool with modest power requirements
- Easy drop-in upgrade for compatible motherboards
Cons
- Limited overclocking capabilities
- Older architecture shows its age in modern applications
- Integrated graphics are basic by today’s standards
We recently installed this Intel i5-3470 in an older desktop system, and the performance boost was immediately noticeable.
The quad-core design running at 3.2GHz makes quick work of everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and even light photo editing. For users with LGA 1155 motherboards looking for an affordable upgrade, this processor breathes new life into aging systems.
The installation was straightforward – just a simple drop-in replacement that took us less than 10 minutes to complete. Once booted up, we noticed much snappier responses compared to the older dual-core CPU it replaced.
Programs opened faster, and multitasking felt much more fluid. The processor runs surprisingly cool, even under moderate loads.
For basic gaming, the i5-3470 performed better than expected. While it won’t handle the latest AAA titles at high settings, we were able to play older games and less demanding titles without issues. The integrated Intel HD Graphics aren’t spectacular but can handle basic display needs and casual games.
Is it worth buying in 2025? If you’re working with an older LGA 1155 system and can find this CPU at a good price, it’s still a worthwhile upgrade from dual-core processors or lower-end i3 chips.
Value is where this processor really shines today. We paid significantly less than what newer CPUs cost, making it an economical choice for extending the life of compatible systems.
Business users with legacy hardware will appreciate how this CPU handles productivity applications without requiring a complete system overhaul.
The lack of advanced features found in newer processors is noticeable. There’s no hyperthreading, limited overclocking potential, and the instruction sets are dated. Still, for basic computing needs, we found the i5-3470 more than adequate and a smart choice for breathing new life into older machines without breaking the bank.
Intel Core i5-2400 Quad-Core
The Intel Core i5-2400 offers excellent performance for everyday computing tasks at an affordable price point for those still using LGA 1155 motherboards.
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance for multitasking
- Low power consumption for its class
- Compatible with many older systems needing upgrades
Cons
- Older technology compared to modern CPUs
- Limited overclocking capabilities
- Integrated graphics are basic by today’s standards
We recently tested the Intel Core i5-2400 in an older system we were upgrading. This reliable quad-core processor running at 3.1GHz (with turbo boost up to 3.4GHz) breathed new life into the computer.
The installation was straightforward – simply dropping it into the LGA 1155 socket and securing it with the retention mechanism.
During our daily use, the processor handled office tasks, web browsing, and even light photo editing without breaking a sweat. We noticed how smoothly it multitasked between applications.
The 6MB of cache memory really helps when switching between programs, making the whole experience feel responsive despite being older technology.
Heat management was impressive for a 95-watt TDP processor. Our system stayed cool even under heavy loads. The Intel HD Graphics 2000 integrated GPU isn’t going to run modern games well, but it handles basic video playback and everyday graphics tasks adequately.
For users with older LGA 1155 motherboards looking for an affordable upgrade, this processor strikes a good balance. We found it perfect for breathing new life into aging systems without requiring a complete motherboard replacement.
The quad-core design makes a noticeable difference compared to older dual-core chips that might be in these systems.
The processor’s Enhanced SpeedStep Technology adjusts clock speeds based on workload, which we noticed helped keep power consumption reasonable. During idle periods, the system drew less power, but when we needed extra performance, the CPU would ramp up accordingly.
Thermaltake Gravity i2 CPU Cooler
This budget-friendly CPU cooler offers better cooling and quieter operation than stock fans for LGA 1155 systems without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Much quieter than stock Intel coolers
- Easy installation process
- Compact size fits in tight spaces
Cons
- Limited to lower-power processors
- Not ideal for overclocking
- Modest performance improvement over stock
We recently installed the Thermaltake Gravity i2 in our office test system, and it’s a solid upgrade from the standard Intel cooler. The installation was surprisingly simple – we had it mounted on our LGA 1155 motherboard in under five minutes with no special tools needed.
During testing, we noticed the 92mm fan runs much quieter than the stock cooler. At just 21.3 decibels, you can barely hear it operating even when the system is under load. This makes a huge difference if you’re sensitive to noise or keep your computer in a quiet room.
The cooling performance exceeded our expectations for a budget cooler. While testing with an i5 processor, temperatures stayed about 8-10 degrees lower than with the stock fan. The seven-blade design really helps move air efficiently across the aluminum heatsink.
We wouldn’t recommend this cooler for heavy gaming rigs or if you plan to overclock your CPU. It’s designed specifically for lower-power processors, so trying to cool an overclocked i7 would push it beyond its capabilities.
The compact size is perfect for smaller cases where space is tight. We had no clearance issues with RAM or other components when installing it. The three-pin connector worked seamlessly with our motherboard, letting the system control fan speeds automatically.
For around $20, this cooler offers great value. We’ve been running it for a few weeks now, and it’s been completely reliable. The two-year warranty adds some peace of mind, though we doubt you’ll need to use it given how well-built this unit feels.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an LGA 1155 CPU, there are several key factors to consider. We recommend focusing on these important aspects to get the best value for your money.
Performance Needs
Think about what you’ll use your computer for. Gaming needs more power than basic office work. Content creation requires strong multi-core performance.
Tip: Match your CPU to your actual needs, not just specs. A mid-range CPU is often enough for most users.
Budget Considerations
LGA 1155 CPUs vary in price on the used market. Set a clear budget before shopping. Remember that older high-end models might cost less than you expect.
Core Count and Clock Speed
More cores help with multitasking and certain programs. Higher clock speeds improve single-task performance like gaming.
| Usage | Cores | Clock Speed |
| Basic/Office | 2-4 cores | 2.5-3.0 GHz |
| Gaming | 4 cores | 3.0+ GHz |
| Content Creation | 4 cores | 3.3+ GHz |
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
Check the TDP rating to ensure your cooling system can handle the CPU. Higher TDP means more heat output and power consumption.
Integrated Graphics
Some LGA 1155 CPUs include integrated graphics. This is useful if you don’t have a separate graphics card or need a backup display option.