Choosing the right CPU is crucial when it comes to gaming. It can be overwhelming to navigate through the numerous options available but worry not. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed down the best LGA 1151 CPUs for gaming in 2023.
LGA 1151 is a type of CPU socket introduced by Intel in 2015. It was designed to support Intel’s Skylake and Kaby Lake processors and was later revised to support Coffee Lake CPUs. It’s compatible with several chipsets such as H110, B250, and Z270. The LGA 1151 socket has since been replaced by newer sockets such as LGA1200 and LGA1700. Intel has not announced an official end date for the LGA 1151 socket, but it is no longer the most current socket for Intel processors.
We’ve tested various CPUs through benchmarks, and gaming coming to a conclusion on these 5 best LGA 1151 CPUs for gaming in 2023.
In This Review
5 Best LGA 1151 CPUs for Gaming in 2023
These are our top 5 well tested and researched picks for LGA 1151 CPUs for gaming in 2023 that guarantee the best performance, speed, and efficiency for your gaming needs.
Disclosure: We test and research all products before recommending them on our blog. As part of the Amazon Affiliate program, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our Amazon links. Thank you for supporting our blog!Intel Core i9-9900K
  BIG SALE | The Intel Core i9-9900K is one of the most powerful LGA 1151 CPUs on the market, with 8 cores and 16 threads, a base clock speed of 3.6GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 5.0GHz. It's an excellent choice for gamers who want the best possible performance and don't mind paying a premium for it. |
Specifications:
| Cores/Threads | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | TDP | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/16 | 3.6 GHz | 5.0 GHz | 95W | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
Reason To Buy
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With its 8 cores and 16 threads, the i9-9900K is one of the most powerful CPUs on the market. It’s a great choice for serious gamers who want the absolute best performance possible, and it’s also well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
Intel Core i7-9700K
  BIG SALE | The Intel Core i7-9700K is another high-end LGA 1151 CPU that's great for gaming. It has 8 cores and 8 threads, a base clock speed of 3.6GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 4.9GHz. While it's not quite as powerful as the i9-9900K, it's still an excellent choice for gamers who want a high-end CPU without breaking the bank. |
Specifications
| Cores/Threads | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | TDP | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz | 95W | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
Reason To Buy
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The i7-9700K is another high-end CPU that’s ideal for gaming and other demanding applications. It has 8 cores and 8 threads, which provides plenty of power for most users, and it also features a boost clock speed of up to 4.9 GHz.
If you want to overclock it, check out our 5 Best CPU Coolers For i7 9700K In 2023 and 2023: 5 Best Motherboards for i7 9700K.
Intel Core i5-9600K
  BIG SALE | The Intel Core i5-9600K is a mid-range LGA 1151 CPU that's great for gamers on a budget. It has 6 cores and 6 threads, a base clock speed of 3.7GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 4.6GHz. It's a great choice for gamers who want good performance without spending a lot of money. |
Specifications
| Cores/Threads | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | TDP | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 95W | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
Reason To Buy
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If you’re on a slightly tighter budget, the i5-9600K is a great choice. It has 6 cores and 6 threads, which is still plenty of power for most games and applications, and it also features a boost clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz.
Intel Core i5-9400F
  | The Intel Core i5-9400F is another mid-range LGA 1151 CPU that's great for gaming. It has 6 cores and 6 threads, a base clock speed of 2.9GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 4.1GHz. It's a great choice for gamers who want good performance but don't need the additional features of an integrated GPU. |
Specifications
| Cores/Threads | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | TDP | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 2.9 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 65W | None |
Reason To Buy
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The i5-9400F is a good option for gamers who are on an even tighter budget. It doesn’t have integrated graphics, but if you’re planning on using a dedicated graphics card anyway, that won’t be an issue. It still has 6 cores and 6 threads, and its base clock speed of 2.9 GHz is still more than sufficient for most applications.
Intel Core i3-9100F
  BIG SALE | The Intel Core i3-9100F is a budget LGA 1151 CPU that's great for casual gaming. It has 4 cores and 4 threads, a base clock speed of 3.6GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 4.2GHz. While it's not as powerful as the other CPUs on our list, it's a great choice if you're on a tight budget or just looking for a CPU for casual gaming. |
Specifications
| Cores/Threads | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | TDP | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 65W | None |
Reason To Buy
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the i3-9100F is the most budget-friendly option on this list. It has 4 cores and 4 threads, which is still enough power for most basic gaming and productivity tasks. Its base clock speed of 3.6 GHz is also quite respectable, especially given its low price point.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming in 2023
When choosing an LGA 1151 CPU for gaming in 2023, these are the factors you should consider which we complied based on our testing and research:
- Core Count: The number of cores determines how many tasks the CPU can handle simultaneously. For gaming, we recommend CPUs with at least 4 cores. However, if you want to future-proof your system, consider getting a CPU with 6 or 8 cores.
- Clock Speed: The clock speed determines how quickly the CPU can perform tasks. For gaming, we recommend CPUs with a base clock speed of at least 3.5GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 5.0GHz.
- Hyper-Threading: Hyper-Threading is a technology that allows a CPU to handle multiple threads per core. This can improve performance in certain applications, including gaming.
- Cache Size: The cache size determines how much data the CPU can store for quick access. For gaming, we recommend CPUs with at least 8MB of cache.
- Price: CPUs can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget. However, keep in mind that higher-end CPUs will generally provide better performance.
Comparison of 5 Best LGA 1151 CPUs For Gaming in 2023
| Intel CPU | C/T | B-CS | T-CS | HT | C MB | TDP W | Intel Graphics | $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-9900K | 8/16 | 3.6 | 5.0 | Yes | 16 | 95 | UHD Graphics 630 | $$$ |
| Core i7-9700K | 8/8 | 3.6 | 4.9 | No | 12 | 95 | UHD Graphics 630 | $$$ |
| Core i5-9600K | 6/6 | 3.7 | 4.6 | No | 9 | 95 | UHD Graphics 630 | $$ |
| Core i5-9400F | 6/6 | 2.9 | 4.1 | No | 9 | 65 | N/A | $ |
| Core i3-9100F | 4/4 | 3.6 | 4.2 | No | 6 | 65 | N/A | $ |
We have provided you the factors to see when buying a CPU and also a one-place comparison table which can help in making your decision for the best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming in 2023 better.
2023 Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming Benchmark Comparison Chart
Here we provide you the side-by-side PassMark CPU Benchmark comparison with Single Thread performance rating and Energy Cost based on TDP.
We thank the PassMark CPU Benchmark team for providing us with the data to make this review be of more helpful.
2023 Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming Single Thread Performance Comparision Chart
2023 Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming Energy Cost Comparision Chart
Budget and Premium Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming in 2023 List
Here we make it easier for you to decide based on your budget what you should buy for the best LGA 1151 CPU for gaming in 2023.
This list was last updated on April 2023.2023 Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming in Budget List
- Intel Core i3-9100F
- Intel Core i5-9400F
- Intel Core i5-9600K
2023 Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming in Premium List
- Intel Core i7-9700K
- Intel Core i9-9900K
Our Pick: Best LGA 1151 CPU for Gaming in 2023
Our team tested the majority of top LGA 1151 CPUs for gaming in 2023 and came to a conclusion on the best 5 for users to choose from which seems worthy based on the above discussed factors. But if you ask us for one, we would go for Intel i5-9600K.
Why because of these factors:
- Firstly, the i5-9600K offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio. While the i9-9900K may be more powerful, it is also much more expensive, and the i5-9600K provides great performance for its price. It is a fantastic balance between price and performance.
- Secondly, the i5-9600K is an unlocked CPU, meaning it can be overclocked to run at higher speeds than its stock specifications. We paired it with a high-quality cooling solution, and the overclocking potential is outstanding. This gives me a significant performance boost for gaming and other tasks.
- Thirdly, with its six cores and six threads, the i5-9600K is more than capable of handling most gaming and productivity tasks. The base clock speed of 3.7 GHz is impressive, and with Intel Turbo Boost technology, it can boost up to 4.6 GHz.
- Fourthly, the i5-9600K is compatible with a wide range of hardware. It uses the LGA 1151 socket, which means it can be used with a variety of motherboards. Additionally, it supports DDR4 memory and Intel Optane memory for faster storage performance.
- Lastly, Intel is a trusted brand in the CPU market, and the i5-9600K is no exception. It is a well-built and reliable CPU that delivers excellent performance.
Overall, we highly recommend the Intel Core i5-9600K for gamers and other users looking for a high-performance CPU. With its great price-to-performance ratio, overclocking potential, compatibility, and trusted brand, it is a great choice for any performance-oriented user.
How We Choose?
- Our assessment included checking benchmark comparisons for actual gaming performance, frame rates, and multitasking capabilities.
- We relied on authentic reviews from gaming experts and enthusiasts who had tested the CPUs in real-world scenarios.
- We considered power efficiency and thermal performance to protect both the environment and your wallet.
- Compatibility with the motherboard and other gaming components were verified through reviews.
- We carefully evaluated long-term reliability and customer support experiences to assist you in making an informed decision.
FAQs
What is the strongest LGA1151 CPU?
The best LGA 1151 CPUs for gaming in 2023 are the Intel Core i9-9900K, Intel Core i7-9700K, Intel Core i5-9600K, Intel Core i5-9400F, and Intel Core i3-9100F.
Will LGA1151 be discontinued?
LGA1151 is a socket that was introduced in 2015 and has since been replaced by newer sockets such as LGA1200 and LGA1700.
What CPU goes with LGA1151?
The LGA1151 socket supports Intel processors with Skylake, Kaby Lake, Coffee Lake, and Coffee Lake Refresh architectures.
What is the best future proof CPU?
As for future-proof CPUs, it’s difficult to predict which CPU will be the most future-proof as technology is constantly evolving. However, choosing a CPU with a high core count and clock speed can help ensure it remains relevant for longer.
Is LGA 1151 old?
The LGA 1151 socket was introduced in 2015 and has since been replaced by newer sockets such as LGA1200 and LGA1700.
What replaced LGA 1151?
The LGA 1151 socket was replaced by the LGA 1200 socket which was introduced with Intel’s 10th generation Comet Lake processors.
What is the next generation CPU 2023?
The next generation of CPUs in 2023 will likely be from Intel’s Alder Lake or Raptor Lake architectures or AMD’s Zen 4 architecture.
Does LGA 1151 support 8th gen?
The LGA1151 socket does support 8th generation Intel processors.
Which LGA socket is best?
In 2023, the best LGA socket for Intel CPUs would be LGA 1700, which is used for Intel’s Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors. For AMD CPUs, the best socket would be AM5, which is used for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors.
