Testing modern processors of the Core i3 line, we noted that the level of performance demonstrated by representatives of this family has changed noticeably, largely due to the fact that the manufacturer has stopped “squeezing” them too much clock speeds. A similar state of affairs was noted in the top segment, where two peaks clearly stand out in the form of the “old” i7-4790K and the “new” i7-6700K, fortunately in their case the clock frequencies were “allocated abroad” 4 GHz, which is generally for processors Intel is not typical. So much so that since the release of the 4790K, “overclocker” Core i7s simply no longer overlap with the “regular” family, which made them more interesting for those users who are not interested in overclocking. How is it going in the Core i5 segment?

In principle, for many buyers these processors are of maximum interest. The reasons for this are simple - the main sales on the market fall in the $80-$200 segment, i.e. any Core i7, for example, these are processors of any version not for all to the same extent as Celeron or younger Pentiums. Core i3, which are mid-level solutions, are actively promoted (fortunately, the price matches), while Core i5 turns out to be an interesting compromise between the desire to get a quad-core processor and the reluctance to pay too much for it. As we have already seen, on average, the younger modern Core i5 already overlaps with the older Core i3 in terms of performance, but this is on average: in some tasks that “gravitate towards multi-threading” they are still faster, despite a significant lag in clock frequency. However, this can be compensated for without such significant costs: in principle, the price difference between the Core i5-6600K and i5-6400 is approximately equal to that when comparing the same 6400 with even the youngest Core i3-6100. So if there are people who are diligently reaching for “at least some” Core i5, then there will be those who will prefer the older model of this family. Especially when purchasing a new computer entirely, the costs of which significantly exceed the cost of the processor itself, making the choice of a powerful model easier psychologically. It’s more difficult with modernization - in fact, in this case, you can only count on a performance increase due to “intensive methods” when moving from generation to generation, since clock frequencies here practically did not increase. It’s enough to compare the same 6600K with 2500K five years ago - some 200 MHz at both ends of the range, when the Core i3 or “K” modifications of the Core i7 reached up to 500.

In general, in this segment everything should be quite “smooth and calm”. Nevertheless, how much is interesting. So today we decided to study the older models of two and a half Core i5 lines, initially realizing that no “miracles” could be discovered.

Test bench configuration

CPU	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i5-5675C	Intel Core i5-6400	Intel Core i5-6600K
Kernel name	Haswell	Broadwell	Skylake	Skylake
Production technology	22 nm	14 nm	14 nm	14 nm
Core frequency std/max, GHz	3,5/3,9	3,1/3,6	2,7/3,3	3,5/3,9
Number of cores/threads	4/4	4/4	4/4	4/4
L1 cache (total), I/D, KB	128/128	128/128	128/128	128/128
L2 cache, KB	4×256	4×256	4×256	4×256
L3 (L4) cache, MiB	6	4 (128)	6	6
RAM	2×DDR3-1600	2×DDR3-1600	2×DDR3-1600 / 2×DDR4-2133	2×DDR3-1600 / 2×DDR4-2133
TDP, W	88	65	65	91
Graphic arts	HDG 4600	IPG 6200	HDG 530	HDG 530
Qty EU	20	48	24	24
Frequency std/max, MHz	350/1200	300/1100	350/950	350/1150
Price	T-10887398	T-12645002	T-12873939	T-12794521

Why are we talking about two and a half lines? Because desktop Broadwells are not fully functional - there are exactly two “desktop” models here: one Core i5 and one Core i7. The latter, as we have already seen, could have become the “flagship LGA1150” if... If it had worked on all boards, if literally a couple of months later a new platform had not appeared, if a year before it the “steroid » 4790K. However, the Core i5-5675C does not have such a problem - as we noted above, both 4690K and 6600K are not that far behind it in frequency. At the same time, the presence of fourth-level cache memory sometimes compensated for the i7-5775C’s lag behind the 4790K (very noticeable), so the “younger brother” may turn out to be second, or even first, in its segment. Even in apps general purpose- if we focus on the video core, then similar models for LGA1151 this moment still not at all. It is clear that when purchasing a computer primarily for gaming, you need to buy a discrete video card, but if necessary, you can (and, in this case, need to!) save on the processor, but it happens when you just need something compact, not too power-hungry, but capable of, at least without question, relatively successfully coping with at least hits from five years ago. What makes this processor still relevant today?

Unlike 4690K, although the latter may be useful to those who already have a system based on LGA1150, the performance is no longer enough: for example, the tasks being solved have changed slightly. In this case, replacing only the processor is naturally easier and cheaper than switching to a new platform. And in some markets of developed countries, the “old” one may already be given away at significant discounts. Here are at least two reasons why you shouldn’t write off this processor (especially its slightly cheaper “twin brother” with locked multipliers) just yet. For the rest, it’s better to pay attention to the new platform. Accordingly, there will be two processors for it - the youngest Core i5-6400, fortunately we are already familiar with it, and the fastest at the moment i5-6600K.

Testing methodology

The technique is described in detail in a separate article. Let us briefly recall here that it is based on the following four pillars:

• Methodology for measuring power consumption when testing processors
• Methodology for monitoring power, temperature and processor load during testing

And detailed results of all tests are available in the form of a complete table with results (in Microsoft Excel 97-2003 format). In our articles, we use already processed data. This especially applies to application tests, where everything is normalized relative to the reference system (like last year, a laptop based on a Core i5-3317U with 4 GB of memory and a 128 GB SSD) and grouped by areas of application of the computer.

iXBT Application Benchmark 2016

Here we have a situation, the possibility of which was announced a little higher - the fastest Core i5 turned out to be 5675C. However, it cannot be said that his advantage is so great, firstly. Secondly, it will be smaller when using a discrete video card - these GPU programs sometimes, at the very least, use them.

As well as a group of applications for working with photographs. However, it demonstrates the complete triumph of Skylake - not even because the 6600K turned out to be the fastest, but because the slowest Core i5-6400 in the family came close to the 4690K, which was officially the fastest Core i5 just a year ago. In general, we have a growing suspicion that the specificity recent years(and the main goals in the development of new microarchitectures) are able to bring major benefits to buyers of mid-range desktop processors. Or budget ones. But the top segment is updated only to the extent that it is, and the older Core i5 models are also already affected by this.

We have already noted some “dislike” previous version to Broadwell processors with fourth-level cache - as we see, nothing has changed. But models for LGA1151, on the contrary, have clearly accelerated. However, not only in this program, so it may turn out that the error corrections that happened in the field of system software and other “little things in life” also had an impact.

Which did not affect this program - the results are very similar to those obtained last year in its earlier version. In principle, a completely predictable phenomenon - sudden changes without significant change program code just less likely. So we are seeing the usual “creeping progress” and nothing more.

The same as in this case. Actually, taking into account the similarity of processors in organization, it is not surprising that on different code they behave approximately the same. The i5-5675C is significantly different from the others, but in two ways: L4 and GPU pull it forward where possible, but lower frequencies than the other two tops pull it back and always. The final result in his case can vary within the range of 4690K-6600K. And in special situations - and marry him.

For example, like here. But this is exactly the ideal option for a hierarchically more powerful memory system - it is clear that L4 is faster than RAM. And if we also remember its huge (by cache standards) capacity, then the result is all the more unsurprising.

But file operations are performed approximately the same, since they almost do not directly depend on processors of this class.

As we already wrote, there were enough optimizations in Broadwell to overtake Haswell even at a lower clock frequency, and the program is also susceptible to delays and memory system bandwidth. In general, the older Core i7-4790K and 6700K were greatly “saved” by a serious advantage in clock frequency, however, as mentioned above, there is no such advantage in the Core i5 family. With all the ensuing consequences.

Ultimately, we come to the conclusion that even in general-purpose applications, the 5675C still looks good - it outperforms the 4690K much more than it lags behind the 6600K. Unfortunately, this line has not received noticeable distribution, and we have not yet seen its further development, although it would be interesting. As a result, we arrive at a slightly strange state of affairs. 4690K in general is clear why it is needed - it is somewhat cheaper than the rest of the tests, and is well suited for upgrading almost any system with LGA1150 (you never know - the Core i3 purchased two years ago began to “not be enough” after replacing the video camera, for example), so now sells well. Especially considering the fact that it is calm and has a good attitude towards overclocking (still popular in certain circles). Core i5-5675C in any system board you can’t install it, and it costs as an older (in class) solution for a newer and “promising” platform. In the end, you can buy it, of course, but after measuring it three times. However, what hits all three of today’s heroes the hardest is not this, but the prices of the low-end processors in the line for LGA1151 - 6400 and those adjacent to them. As you can see, they are not that much slower, they are all just as “promising” and noticeably cheaper. In the end, it turns out that older Core i5s can only be useful to overclocking enthusiasts, since their clock frequencies have not increased for a very long time. Unlike the Core i7, where the top model has been the top model for two years now - truly top-end in any usage scenario.

Energy consumption and energy efficiency

Another strong point of the younger Core i5 is its extremely moderate appetite. It is also present in the elders, despite the formally high official heat package, but less pronounced. The younger ones are already easily limited to amounts of energy that not so long ago were sufficient only for dual-core models (and even earlier - only for some of them).

Accordingly, if we remove the results of the Core i5-6400 from the diagram, we see a beautiful and even ladder with approximately equal steps, corresponding to the change of generations. For the i5-5675C it’s even winning, but due to a change in the technical process. However, it’s worth considering not only older, but also younger processors for LGA1151, and it suddenly turns out that even without changing production standards you can achieve very good results, if you don’t chase performance too much. Actually, this is what made the older Broadwell models a niche solution literally right away: the practical readiness of a more efficient new microarchitecture did not leave these processors a chance for a long and happy life.

iXBT Game Benchmark 2016

However, this development of events gives reasons not only for joy, since so far only processors with GT2 GPUs are on sale for LGA1151. In practice, as we see, this is the same level of performance as that of the “socket” Haswell, but cannot be compared with the GT3e Broadwell (we decided today to do without detailed results, since we have observed them more than once, and they are also in the table there too). However, if you purchase a computer based on gaming use, of great importance it doesn't - you still can't do without a decent discrete video card. It’s better to save on the processor - a pair of Core i3-6100 with, for example, a Radeon R7 370 will blow away any modern integrated graphics to pieces and in half. But if the priority is the compactness of the system, and games - insofar as, this is where such a solution would come in handy. But it exists so far only for a platform that is leaving the market.

Total

So, what do we end up with? As we have already established, during their existence in the “historical period”, processors of the Pentium and Core i3 families have noticeably increased their performance thanks not only to intensive methods, but also to a banal increase in clock frequencies. In principle, they were ready for this before, but the manufacturer specifically limited these models in order to avoid unnecessary competition with the more expensive Core i5. A similar approach was applied to the Core i7, only the clock speeds of not all models increased there - it’s just that in 2014 the “overclocker” series separated from the main family, “passing” the 4 GHz mark. But Core i5 actually remained at the level reached five years ago with all the ensuing consequences. Of course, the productivity of representatives of this family grew, but at a much slower pace - only thanks to architectural changes. Or thanks to the introduction of another cache memory level, which has not yet been implemented within the LGA1151. However, the approximate effect of this can be estimated - as we see, it is not so small.

With Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake cores having 1151 pins. Not compatible with previous ones processor sockets LGA1150, 1155 and earlier sockets both mechanically and electrically. At the time of writing this article, within the LGA1151 socket there was a division into early boards with 100 and 200 series chipsets and new boards with 300 Series chipsets. The sockets within these platforms are mechanically compatible, that is, any processors with the specified socket can be installed in them, but are not electrically compatible, which is why it is impossible to use Coffee Lake processors on boards with old chipsets, and Skylake and Kaby Lake cannot be used on new ones.

Pin locations in the old (left) and new (right) LGA1151 sockets

Which processors are suitable for installation with the LGA1151 socket?

Core processors of the sixth, seventh and eighth generations are suitable for installation in the LGA1151 socket. For processors of the sixth and seventh generations to work, the motherboard must be equipped with one of Intel chipsets Z270, Q270, H270, Z170, Q170, H170, B250, B150, H110. To support eighth generation processors, the motherboard must be equipped with the Z370 chipset, or chipsets that will appear a little later, such as the H370, Q370 or Z390. To distinguish between Core processors of different generations, just look at their markings. The first character in the digital marking of processors indicates the generation, for example, the Intel Core i5-8600K belongs to the eighth generation. Detailed Specifications processors and their comparison can be found by clicking on the button:

Which Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake processors are faster?

In accordance with the release chronology, processor performance increased. A particularly strong increase in performance is observed in the eighth generation Core family of processors, since the number of cores in them has changed for the first time since the transition to names like Core i.

Core i7 processor performance rating
Intel Core i7-8700K LGA1151, 6 cores, 3.7 GHz 50.6 Intel Core i7-7700K LGA1151, 4 cores, 4.2 GHz 36.7 Intel Core i7-6700K LGA1151, 4 cores, 4 GHz 34.2 Core i5 processor performance rating
Intel Core i5-8500 LGA1151, 6 cores, 3 GHz 37.6 Intel Core i5-7500 LGA1151, 4 cores, 3.4 GHz 24.1 Intel Core i5-6500 LGA1151, 4 cores, 3.2 GHz 22.3 Core i3 processor performance rating
Intel Core i3-8100 LGA1151, 4 cores, 3.6 GHz 24 Intel Core i3-7100 LGA1151, 2 cores, 3.9 GHz 17.1 Intel Core i3-6100 LGA1151, 2 cores, 3.7 GHz 16.4 Pentium processor performance rating
Intel Pentium G5600 LGA1151, 2 cores, 3.9 GHz 16.8 Intel Pentium G4600 LGA1151, 2 cores, 3.6 GHz 15.4 Intel Pentium G4500 LGA1151, 2 cores, 3.5 GHz 12.1

What type of memory does Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake processors support?

All processors with the LGA1151 socket support dual-channel memory mode. Skylake supports LV DDR3 up to 1600 MHz and DDR4 up to 2133 MHz. Kaby Lake supports LV DDR3 up to 1600 MHz and DDR4 up to 2400 MHz. Coffee Lake only supports DDR4 up to 2666 MHz.

How many PCI-E 3.0 lanes does the controller built into Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake processors contain?

All processors with an LGA1151 socket support the same number of PCI-E 3.0 lanes – 16 pcs. Additional lines contain motherboard chipsets, due to which there is a fairly large number of boards that support configurations with multiple video cards.

Which coolers are compatible with LGA1151?

The cooler mountings for LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 are identical, so coolers for old processors are compatible with new ones. Considering that the TDP of processors has remained virtually unchanged, the transition from the old platform to the new one will not require replacing the cooling system.

Hello, technoblog readers. Today I will tell you which processors are suitable for socket 1151 (Skylake, Kaby Lake), as well as 1151v2 (Coffee Lake). In this article we will try to talk about the most powerful, inexpensive and inexpensive Intel Core, Pentium and Celeron chips.

The list of CPUs will be arranged in a list so that you have a more accurate idea of ​​the models on the market.

And yes, it’s worth making an important clarification: socket LGA1151 does not imply backwards compatible 1150 and does not support Xeon server processors.

Processor compatibility table

Socket 1151 from Intel is very insidious in its essence, since it has 2 versions: the first supports chips of the 6th and 7th generations, and the second - only the 8th. In terms of attitude, the picture is much simpler, but this is not about him.
Let's see which ones, as well as i3, i7, Pentium and Celeron are capable of running the 1151 Gen 1.
Now let's look at the line of chips that will fit a motherboard with socket 1151v2.
In 2018, 9th generation CPUs were added to the previous list.

Optimal processor for its price

Now comes the most interesting part of the comparison. We have indicated which processor is suitable for a specific socket. Now it remains to decide on the model of the chip itself. If you want to learn more about CPUs, we recommend reading this article.
Now let’s take a look at the brightest representatives of the 6th, 7th and 8th generations:

Skylake– Intel i5 6400T engineering sample. At one time, this processor made a lot of noise because it had an extremely low cost, 4 productive cores with a frequency of up to 2.8 GHz and a very modest thermal package of 35 W.

Kaby Lake– Intel Pentium G4620. The so-called “Hyperpen” became a cult among gamers at the time of its release, as it offered the functionality of the Intel Core i3-7100 at a significantly lower cost. It is also worth mentioning the peppy mid-range i5-7400 and the top-end version i7-7700k, which has 4 cores and 8 data processing threads. The stone is still considered a relevant, powerful and interesting solution for progressive systems, and also supports overclocking up to 5 GHz with a multiplier.

Coffee Lake– i5-8400. The advent of the 8th generation of Intel chips added not only a new socket, but also 2 additional cores for each line, with the exception of Celeron and Pentium. Having a 6-core processor that can automatically increase the frequency from 2.8 to 4 GHz is a very successful investment in the future and therefore I confidently recommend it (at the prices of the i5 you can figure this out (especially since many people are familiar with this discounter as a reliable and verified seller)).

Difference between1151 and 1151v2

It has long been no secret that the processor socket designed for system logic sets of the 100th and 200th series is completely incompatible with the 300th. And it's not even that Intel wants to make more money. The introduction of additional cores forced engineers to radically rework the power supply circuit of Coffee Lake processors to ensure stable operation of the chips, even under extreme overclocking.
Key changes affected the VCC (power) and VSS (ground) pads. At the same time, the number of previously reserved RSVD contacts has decreased slightly. So the situation is as follows:

	Skylake/Kaby Lake	Coffee Lake
VCC	110	128
VSS	364	378
RSVD	46	25

As you can see, it is physically impossible to “make friends” of old chips with new motherboards, just like plugging a Chinese plug into a European socket. Yes, there are enthusiasts who managed to get Kaby Lake on the Z370 by modifying the BIOS, but the lion's share of functions in this case were unstable, and the rest were completely absent.

So if you have a lot of free time, you can try it, but I strongly do not recommend it.

I hope that the article was useful to you, so comment and share with your loved ones. See you in new articles. Bye.

Today we will understand the differences between Intel 1151 chipsets and the differences between motherboards based on H110, B150, B250, H170, H270, Z170, Z270 chips. There are many different misconceptions: some “overclock” processors on motherboards with the H110 chipset, others are “convinced” that games only require a “game board” Z170, Z270.

In 2018, the article “What are the differences between Intel chipsets” is more relevant 1151v2“You can read it.

Let's look at what the real difference is and which motherboard is right for your needs.

The first point should be noted that there is no fundamental difference between the 100 and 200 series of chips. Overall, the 200 series received minor feature improvements over the 100 series.

The hundredth series of motherboards was made before the release of the seventh generation of Intel processors - Kaby Lake and, accordingly, their “old” BIOS is designed only for Skylake (6th generation Intel processors). However, if you buy a new one motherboard 100th series, then the BIOS will most likely be flashed at the manufacturing plant by the manufacturer itself (usually indicated on the packaging), which means it will support processors of both generations. The 200th series already supports both Kaby Lake and Skylake out of the box.

All the features and functions of the 100 series have been carried over to the 200 with some additions. For example, running an SSD with Optane cache support will strictly require a 200-series chipset and Kaby Lake processors of at least i3. The most optimal PC in 2018 - read.

Features of motherboards based on the H110 chipset

If you decide to build a system on a limited budget, then the H110 chipset is your choice.

H series chipsets have traditionally served as cut down versions of the Z series due to smaller HSIO slots and lack of overclocking support.

1. No processor overclocking (with the exception of very rare models which are quite difficult to get in Russia)
2. The power system is usually 5-7 phases (for a motherboard not intended for overclocking it is quite enough)
3. Two RAM slots
4. One video card (no Crossfire/SLI capability)
5. Maximum RAM frequency – 2133MHZ
6. Up to 4 USB, 4SATA ​​3x4PIN FAN
7. Missing technology: INTEL SMART RESPONSE RAPID STORAGE

All these restrictions lead to the fact that this motherboard is very cheap. It is perfect for budget builds, but with the ability to install processors latest generation. Based on this chipset you can build gaming computer entry-intermediate level. The average price of motherboards based on the H110 chipset is 2.5-3.5 thousand rubles.

Features of motherboards based on B150/B250 chipsets

Motherboards based on B150/B250 chips have, perhaps, the best price/quality ratio (if overclocking is not important to you). Ideal option for an average system.

The price for boards on B150/B250 chips is from 4 thousand. The only drawback is that there is no support for a raid array (combining two (or more) physical disks into one “physical” disk).

1. No CPU overclocking
2. No overclocking random access memory
3. Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
4. Up to 12 USB, 6 SATA 3-5 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support
5. Technology support: INTEL SMALL BUSINESS ADVANTAGE

Features of motherboards based on H170/H270 chipsets

Solutions based on H170 are a compromise between the B150/B250 and Z170/Z270 chips. The user gets even more features: support for a raid array, large quantity ports, but still cannot use this motherboard for overclocking.

1. No CPU overclocking
2. No RAM overclocking
3. Power system 6-10 phases (usually)
4. Up to 4 slots for RAM
5. Yes Crossfire X16X4, No SLI support
6. Maximum RAM frequency - 2133MHZ (H250 - 2400MHZ)
7. Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 3-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 2 M2 connectors? USB 3.1 support

Features of motherboards based on Z170/Z270 chipsets

Motherboards based on the Z170/Z270 chipset offer overclocking capabilities. There are useful features for enthusiasts, such as: power buttons directly on the motherboard itself, post-code indicators, additional fan connectors, BIOS reset and switch buttons. All this greatly simplifies the life of enthusiasts (people who overclock).

In addition to the fact that you can overclock a processor on motherboards with Z170/Z270 chips, they also allow you to use faster sets of random access memory (RAM) and overclock them.

1. Supports CPU overclocking
2. Supports RAM overclocking
3. Power system 7-13 phases (usually)
4. Up to 4 slots for RAM
5. CROSSFIRE X8X8/X8X4X4/X8X8X4, SLI X8X8 possible
6. Maximum RAM frequency - 4500MHZ (B250 - 2400MHZ)
7. Up to 14 USB, 6 SATA 5-7 X4PIN FAN, up to 3 M2 connectors, USB 3.1 support
8. Technology support: INTEL SMALL RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY, INTEL RAPID STORAGE

Comparative characteristics of motherboards for the LGA1151 platform

Characteristics	H 110	B150/B250	H 170/H270	Z 170/Z270
Overclocking the processor, memory		No	No
Connectors (slots) for RAM		2-4	4
Maximum RAM frequency		2133/2400	2133/2400
Number of power phases		6 — 10	6 — 11
SLI support		No	No
CROSSFIRE support		Х16Х4	Х16Х4
SATA 6 GB/S connectors		6	6
Total USB (USB3.0)		12 (6)	14 (8)
Connectors M 2		1 — 2	1 — 2
Intel Smart Response		No	Yes
Support SATA RAID 0/1/5/10		No	Yes
Intel Small Business Advantage	No	Yes	optional
Number of monitor outputs		3	3

By the way, we did not touch upon motherboards on the chipset with the “Q” index. These motherboards are used primarily for business and very rarely in home assemblies. In essence, the Q170 chip is an analogue of the H170, but with corporate features. By the way, you might be interested in the article “The best gaming processor. Intel Review Core i7-8700K", you can read it.

If you are building a computer and are looking for the best prices for components, then option number one is computeruniverse.ru(article ). Time-tested German store. Coupon for 5% euro discount - FWXENXI. Happy building!

Building your own PC is not easy. The user has to deal with a huge number of problems, especially if he does not understand the process itself. The fact is that the most important factor for the stable operation of the system is compatibility. Not everyone knows or thinks about it, which is why various types of PC malfunctions occur.

Socket

Before you understand the Socket 1151 processor, you need to understand in principle what a socket is and how the processor itself works.

So, in front of you is a motherboard on which you need to install a chip. You cannot buy any processor, since it must be compatible first of all with the socket on the motherboard. Therefore, it is necessary to initially take this parameter into account and follow it.

The CPU connector can be female or slot. It is located on the motherboard and is designed to install the processor itself directly into it.

Previously, many chips were soldered into the motherboard, but such technology has now turned out to be useless, since many users are focused on constantly upgrading the system, and this is impossible to do without removable components.

The connectors differ not only symbolically, but also in physical level: They have different sizes, numbers or types of contacts, as well as different mounting for coolers.

Variety of sockets

There are now a huge number of sockets available for installing processors. This is not surprising, since dozens of new models are released onto the market every year, and this is only from Intel. Each of them requires a specific design, and its shape and dimensions change accordingly, which affects the type of socket.

Previously, the Intel family had a simplified designation of connectors: from Socket 1 to Socket 7. Now these are outdated types, so they are not used in modern systems.

With the active start of processor development, active work began on the possibility of upgrading systems. This is how new sockets began to appear that worked with the Pentium, Xeon, etc. family.

Each of them had its own designation, which was no longer tied to order. For example, Socket 8 was followed by Socket 370, etc. Socket H connectors became the most popular line.

Socket 1151 processor

This connector was specially developed by Intel for its products. It appeared back in 2015, but still remains relevant, despite the fact that Socket 2066 appeared after it.

The socket works with processors based on the Kaby Lake, Skylake, and Coffee Lake architectures. It replaced LGA 1050 as technology required changes.

Socket Features

Intel processors Socket 1151 requires a special matching socket, which has 1151 spring-loaded pins. In this way, the chips can be installed using the corresponding contact pads.

Such a connector also affects the characteristics of the motherboard, and therefore the choice of other components. For example, almost all motherboards with Socket 1151 work only with a dual-channel standard for connecting DDR4 RAM.

When choosing a processor on Socket 1151, you should also take into account the presence of DMI 3.0 interfaces, PCI Express 3.0, etc. Despite the changes in the connector itself, the mounting of the processor cooler has not changed, so it can be transferred from a motherboard based on Socket 1150.

Innovation

In the summer of 2017, it was announced that new processors based on the Coffee Lake architecture do not work with motherboards on socket 1151. It turned out that for their correct operation, the presence of a 300 series chipset is important. It turned out that the new socket has an identical number of spring-loaded contacts and even identical keys, but is electrically incompatible with the new boards.

Processors based on Socket 1151, which worked on the Kaby Lake and Skylake architecture, cannot be paired with the 300 chipset. But then a refutation appeared from the guys from China, who decided to experiment with the innovation.

As a result, they flashed the BIOS microcode, after which the 7th generation of processors easily worked in tandem with the Z370 chipset. True, there was one oversight: the built-in video core and PCI Express processor port refused to work.

This innovation led to the fact that the compatibility of processors on Socket 1151 was popularly divided into two versions v1 and v2. The most interesting thing is that these versions are now completely incompatible. If you have to choose a processor, you will have to check the list of supported connectors.

How to check compatibility

To avoid making a mistake when purchasing an Intel Core processor on Socket 1151, you will have to do a thorough check. You need to know the motherboard manufacturer and its model. If you don't have a box left, you can find out using the CPU-Z program, which provides almost all the information about your system.

Next we move on to any search engine and enter the received data. In this case, the user will be offered the website of the motherboard manufacturer, which displays all detailed information about the device.

Suitable processors

Which processors are suitable for Socket 1151 version 1? This includes models from the Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 line. By the way, the same applies to the second version of the socket.

In this case, there is one feature that will help you when purchasing a Core i3 or higher chip. If you see the first number “7” or lower in the model name, then these processors belong to the first version, which is compatible with older motherboards. If the first digit in the name is “8” or “9,” then this means this is a new generation of Coffee Lake, which requires new 300-series motherboards.

For example, the first version of Socket 1151 includes Core i3 7350K, Core i5 7600K or Core i7 7700K. In this case, the second version of Socket 1151 includes the Core i3 8350K, Core i5 8600K and Core i7 9700K models.

The 300 series motherboards also work with Core i9 and Xeon processors - these are the latest very powerful and productive chips to hit the market.

Popular introduced Socket 1151

Since not everyone can now afford 8th and 9th generation processors, there are no models yet that have gained crazy popularity. The same cannot be said about the simpler, but no less powerful variants of Socket 1151 v1.

The Intel i5 6400T is the brightest representative of the Skylake family. This processor for Socket 1151 has now been eclipsed by other models, but at the time of its release it became a truly interesting solution at a low cost. It offered 4 cores with a frequency of up to 2800 MHz, as well as a low thermal package of 35 W.

For Kaby Lake, the Intel Pentium G4620 became such a hero. Almost everyone who has tried to build a budget gaming PC has heard of it. The model became a cult favorite, offering the features of the Intel Core i3 7100, but at a much lower cost.

The same family includes the good mid-range i5 7400 and the top-end version i7 7700K. The latter, by the way, is still interesting to many players.

For Coffee Lake, the best was the i5 8400. This is a representative of Socket 1151 v2, so it brought innovations with it, and we are not just talking about new motherboards. Along with it, 2 additional cores, automatic frequency increase and stable operation became available.

Cooling system

The cooler for the processor for Socket 1151, as already mentioned, has not changed anything since the time. It was decided to leave the mount the same, so no changes were made in this area. In addition, most new processors come with a native cooler, which will be suitable for the motherboard in any case.

If you want to buy a separate cooling system that would better cope with maintaining the desired processor temperature, then you will have to carefully study the offers on the market. However, most chips have clear descriptions and parameters, thanks to which you can make a choice and purchase the right cooler.

conclusions

So, at this stage, Socket 1151 is a popular processor socket on which many top processors run. In 2017, he purchased his second version, which turned out to be incompatible with the new products of the Coffee Lake family. Thus, Socket 1151 v1 and v2 appeared in domestic online stores. Despite the differences, socket 1151 allows you to install the same cooler on the motherboard, since the mounting has not changed.

To make it easier to distinguish which processor fits this socket, just take a closer look at the family: Kaby Lake, Skylake, Coffee Lake. The first two families belong to the first version of the socket, the third - to the second. Thus, you can determine compatibility by name: take a closer look at the first number of the model, if it is “7” and below, then this is the first version, if “8” and above, it is the second. However, when purchasing, it is better to double-check on the manufacturer’s website that the parameters are correct.

Despite this, some enthusiasts still managed to reunite compatible processors. But, as a rule, they lose some of their options, which naturally does not have a very good effect on their work.