LGA 1151 vs. LGA 1200

Attribute	LGA 1151	LGA 1200
Socket Type	LGA 1151	LGA 1200
Number of Pins	1151	1200
Supported Processors	6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen Intel Core processors	10th Gen Intel Core processors
Chipset Compatibility	Intel 100, 200, and 300 series chipsets	Intel 400 series chipsets
Memory Support	DDR4	DDR4

Introduction

When it comes to building a PC, one of the most crucial decisions you'll have to make is choosing the right CPU socket. Two popular options in the market are the LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 sockets. Both of these sockets are designed by Intel and are commonly used for their mainstream processors. In this article, we will compare the attributes of LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 to help you make an informed decision for your next PC build.

Socket Compatibility

One of the key differences between LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 sockets is their compatibility with different generations of CPUs. LGA 1151 was introduced with Intel's 6th generation Skylake processors and is compatible with 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation CPUs. On the other hand, LGA 1200 was introduced with Intel's 10th generation Comet Lake processors and is only compatible with 10th and 11th generation CPUs. This means that if you choose LGA 1151, you will have a wider range of CPU options to choose from compared to LGA 1200.

Number of Pins

Another important factor to consider when comparing LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 sockets is the number of pins they have. LGA 1151 has 1151 pins, as the name suggests, while LGA 1200 has 1200 pins. The increase in the number of pins in LGA 1200 allows for better power delivery and improved performance compared to LGA 1151. This means that if you are looking for a socket that can handle higher power CPUs, LGA 1200 might be the better choice for you.

Chipset Support

Chipset support is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing between LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 sockets. LGA 1151 is compatible with Intel's 100, 200, and 300 series chipsets, while LGA 1200 is compatible with Intel's 400 series chipsets. The newer 400 series chipsets offer better features and improved connectivity options compared to the older 100, 200, and 300 series chipsets. If you want access to the latest technologies and features, LGA 1200 might be the better choice for you.

Memory Support

Memory support is another important factor to consider when comparing LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 sockets. LGA 1151 supports DDR4 memory with speeds up to 2666MHz, while LGA 1200 supports DDR4 memory with speeds up to 2933MHz. The higher memory speed support in LGA 1200 allows for better overall system performance and faster data transfer rates compared to LGA 1151. If you are looking for a socket that can handle faster memory speeds, LGA 1200 might be the better choice for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 sockets have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. LGA 1151 offers wider CPU compatibility and is suitable for budget-friendly builds, while LGA 1200 offers better performance and features for users looking for a more high-end system. Ultimately, the choice between LGA 1151 and LGA 1200 will depend on your specific needs and budget. We hope this comparison has helped you understand the differences between these two popular CPU sockets.