LGA 1155 vs. LGA 1200

Attribute	LGA 1155	LGA 1200
Socket Type	LGA 1155	LGA 1200
Release Year	2011	2020
Supported Processors	2nd and 3rd Gen Intel Core	10th Gen Intel Core
Chipset Compatibility	Intel 6 Series, 7 Series	Intel 400 Series
Maximum Memory Support	32GB	128GB

Introduction

When it comes to building a PC, one of the most crucial decisions is choosing the right motherboard socket. Two popular options in the market are the LGA 1155 and LGA 1200 sockets. Both sockets have their own set of attributes and features that cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we will compare the attributes of LGA 1155 and LGA 1200 to help you make an informed decision for your next PC build.

Socket Compatibility

The LGA 1155 socket was introduced by Intel in 2011 and is compatible with 2nd and 3rd generation Intel Core processors. On the other hand, the LGA 1200 socket was released in 2020 and is designed for 10th and 11th generation Intel Core processors. This means that if you opt for the LGA 1155 socket, you will have access to older generation processors, while the LGA 1200 socket offers compatibility with the latest generation CPUs.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the LGA 1200 socket has the upper hand due to its compatibility with newer and more powerful processors. The 10th and 11th generation Intel Core processors offer better performance, higher clock speeds, and improved efficiency compared to the older 2nd and 3rd generation processors that are compatible with the LGA 1155 socket. If you are looking for a high-performance PC build, the LGA 1200 socket would be the better choice.

Features

Both the LGA 1155 and LGA 1200 sockets come with a range of features that cater to different needs. The LGA 1200 socket supports DDR4 memory, which offers faster speeds and better efficiency compared to the DDR3 memory supported by the LGA 1155 socket. Additionally, the LGA 1200 socket also supports PCIe 3.0, which provides faster data transfer speeds for graphics cards and other peripherals. On the other hand, the LGA 1155 socket supports PCIe 2.0, which may limit the performance of newer graphics cards.

Upgradability

One important factor to consider when choosing a motherboard socket is upgradability. The LGA 1200 socket offers better upgradability compared to the LGA 1155 socket. Since the LGA 1200 socket is compatible with the latest generation Intel Core processors, you will have the option to upgrade to newer and more powerful CPUs in the future. On the other hand, the LGA 1155 socket is limited to 2nd and 3rd generation processors, which may restrict your upgrade options down the line.

Price

Price is another important consideration when choosing between the LGA 1155 and LGA 1200 sockets. Since the LGA 1155 socket is compatible with older generation processors, motherboards with this socket tend to be more affordable compared to those with the LGA 1200 socket. However, if you are looking for the latest technology and better performance, investing in a motherboard with the LGA 1200 socket may be worth the higher price tag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the LGA 1155 and LGA 1200 sockets have their own set of attributes and features that cater to different needs and preferences. The LGA 1155 socket offers compatibility with older generation processors at a more affordable price point, while the LGA 1200 socket provides better performance, upgradability, and support for the latest technology. Ultimately, the choice between the two sockets will depend on your budget, performance requirements, and future upgrade plans for your PC build.