LGA1700 vs. LGA1851

Attribute	LGA1700	LGA1851
Socket Type	LGA1700	LGA1851
Number of Pins	1700	1851
Release Year	2021	2021
Compatible Processors	11th Gen Intel Core	11th Gen Intel Core

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a motherboard for your PC build, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is selecting the right CPU socket. Two popular options on the market today are the LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets. Both of these sockets have their own unique attributes and features that cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we will compare the key differences between LGA1700 and LGA1851 to help you make an informed decision.

Socket Size and Compatibility

The LGA1700 socket is a newer socket introduced by Intel with the launch of their 12th generation Alder Lake processors. It features a smaller size compared to its predecessor, the LGA1200 socket, allowing for more compact motherboard designs. On the other hand, the LGA1851 socket is larger in size and is compatible with high-end desktop processors, such as Intel's Core X-series CPUs. This makes the LGA1851 socket more suitable for enthusiasts and power users who require maximum performance.

Number of Pins

One of the key differences between LGA1700 and LGA1851 is the number of pins on the socket. The LGA1700 socket has 1700 pins, which is an increase from the 1200 pins found on the LGA1200 socket. This allows for better power delivery and improved signal integrity, resulting in better overall performance. On the other hand, the LGA1851 socket has 1851 pins, providing even more connectivity options for high-end processors and supporting more advanced features.

Memory Support

Another important factor to consider when choosing between LGA1700 and LGA1851 is memory support. The LGA1700 socket supports DDR5 memory, which offers faster speeds and lower power consumption compared to DDR4 memory. This makes it a great choice for users who want the latest technology and improved performance. In contrast, the LGA1851 socket supports DDR4 memory, which is still widely used and offers good performance for most applications.

PCIe Lanes and Expansion

PCIe lanes are crucial for connecting additional components to your motherboard, such as graphics cards, storage drives, and networking cards. The LGA1700 socket supports PCIe 5.0, which offers higher bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds compared to PCIe 4.0 supported by the LGA1851 socket. This makes the LGA1700 socket a better choice for users who require maximum performance and future-proofing for their system.

Overclocking Capabilities

Overclocking is a popular practice among enthusiasts who want to push their hardware to its limits for improved performance. The LGA1700 socket offers limited overclocking capabilities due to Intel's power and thermal limits on their Alder Lake processors. On the other hand, the LGA1851 socket provides better overclocking potential, especially when paired with high-end cooling solutions and unlocked processors. This makes the LGA1851 socket a better choice for users who want to squeeze every bit of performance out of their system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets have their own unique attributes and features that cater to different needs and preferences. The LGA1700 socket is a newer, more compact socket with support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, making it a great choice for users who want the latest technology and improved performance. On the other hand, the LGA1851 socket is larger in size, supports DDR4 memory, and offers better overclocking capabilities, making it ideal for enthusiasts and power users. Ultimately, the choice between LGA1700 and LGA1851 will depend on your specific requirements and budget for your PC build.