As we enter 2024, the LGA 1150 socket may seem outdated, but the CPUs that utilize this socket are still very capable and can deliver solid performance at an affordable price point compared to newer platforms. In this guide, we rank and review the top 5 LGA 1150 CPUs that are worth considering if you‘re building a budget-friendly gaming or productivity PC.
A Brief History of LGA 1150
The LGA 1150 socket was introduced by Intel in June 2013 to support their 4th generation "Haswell" line of processors. It replaced the outgoing LGA 1155 socket and motherboards and brought welcomed improvements like support for next-gen DDR3 memory, more PCIe lanes, and new power management features.
LGA 1150 would serve as Intel‘s mainstream desktop socket for over two years before being replaced by LGA 1151 in 2015. However, even today in 2024, with 6th and 7th gen Intel chips now considered outdated, the LGA 1150 socket still offers exceptional value and performance that keeps it relevant for budget system builders.
What to Consider When Choosing an LGA 1150 CPU
When evaluating the top LGA 1150 CPUs, here are some key factors to consider:
- Cores/Threads: More cores and threads will provide better multi-threaded performance in productivity apps and games that can leverage them. Most LGA 1150 chips are quad-core.
- Clock Speeds: Faster base and boost clock speeds result in better single-threaded performance. Overclocking headroom is also a plus.
- Features: Things like AES-NI encryption acceleration, Intel VT-d virtualization, and Intel QuickSync onboard video encoding are worth having.
- Power Efficiency: Lower TDPs reduce power consumption and heat output allowing for quieter system builds.
- Price to Performance: Just because LGA 1150 is outdated doesn‘t mean you should overpay. Value matters when building budget PCs.
With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into our picks for the best LGA 1150 processors for 2024!
#1 Pick: Intel Core i7-4790K
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base Clock: 4GHz
Boost Clock: 4.4GHz
TDP: 88W
Overclocking: Unlocked
Price: $$
Even in 2024, the venerable Intel Core i7-4790K remains the best overall LGA 1150 CPU available. This processor features a quad-core eight-thread design clocked at 4GHz out of the box. Thanks to Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, it can accelerate up to 4.4GHz on demand.
And because the 4790K sports an unlocked multiplier, you have the option to overclock it past the official 4.4GHz peak if paired with a Z87 or Z97 chipset motherboard and proper CPU cooling. Gamers will also benefit from the 4790Ks integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics.
The i7-4790K delivers fantastic single and quad-core performance that keeps pace surprisingly well with modern CPUs despite its age. It’s a great option for gaming PCs and still suitable for moderate productivity workloads like video editing suites, development environments, office applications etc.
There’s a reason the venerable 4790K remains so popular with budget system builders even now in 2024. If you can find one at a reasonable price, it’s hands down the best performing and most versatile LGA 1150 CPU money can buy.
4+ GHz Quad-Core with HyperThreading
Unlocked Multiplier for OCing
*Reasonably Power Efficient
#2 Pick: Intel Xeon E3-1231 v3
Cores/Threads: 4/8
Base Clock: 3.4GHz
Boost Clock: 3.8GHz
TDP: 80W
Overclocking: Locked
Price: $
If you want workstation-class performance at an affordable price, look no further than the Intel Xeon E3-1231 v3. This server-grade quad-core processor was designed for professional apps with its support for ECC memory and Intel vPro management features.
Performance-wise, the Xeon E3-1231 v3 utilizes the same "Haswell" cores as Core i7 chips giving it fantastic single and multi-threaded capabilities. The only downside is the locked multiplier which prevents overclocking.
But even at stock speeds, the Xeon E3-1231 handles demanding tasks like video editing, code compilation, complex Excel modeling etc without breaking a sweat. And it sips power with just an 80W TDP. For budget productivity builds, this server CPU poses incredible value.
Gamers can also benefit from the E3-1231 v3‘s high IPC and 8MB L3 cache making it a nice match for most modern GPUs. Just be aware that it lacks integrated graphics found in consumer Core i7/i5 models.
Affordable Workstation-Class Performance
ECC Memory + vPro Support
*Power Efficient 80W TDP
#3 Pick: Intel Core i5-4690K
Cores/Threads: 4/4
Base Clock: 3.5GHz
Boost Clock: 3.9GHz
TDP: 88W
Overclocking: Unlocked
Price: $
The Intel Core i5-4690K remains one of the best quad-core gaming CPUs from the LGA 1150 era even here in 2024 thanks to its high clock speeds and overclocking potential.
Unlike the Core i7 models, the 4690K lacks HyperThreading and only supports four concurrent threads. But this design results in stronger single and quad-core performance critical for high FPS gaming.
With a 3.5GHz base clock and 3.9GHz boost speed out of the box, the 4690K is plenty quick in its own right. And the unlocked multiplier lets you easily overclock this chip to 4GHz+ speeds on a Z87/Z97 motherboard with ample cooling.
If your top priority is raw gaming prowess and not heavily-threaded workstation apps, the venerable i5-4690K remains a terrific option with plenty of overclocking headroom to extract extra performance. Just make sure to pair it with a decent GPU like an RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT class card.
Excellent Quad-Core Gaming Performance
Unlocked Multiplier for Overclocking
*Stays Cool Under Load
#4 Pick: Intel Core i5-4590
Cores/Threads: 4/4
Base Clock: 3.3GHz
Boost Clock: 3.7GHz
TDP: 84W
Overclocking: Locked
Price: $
The Intel Core i5-4590 strikes an ideal balance between price and performance making it our choice for budget LGA 1150 builds where every dollar counts.
Like the 4690K, the i5-4590 utilizes a quad-core chip without HyperThreading support. Although clock speeds are a bit lower at 3.3GHz base and 3.7GHz boost, there’s still plenty of muscle for gaming and moderate productivity workloads.
Since the 4590 features a locked ratio multiplier, you won’t be doing any overclocking. But the benefit is improved stability and reliability. Just drop this CPU onto a compatible H97 or B85 motherboard with 8-16GB RAM and a value GPU like the GTX 1660 Super or RX 6500 XT.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised just how capable this affordable quad-core chip from 2014 still is. If you want LGA 1150 performance on a tight budget, the i5-4590 delivers in spades.
Cost-Effective Quad-Core Haswell
Reliable Performance with No OC
*84W TDP Easy to Cool
#5 Pick: Intel Core i3-4330
Cores/Threads: 2/4
Base Clock: 3.5GHz
Boost Clock: –
TDP: 54W
Overclocking: Locked
Price: $
Last but not least is the most affordable pick in our LGA 1150 roundup – the Intel Core i3-4330. For under $50 used, this dual-core, quad-thread chip defies its meager price with unexpectedly solid performance perfect for basic home/office PCs.
Thanks to HyperThreading support, the i3-4330 can execute four concurrent instruction streams despite having just two physical CPU cores. And a healthy 3.5GHz clock speed keeps this chip nimble for general desktop workloads like web browsing, Office apps, media playback etc.
Integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics allow for light gaming as well once paired with enough RAM and preferably an SSD. Modern titles are out of the question. But the i3-4330 still handles classic games like CS:GO, League of Legends, DOTA 2 etc at over 60 FPS.
If you just basic computing needs on an extreme budget, this sub-$50 quad-thread chip proves you don’t need the latest hardware to get things done. The venerable i3-4330 remains surprisingly capable even now in 2024.
Capable Dual-Core + HT
Affordable Sub-$50 Price Tag
*Decent Integrated Graphics
Pairing LGA 1150 CPUs with Modern Components
A common question we see is whether it‘s worth pairing budget LGA 1150 CPUs with premium modern components like NVMe SSDs and high-end GPUs. The short answer is yes!
While the CPUs themselves are outdated, you can absolutely build a balanced modern gaming PC around something like the Core i5-4690K and enjoy buttery smooth frame rates in the latest titles using a modern graphics card.
The key is avoiding potential bottlenecks. We recommend a good 500W+ power supply and at least 16GB DDR3/1600 RAM. Also connect storage using 6Gbps SATA ports if possible. This allows you to tap into the full potential of budget LGA 1150 chips for a fraction of the cost of a new platform.
The Verdict
Even now heading into 2024, LGA 1150 processors like the Core i7-4790K remain viable options that deliver surprisingly solid performance for both gaming and everyday productivity when paired with sufficient RAM and a decent GPU.
Mid-range chips like the Xeon E3-1231 v3 and Core i5-4690K are especially compelling options for budget system builders. And even entry-level picks like the Core i3-4330 handle basic computing needs with ease over a decade after initial release.
So don‘t feel you need to buy expensive modern hardware just yet. With CPUs lasting longer than ever, even the aging LGA 1150 socket still packs a punch in 2024 if you select the right processor to meet your needs and budget. Hopefully our picks have helped identify options tailored specifically for gaming, productivity and entry-level desktop builds this year.
