With Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake cores having 1151 pins. Not compatible with previous LGA1150, 1155 and earlier processor sockets, either mechanically or 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?

Suitable for installation in LGA1151 socket Core processors sixth, seventh and eighth generations. 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 Intel Core The i5-8600K is 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 Performance rating Pentium processors
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.

LGA-1151 is a standardized and still relevant socket designed for installing Intel processors with 6th and 7th generation architectures - Skylake and Kaby Lake. To interact with the 8th generation of processors, an alternative version of the socket is provided - LGA 1151 v2, although similar in design to the “original”, but differing in the approach to the organization of contact pads and power circuits, which ensure stable operation of those installed in motherboard chipsets under extreme load or when using non-standard cooling. The remaining characteristics of the connectors are similar - the same spring-loaded contact for contact with the processor, familiar DMI 3.0 and PCI Express 3.0, identical mounting of tower coolers.

The approach is as follows:

  • LGA-1151. Core i7, i5 and i3 processors are supported, as well as the 6th and 7th generation Pentium and Celeron series belonging to Skylake or Kaby Lake.
  • LGA-1151 v2. Core i7, i5 and i3 and the Pentium and Celeron series are connected, but already of the 8th generation, which are marked Coffee Lake.

Optimal processor

Among the available variety of processors, identifying specific models is more difficult than it seems at first glance. AND the main thing the reason is lack of information. What is the money ceiling? Will an upgrade be needed in the future? Need gaming platform or office? If you don’t go into details and focus on the only indicator - price/quality, then from Skylake it is worth noting the Intel i5 6400T, from Kaby Lake - the Intel Pentium G4620, and from Coffee Lake - the i5-8400.

The second revision of the LGA 1151 socket appeared at the end of 2017, along with the release of Coffee Lake series processors, which, as Intel developers immediately warned, are electrically incompatible with the “original” (due to changes that affected the number of contact pads responsible for power supply , signal transmission and processing of some processes, installation of old-generation processors on a new one is impossible - however, backward compatibility not provided).

Hence, in fact, the conclusion - the differences between the versions are reduced to the method of organizing power supply and electrical “recharge”. And, since there is a desire to install a Coffee Lake processor, then you will have to look for LGA-1151 v2 motherboards on sale (necessarily with DDR4 support), but if you need Skylake or Kaby Lake, then LGA 1151 with DD3 will do.

Top 10 motherboards with LGA 1151 socket

The choice of a motherboard with connectors of the first and second revision directly depends on the amount of money and the preferred brand, and additional characteristics, such as a built-in Wi-Fi module or support for two or even four PCI-E x16 slots for installing video cards. And therefore, drawing a parallel between recommendations in a similar vein is more difficult than it seems at first glance - the chances of being reduced to subjective advice rather than straightforward help are too high.

Therefore, even before getting acquainted with the top 10 motherboards, you should look into the nearest online store and, having placed the appropriate tags, start searching (you should immediately indicate the price, select the manufacturer and form factor - for example, ATX or Mini-ATX, and at the same time - decide on sound design or slots random access memory). Not even five minutes will pass before suitable options- there will definitely be some. And then all that remains is to get acquainted with the reviews, read a few reviews and add the model you like to the cart...

Failed to select suitable options? So, it's time to get acquainted with the TOP 10:

  1. ASUS B250 MINING EXPERT - an affordable motherboard starting at $200 with a neutral dark gray style and non-standard specialization - the manufacturer ASUS suggests using the B250 model for mining and conducting transactions related to cryptocurrencies. The pluses are four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, 2 slots for DDR4 RAM with a maximum frequency of 2400 MHz.
  2. ASRock Fatal1ty H270M Performance is a budget motherboard with a price of 100-120 dollars, a blood-red and somewhat gaming design, Micro-ATX dimensions and CrossFire support X, which provides for the launch of entertainment using two video cards. Chipset – H270. RAM slots – 4.
  3. GIGABYTE GA-Z270P-D3 is a legend of the genre with a price of $90, with support for up to 64 gigabytes of DD4 RAM, two graphics cards and a special Smart Fan 5 feature that helps control the temperature of the motherboard and avoid overheating surprises.
  4. ASUS PRIME H270M-PLUS is a promising budget board with two slots for a video card, four slots for DDR4 RAM, and the classic Intel H270 chipset. The dimensions of the motherboard are Micro-ATX, which means there will be a chance to build a custom entertainment system of compact dimensions.
  5. ASRock Z170 OC Formula is an option from the premium segment with the Standard-ATX size Z170 chipset, which provides for semi-automatic overclocking, four RAM slots that support frequencies up to 4500 MHz, and four connectors for video cards. If you really want to experience unprecedented speeds, then only with ASRock!
  6. GIGABYTE AORUS GA-Z270X-Gaming 9 is perhaps the most expensive representative of the genre, with a non-standard server form factor - E-ATX, support for 4 video cards per SLI modes and CrossFire, with Wi-Fi module, a gigabyte network port, a Bluetooth interface and an extraordinary sound card that can give extraordinary musical sensations.
  7. MSI H170I PRO AC is an experimental model with a price of 170-200 dollars, high-quality build, a bunch of USB slots and a stylish design that instantly catches your eye.
  8. ASRock H110M-ITX is a newcomer to the genre with two DDR4 slots and a price of $70. The advantages are support for RAM up to 32 gigabytes and a MINI-ITX form factor.
  9. ASRock Z370M PRO4 is a motherboard with LGA-1151 v2 socket, Z370 chipset and two PCI-E x16 connectors. Price – from 100 dollars. The build quality is excellent. The delivery set is complete.
  10. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS X APEX is a gaming motherboard with the second revision of LGA-1151 connectors, a stylish design and a high price starting at $300.

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 motherboard of the 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 SSD operation with support for Optane cache, 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 the latest generation processors. Based on this chipset you can build gaming computer entry-intermediate level. average price motherboards on the H110 chipset - 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 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 RAM overclocking
  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, more 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 “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.

Connector central processor may be nested or slotted. 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: have different sizes, number or types of contacts, as well as other 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 beginning of the development of processors, active work 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 designed by Intel for your 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 Socket 1151 processors require 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 based on Socket 1151, you should also take into account the presence of DMI 3.0, PCI Express 3.0, etc. interfaces. 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 CPU-Z programs, 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 truly became interesting solution for 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 a clear description and parameters, thanks to which you can make a choice and purchase correct cooler.

conclusions

So on at this stage Socket 1151 is a popular processor socket that powers many high-end processors. 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 incompatible processors. But, as a rule, they lose some of their options, which naturally does not have a very good effect on their work.