Table of Contents
LGA1150 (also known as Socket H3) debuted in 2013 as the successor to LGA1155 and served as Intel’s mainstream platform for the 4th and 5th Core generations. It spanned the full CPU stack—from budget Celeron and Pentium through Core i7—and reached into the server segment with Xeon E3‑1200 v3/v4. The platform’s market life was short (2013–2015) before LGA1151 took over in 2015.
Balanced performance and price for its time kept LGA1150 relevant. It handles office and web tasks easily and, paired with a mid‑range GPU, can deliver playable framerates in many games. Affordable DDR3 and mature chipsets help keep builds low‑cost.
This guide covers key traits, supported architectures and chipsets, plus a complete list of processors for this socket.
LGA1150 CPU Architectures and Features
Haswell
In 2013, Intel introduced its 4th‑gen Core processors based on Haswell for the new LGA1150 platform. The focus was higher efficiency, a stronger iGPU, and new AVX2/FMA3 instructions.
Key architectural highlights:
- Process and power delivery: 22 nm Tri‑Gate; introduction of the on‑die integrated voltage regulator (FIVR) for finer power control and deeper idle states.
- Performance per clock: roughly a 5–10% IPC uplift over Ivy Bridge, with larger gains in AVX2/FMA‑heavy workloads.
- Memory controller: dual‑channel DDR3/DDR3L, officially up to DDR3‑1600; ECC supported on Xeon E3 v3 with C22x server chipsets.
- Interfaces: DMI 2.0 to the chipset; 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU; additional PCIe, SATA, and USB provided by 8‑ and 9‑series PCH.
- Graphics: Gen7.5 iGPU (HD 4400/4600 on most LGA1150 parts) with DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.3, improved Quick Sync; DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4a outputs depend on the motherboard.
- Core‑level additions: AVX2 and FMA3, TSX (later disabled via microcode), improved branch prediction and front‑end, deeper C‑states (C6/C7), and continued support for Turbo Boost 2.0, AES‑NI, VT‑x/VT‑d.
- Thermals and cooling: most desktop SKUs used paste TIM under the heatspreader (not solder); combined with FIVR this raised core temperatures versus earlier generations.
Haswell became an enthusiast mainstay with parts like the i5‑4670K and i7‑4770K, but it also drew flak for higher temperatures and for TSX being disabled after a microcode bug was found.
Haswell Refresh
Haswell Refresh arrived in May 2014 alongside the H97/Z97 chipsets. It was a routine update to the Haswell lineup for LGA1150 with small frequency bumps and a refreshed motherboard ecosystem.
- Small increases to base and turbo clocks across most SKUs — typically +100–200 MHz.
- Shift to 9‑series chipsets (H97/Z97) with optional M.2 and SATA Express on select boards and updated Intel RST (compatibility with 8‑series boards via BIOS update).
One standout model was the Pentium G3258 “20th Anniversary,” an unlocked dual‑core that brought affordable overclocking to the masses. It overclocks best on Z87/Z97 boards (some early H/B boards allowed it with specific BIOS versions). Great for tinkering and retro builds, but not suitable for modern AAA titles.
Devil’s Canyon
Devil’s Canyon launched in June 2014 as an overclocking‑focused refresh atop Haswell Refresh. Intel introduced two new unlocked desktop CPUs aimed at higher sustained clocks and better stability under load: Core i5‑4690K and Core i7‑4790K.
- Highlights: improved thermal interface under the IHS and a revised package with additional decoupling capacitors for more stable power delivery.
- Higher clocks: Core i5‑4690K — 3.5/3.9 GHz (base/turbo), Core i7‑4790K — 4.0/4.4 GHz.
- Rated TDP unchanged at 88 W.
- Recommended for 9‑series boards; 8‑series boards require a BIOS update.
Broadwell
Broadwell arrived on desktop in June 2015 as a limited 5th‑gen Core update for LGA1150 — a 14 nm die shrink of Haswell focused on power efficiency and stronger iGPU. Retail presence was brief and centered on two unlocked “C” models (Core i5‑5675C and Core i7‑5775C), while Xeon E3‑1200 v4 served workstation/server needs.
- 14 nm process with lower leakage and improved power gating; refined FIVR and deeper idle states.
- Modest 3–5% IPC uplift vs. Haswell; lower base clocks on many SKUs, so net gains vary by workload.
- Gen8 graphics; i5‑5675C/i7‑5775C feature Iris Pro 6200 with 128 MB eDRAM acting as an L4 cache for both CPU and GPU.
- Memory controller: dual‑channel DDR3/DDR3L (officially up to DDR3‑1600); ECC on Xeon E3 v4 with C22x chipsets.
- Media: improved Quick Sync and broader codec support; hybrid HEVC/H.265 decode; DisplayPort 1.2/HDMI 1.4b depend on the motherboard.
- ISA/features: adds ADX (ADCX/ADOX), RDSEED, PREFETCHW; continues AVX2/FMA3, AES‑NI, VT‑x/VT‑d; TSX availability varies by SKU/microcode.
On desktop, Broadwell was a rare and pricey visitor: a short lifecycle with only two retail models. Its hallmark was 128 MB of eDRAM (L4) acting as a shared cache for both the CPU and iGPU. The idea was strong, but it never went mainstream at the time—largely due to its high cost.
All Socket 1150 Processors and Their Specifications
| Model | Cores/Threads | Frequency/Turbo | L3 Cache | iGPU | TDP | Memory Support | Architecture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-5775C | 4/8 | 3.3/3.7 GHz | 6 MB | Iris Pro 6200 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Broadwell |
| Core i7-4790K | 4/8 | 4.0/4.4 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 88 W | DDR3-1600 | Devil's Canyon |
| Core i7-4790 | 4/8 | 3.6/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i7-4790S | 4/8 | 3.2/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i7-4790T | 4/8 | 2.7/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i7-4785T | 4/8 | 2.2/3.2 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i7-4771 | 4/8 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i7-4770K | 4/8 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i7-4770 | 4/8 | 3.4/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i7-4770S | 4/8 | 3.1/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i7-4770T | 4/8 | 2.5/3.7 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i7-4770TE | 4/8 | 2.3/3.3 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i7-4765T | 4/8 | 2.0/3.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1286 V3 | 4/8 | 3.7/4.1 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4700 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1286L V3 | 4/8 | 3.2/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4700 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1285L v3 | 4/8 | 3.1/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4700 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1285 v4 | 4/8 | 3.5/3.8 GHz | 6 MB | Iris Pro P6300 | 95 W | DDR3-1866 | Broadwell |
| Xeon E3-1285L v4 | 4/8 | 3.4/3.8 GHz | 6 MB | Iris Pro P6300 | 65 W | DDR3-1866 | Broadwell |
| Xeon E3-1284L v4 | 4/8 | 2.9/3.8 GHz | 6 MB | Iris Pro P6300 | 47 W | DDR3-1866 | Broadwell |
| Xeon E3-1285 v3 | 4/8 | 3.6/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4700 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1281 V3 | 4/8 | 3.7/4.1 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 82 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1280 V3 | 4/8 | 3.6/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 82 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1276 V3 | 4/8 | 3.6/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1275 v3 | 4/8 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1275L V3 | 4/8 | 2.7/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | Intel HD Graphics | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1271 V3 | 4/8 | 3.6/4.0 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1270L v4 | 4/8 | 3.0/3.6 GHz | 6 MB | No iGPU | 45 W | DDR3-1866 | Broadwell |
| Xeon E3-1270 V3 | 4/8 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1268L v3 | 4/8 | 2.3/3.3 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1265L v3 | 4/8 | 2.5/3.7 GHz | 8 MB | Intel HD Graphics | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1265L V4 | 4/8 | 2.3/3.3 GHz | 6 MB | Iris Pro P6300 | 35 W | DDR3-1866 | Broadwell |
| Xeon E3-1246 V3 | 4/8 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1245 v3 | 4/8 | 3.4/3.8 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1241 V3 | 4/8 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1240 V3 | 4/8 | 3.4/3.8 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1240L V3 | 4/8 | 2.0/3.0 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 25 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1231 V3 | 4/8 | 3.4/3.8 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1230 V3 | 4/8 | 3.3/3.7 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1230L v3 | 4/8 | 1.8/2.8 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 25 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1226 V3 | 4/4 | 3.3/3.7 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1225 v3 | 4/4 | 3.2/3.6 GHz | 8 MB | HD P4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1220 v3 | 4/4 | 3.1/3.5 GHz | 8 MB | No iGPU | 80 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Xeon E3-1220L v3 | 2/4 | 1.1/1.5 GHz | 4 MB | No iGPU | 13 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-5675C | 4/4 | 3.1/3.6 GHz | 4 MB | Iris Pro 6200 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Broadwell |
| Core i5-4690K | 4/4 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 88 W | DDR3-1600 | Devil's Canyon |
| Core i5-4690 | 4/4 | 3.5/3.9 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4690S | 4/4 | 3.2/3.9 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4690T | 4/4 | 2.5/3.5 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4670K | 4/4 | 3.4/3.8 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4670 | 4/4 | 3.4/3.8 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4670S | 4/4 | 3.1/3.8 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4670T | 4/4 | 2.3/3.3 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 45 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4590 | 4/4 | 3.3/3.7 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4590S | 4/4 | 3.0/3.7 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4590T | 4/4 | 2.0/3.0 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4570 | 4/4 | 3.2/3.6 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4570T | 2/4 | 2.9/3.6 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4570TE | 2/4 | 2.7/3.3 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4570S | 4/4 | 2.9/3.6 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4460 | 4/4 | 3.2/3.4 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4460S | 4/4 | 2.9/3.4 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4460T | 4/4 | 1.9/2.7 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i5-4440 | 4/4 | 3.1/3.3 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4440S | 4/4 | 2.8/3.3 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4430 | 4/4 | 3.0/3.2 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 84 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i5-4430S | 4/4 | 2.7/3.2 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 65 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4370 | 2/4 | 3.8 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4370T | 2/4 | 3.3 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4360 | 2/4 | 3.7 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i3-4360T | 2/4 | 3.2 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i3-4350 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i3-4350T | 2/4 | 3.1 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i3-4340 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4330 | 2/4 | 3.5 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4330T | 2/4 | 3.0 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4170 | 2/4 | 3.7 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4170T | 2/4 | 3.2 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4160 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4160T | 2/4 | 3.1 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4150 | 2/4 | 3.5 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i3-4150T | 2/4 | 3.0 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Core i3-4130 | 2/4 | 3.4 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 54 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4130T | 2/4 | 2.9 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Core i3-4330TE | 2/4 | 2.4 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3470 | 2/2 | 3.6 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3460 | 2/2 | 3.5 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3460T | 2/2 | 3.0 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3450 | 2/2 | 3.4 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Pentium G3450T | 2/2 | 2.9 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Pentium G3440 | 2/2 | 3.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Pentium G3440T | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell Refresh |
| Pentium G3430 | 2/2 | 3.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3420 | 2/2 | 3.2 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3420T | 2/2 | 2.7 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1600 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3320TE | 2/2 | 2.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3260 | 2/2 | 3.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3260T | 2/2 | 2.9 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3258 | 2/2 | 3.2 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3250 | 2/2 | 3.2 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3250T | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3240 | 2/2 | 3.1 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell Refresh |
| Pentium G3240T | 2/2 | 2.7 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell Refresh |
| Pentium G3220 | 2/2 | 3.0 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G3220T | 2/2 | 2.6 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Pentium G1820TE | 2/2 | 2.2 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Celeron G1850 | 2/2 | 2.9 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell Refresh |
| Celeron G1840 | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell Refresh |
| Celeron G1840T | 2/2 | 2.5 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell Refresh |
| Celeron G1830 | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Celeron G1820 | 2/2 | 2.7 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 53 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
| Celeron G1820T | 2/2 | 2.4 GHz | 2 MB | HD 4000 | 35 W | DDR3-1333 | Haswell |
LGA1150 processor naming: what the suffix letters mean
For Core‑branded LGA1150 desktop CPUs, the first digit indicates the generation: 4xxx = Haswell (4th gen), 5xxx = Broadwell (5th gen). Many models also use suffix letters (e.g., Core i7‑4770K). Here’s what they mean:
- K — Unlocked multiplier (overclockable). Use a Z87/Z97 motherboard and adequate cooling. Example: Core i7‑4790K.
- C — Broadwell‑only unlocked chips with high‑performance Iris Pro graphics (with on‑package eDRAM). Examples: Core i7‑5775C, Core i5‑5675C.
- S — “Performance/power optimized” lower‑TDP parts, clocked below standard (often around 65 W). Examples: Core i7‑4790S, Core i5‑4690S.
- T — “Power optimized” low‑TDP parts with significantly lower clocks (often 35–45 W). Examples: Core i5‑4460T, Core i3‑4130T.
- P — iGPU disabled. Rare on LGA1150 and often OEM‑only; indicates no integrated graphics.
- E — Embedded‑market SKU (longer lifecycle; specs/package vary by model). Often paired as E/TE in OEM/industrial channels. Examples: Core i5‑4570E, Core i5‑4570TE.
What about the Xeon E3 v3/v4 lineup?
Xeon E3 for LGA1150 are “server‑grade” variants of Core i based on Haswell and Broadwell (E3‑1200 v3 and v4) focused on stability, ECC, and enterprise features.
Popular SKUs like the E3‑1230/1240/1270 v3/v4 perform very close to Core i7 of the same generation but lack iGPU; exceptions are the “…5” models (E3‑1245/1275/1285) with a workstation iGPU. Multipliers are locked. The headline difference is ECC UDIMM support, which actually works only on server/workstation chipsets C222/C224/C226. Xeons typically enable VT‑x/VT‑d and TXT, with Turbo behavior and core counts mirroring their consumer counterparts. TDP is usually 80–84 W, with low‑power “L” models in the 25–45 W range.
Performance comparison: Xeon E3‑1230 v3 vs. Core i7‑4790:
Platform notes:
- Haswell‑based v3 parts run on 8‑series boards (and C222/C224/C226) with a compatible BIOS.
- Broadwell‑based v4 parts are officially targeted at 9‑series (H97/Z97) and C226, but unofficially can work on some 8‑series boards.
As with LGA1155, Intel didn’t block these server CPUs on consumer motherboards, making E3‑1200 v3 a popular value play: near‑i7 performance and virtualization/ECC features for gaming/workstation builds, and robust ECC‑enabled options for home servers/NAS when paired with a C22x board.
Is LGA1150 still relevant today?
It’s a decade‑old platform, so don’t expect modern‑tier performance. That said, 4C/8T models still handle web, office, and everyday software comfortably. With a bit of tinkering, you can even install Windows 11.
Compared to LGA1155, LGA1150 CPUs support AVX2, which improves longevity and reduces compatibility issues with modern games and applications.
As for gaming, higher‑end models can deliver good FPS in most titles released up to roughly 2016–2018. Games from 2018–2021 are conditionally playable, and among newer releases you’ll mainly enjoy well‑optimized titles.
Peak LGA1150 performance example: an overclocked Core i7‑4790K
Critical platform limitations to keep in mind:
- Lower Instructions Per Clock (IPC) compared to modern designs.
- Limited memory capacity and bandwidth. Even well‑tuned DDR3 on Z‑series boards falls far short of modern systems.
- PCIe 3.0 only and just 16 CPU PCIe lanes — not much by modern standards.
- Degraded TIM: The thermal interface material under Haswell CPUs’ IHS has degraded over years of use. Without delidding, load temperatures can be critically high.
Building a new system on LGA1150 rarely makes sense today. As an upgrade path for an existing board, though, it can still be cost‑effective.
Processor Recommendations by Use Case
Gaming and productivity (overclocking):
- i7‑4790K (Devil’s Canyon): Highest clocks, target 4.4–4.7 GHz with good cooling. Requires Z87/Z97.
- i7‑4770K (Haswell): Slightly lower clocks and runs hotter due to standard TIM; typically 4.2–4.5 GHz. Delidding helps thermals. A good budget i7‑K on the used market. Requires Z87/Z97.
- i7‑5775C (Broadwell): 128 MB eDRAM (L4) improves gaming frametime consistency even with a dGPU. Lower OC headroom and rarer/pricey. Requires Z97.
Budget OC:
- i5‑4690K / i5‑4670K: Cheaper unlocked options, but 4C/4T already limits performance in modern titles. Require Z87/Z97.
- Pentium G3258 “Anniversary”: Unlocked dual‑core for cheap OC fun/retro. Best on Z87/Z97 (some H/B boards allowed overclocking on early BIOS versions). Not viable for modern AAA.
Gaming and productivity (no overclocking):
- i7‑4790 or i7‑4770: Strongest non‑K desktop CPUs.
- 8‑thread Xeon E3 v3 (1230/1240/1270, etc.): Near‑Core i7 performance at a lower price, but no iGPU.
Home server / NAS / HTPC
- Xeon E3‑1245 v3 / E3‑1275 v3: 4C/8T with iGPU. Pair with a C226 board for ECC.
- Low‑power Xeons: E3‑1240L v3 (25 W) or E3‑1265L v3 (45 W) when power/thermals matter more than peak clocks.
Overclocking and Compatibility
For desktops there are two PCH families: 8‑series (Lynx Point — H81/B85/Q85/Q87/H87/Z87) and 9‑series (Wildcat Point — H97/Z97). Plus server/workstation chipsets: C222, C224, C226.
Haswell/Haswell Refresh/Devil’s Canyon CPUs work on 8‑series with the right BIOS; Broadwell desktop CPUs are officially targeted at 9‑series and usually need a BIOS update. PCIe 3.0 comes from the CPU; PCH lanes are PCIe 2.0. Native M.2/SATA Express appears with 9‑series. Intel RST RAID/Smart Response is available on Q87/H87/Z87 and H97/Z97 (RAID 0/1/5/10); H81/B85/Q85 lack chipset RAID. NVMe boot is most reliable on 9‑series UEFI. ECC UDIMM for Xeon E3 v3/v4 works only on C222/C224/C226.
| Chipset | CPU OC (multiplier) | RAM OC | Haswell support | Broadwell support | PCIe 2.0 lanes from PCH | SATA ports (6G/3G) | RAID (RST)/SRT | USB 3.0 (max) | Max displays via iGPU | M.2 / SATA Express (native) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H81 | no | no | yes | no | 6 | 2 / 2 | no / no | 2 | 2 | no |
| B85 | no | no | yes | no | 8 | 4 / 2 | no / no | 4 | 3 | no |
| Q85 | no | no | yes | no | 8 | 4 / 2 | no / no | 4 | 3 | no |
| Q87 | no | no | yes | no | 8 | 6 / 0 | RAID 0/1/5/10 / SRT | 6 | 3 | no |
| H87 | no | no | yes | no | 8 | 6 / 0 | RAID 0/1/5/10 / SRT | 6 | 3 | no |
| Z87 | yes (K) | yes | yes | no | 8 | 6 / 0 | RAID 0/1/5/10 / SRT | 6 | 3 | no |
| H97 | no | no | yes | yes | 8 | 6 / 0 | RAID 0/1/5/10 / SRT | 6 | 3 | yes |
| Z97 | yes (K/C) | yes | yes | yes | 8 | 6 / 0 | RAID 0/1/5/10 / SRT | 6 | 3 | yes |
| C222 | no | no | yes | no | 8 | 2 / 4 | RAID 0/1/5/10 (RSTe) / no | 4 | 3 | no |
| C224 | no | no | yes | no | 8 | 4 / 2 | RAID 0/1/5/10 (RSTe) / no | 6 | 3 | no |
| C226 | no | no | yes | yes | 8 | 6 / 0 | RAID 0/1/5/10 (RSTe) / no | 6 | 3 | no |
True overclocking is essentially limited to unlocked K/C CPUs on Z87/Z97 boards, which enable multiplier and proper memory tuning. On H/B/Q chipsets you can do very little:
- Tiny BCLK bump (typically ~102–105 MHz). May not be available on all boards.
- Enable Multi‑Core Enhancement (all‑core turbo) to hold max turbo on all cores (some boards support this out of the box).
Memory OC on non‑Z is generally limited to JEDEC/XMP up to DDR3‑1600, though a few H87/H97 boards unofficially allow higher XMP. Full timing control is also Z‑only, but some H97 models let you tweak 4–5 primary timings.
Conclusion and Legacy
LGA1150 stands as the capstone of the DDR3 era: the first truly mainstream AVX2 platform with solid media acceleration and a vast ecosystem, but constrained by thermal realities. While it was less long‑lived than LGA1155 or LGA1151, with an SSD and a sensible GPU many LGA1150 systems still handle everyday tasks smoothly.
Over its lifetime the platform:
- Moved from 22 nm (Haswell) to a limited 14 nm Broadwell on desktop, improving efficiency and idle behavior.
- Mainstreamed AVX2 and FMA3, with TSX introduced and later largely disabled via microcode.
- Substantially upgraded the iGPU and media stack: Gen7.5 to Gen8 graphics, better Quick Sync, and rare Iris Pro 6200 with 128 MB eDRAM on Broadwell “C” SKUs.
- Brought early NVMe to the mainstream via 9‑series boards.
- Enabled affordable builds for years: strong e‑sports performance with mid‑range GPUs, capable Plex/transcoding via Quick Sync, and popular home‑lab nodes.