I know you’re looking for a top 7 list of the best CPUs of 2021, but instead, I’m going to tell you about my top 7 list from the past year which will help you plan for the future. It’s been a pretty enjoyable year for PC hardware in general, with a lot of good products coming out. Let’s take a look at the 7 best CPUs of 2021, starting with…
This guide will help you pick the best CPU of 2021. As of this guide, there are 7 basic options to choose from, with each one of them being suitable for different people. For the readers of this guide, I am also going to be covering the new releases of processors of 2020.
Intel has been on a roll with their recent efforts to introduce the next gen chipsets, codenamed Ice Lake. The new series will be supported by the upcoming Ice Lake-SP processors, which will use the LGA1151 socket, and will offer up to six cores. While the Ice Lake-SP chips are still a few years away, the first Ice Lake-S processors are already available, and there are quite a few variants to pick from.
You may combine a variety of CPUs with your gaming system, but with the introduction of new models, the process took on a new shape. In 2021, you’ll be able to choose from ten different models for the same Intel generation CPU, implying that the possibilities for cherry-picking are endless. But there’s a snag. You don’t require 6th or 7th generation CPUs if you have a good budget-friendly or average gaming setup. The explanation is straightforward. Higher-generation CPUs will simply serve to stifle the performance of your ordinary GPU. If this occurs, your system will be rendered useless, as you will no longer be able to achieve the level of performance that you were meant to achieve. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the finest LGA 1150 CPUs for use in 4th generation and Xeon processors. It’s worth noting that these are the finest 1150 CPUs for gaming.
They may be from a previous generation, but they function perfectly. Before I list the items worth considering, I’d want to explain why we chose LGA 1150 CPUs for you in 2021. If you want to learn more about why you should choose the finest 1150 CPU, go here.
It’s time to get down to business with the real product review. Let’s get started on discovering the finest LGA 1150 CPUs without further ado.
This is a list of the best 1150 CPUs for gaming (Table)
The Intel Core i7 4790K is part of the “K” family, which basically means you have the ability to overclock the CPU to its full capability. You can get up to 4.40 GHz with this CPU, which is more than adequate to run most of the current AAA games and apps. It’s worth noting that the CPU is fairly outdated (2014) and may not be able to meet your most demanding requirements. Nonetheless, in 2021, you may obtain a flexible and functional chipset for your gaming machine. The CPU has a good transistor density, therefore it’s worth your time. The CPU also features four cores and eight threads for multitasking and improved performance.
Furthermore, the CPU has a specialized IGFX (Intel HD Graphics 4600) chip, which serves as a self-booting tool when your gaming PC lacks an external graphics card. Furthermore, the CPU can switch between various resolutions at 60 frames per second, making it compatible with the majority of GPUs on the market. Finally, the processor’s maximum memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s, which is excellent in my view.
Pros
- Version “K” (Overclockable)
- Compatibility with various resolutions
- There are four cores and eight threads in total.
- 4.4 GHz overclockable
Cons
- For today’s standards, it’s outdated.
Let’s add another “K” variant to the mix. The Intel Core i7-4770 processorK is a fantastic and top-of-the-line CPU for your gaming setup. By adjusting the BIOS settings, the CPU may be overclocked to 3.90 GHz. Not to mention that the CPU has four cores and eight threads, which is more than enough to run all of the tasks and programs on your system. It’s worth noting that the CPU has so far shown to be capable of running most AAA games without any reported problems. Furthermore, the CPU has a dedicated Intel HD Graphics 4600 for turning on your system without the need of an external GPU. Apart from that, the CPU can handle resolutions of up to 4096 x 2304 at 24Hz without stuttering or delays. However, you must guarantee that your CPU is coupled with a capable GPU for this to happen.
The processor’s maximum memory capacity is 32 GB, which is sufficient to run all high-end software. Last but not least, the CPU is built on the Haswell design, which outperforms several older architectures.
Pros
- Overclockable
- Have a memory capacity of 32 GB
- Haswell architecture is a kind of computer architecture.
Cons
- Overclocking potential is reduced.
Intel Core i5-4690K processor
The Intel Core i5-4690K is another overclockable CPU that can reach 3.90GHz, which is sufficient for most AAA games. It’s worth noting that the processor’s total cache is 6 megabytes and is built using the Devil’s Canyon design. Unfortunately, the CPU has been retired, which means no further chipsets will be available for it, making it another another dead product. But don’t worry, the product is still available, with no additional additions to the lineage. In any case, the CPU has a good transistor density and runs continuously to provide useful and efficient overall performance. The i5-4690K was able to run Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at low settings with a consistent 30FPS. That’s very impressive, given that the processor dates from the early 1920s.
The highest memory bandwidth slot remains at 32GB, with a staggering 25.6GB/s transfer rate. OpenGL and DirectX 12 are also supported by the CPU. It’s a good, low-cost CPU, in my opinion.
Pros
- The architecture of Devil’s Canyon
- Up to 3.9 GHz overclocking is possible.
Cons
- At times, there are temperature problems.
Intel Core i7-4790 processor
The usage of the “K” version is the only reason for placing the Core i7-4790 below the Core i5. In general, “K” version CPUs outperform non-K version processors due to their ability to overclock to their full capacity. It’s worth noting that the CPU is based on Haswell architecture, which outperforms most previous versions. Furthermore, the processor’s highest turbo frequency is 4.0 GHz, which is sufficient to handle the majority of today’s games. I believe pairing your i7-4790 with either a GTX 1080Ti or a GTX 1070 will be smart and practical. Furthermore, since the CPU can operate in parallel with the majority of the new cards, the bottleneck rate is reduced.
Not to add that the CPU has 32GB of total RAM and runs at 25.6GB/s, which is commendable in my view. Last but not least, the CPU works well with the vast majority of Windows programs and apps.
Pros
- Turbo-charged frequency
- Works to its full potential
Intel Xeon E3-1231V3B processor
Originally, Intel Xeon CPUs were designed to operate workstations, and to be honest, they still function for today’s needs. Intel Xeon CPUs are power-hungry and need a well-designed computer system to function properly. Not to add, the E3-1231V3B is a Haswell processor with a maximum turbo clock of 3.80 GHz. Unfortunately, Intel Xeon processors lack specialized integrated IGFX, necessitating the need of an external GPU to operate your system. Indeed, there has been a reaction! The overall memory capacity and bandwidth remain unchanged (32GB and 25.6GB/s, respectively).
For improved compatibility with recently released games, the instructions set includes 64-bit support, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, and AVX2. It’s worth noting that the CPU has an 8M cache and operates at a 3.40 GHz base frequency. Finally, the Intel Xeon E3-1231V3B is a magnificently low-cost CPU to purchase in 2021. Purchase it right now!
Pros
- Overclockable
- Utilizes improved instruction sets
Cons
- You don’t have any dedicated IGFX.
- It operates at a low turbo frequency.
Intel Core i7-4770
The Intel Core i7-4770 is a magnificent CPU for your typical gaming PC. Surprisingly, the processor is from the Haswell family, giving it even another unbeatable contender in the best lga 1150 CPU competition. The CPU also has 4 cores and 8 threads, which is sufficient for multitasking and running games at reasonable settings. It’s also worth noting that for smooth performance, you may set the turbo frequency to 3.90 GHz. The processor was unfortunately discontinued in 2017, thus there will be no tweaks or additions to the lineage; however, it is still available for purchase. It’s excellent in terms of performance. You get 32GB of RAM with a 25.6GB/s maximum transfer rate, which is pretty impressive.
Last but not least, the CPU supports all major instruction sets, allowing you to utilize it with any AAA games released recently. Overall, it’s a fantastic CPU that will be available in 2021.
Pros
- 3.90 GHz turbo frequency
- The TDP is 84 W.
- Have all of the most recent instruction manuals
- IGFX (Independent Graphics Framework)
Intel Pentium G3220 processor
The Intel Pentium G3220 is the last item on the list, and to be honest, it’s a good CPU with many of choices. Despite the fact that it may be overclocked, the CPU is still worth a try. The base frequency remains at 3.00 GHz, and the cache is 3M, which is much less than any other device on the list. Not to add, the product was originally released in 2013, so it’s been seven years, and it’s great to see it’s still going strong. It’s worth noting that the processor’s bus speed is 5GT/s, and it won’t set you back more than $50. Isn’t it a little too cheap? It’s no surprise that it’s the cheapest item in our list of the top lga 1150 CPUs. Furthermore, it employs Intel HD graphics for 4th generation Intel CPUs, with a graphics base frequency of 350 MHz, which is sufficient to switch on your system without the need of an external GPU.
Furthermore, the processor’s highest resolution is 2560 x 1600 @60Hz, which I think is very impressive. Overall, it’s a fantastic processor!
Pros
- In 2021, it works perfectly.
- IGFX has a specific section.
Cons
- Has a low base frequency.
- Aggressively old-fashioned
What are the advantages of going with the finest LGA 1150 CPU?
Competition in the market
Because consumers do not pay enough care or regard to what goes into marketing tricks, I’ll be very explicit about this message. Some processors are just there to show off and do not completely optimize your system, while others are less expensive yet provide 100 percent. That’s where you need to be cautious; fortunately, LGA 1150 is a great fit for your typical gaming setup.
Reliability
Intel has screwed up, and we’re all aware of how bad a couple of the next generations’ general performance and overclocking characteristics are. According to the findings, earlier generations, such as the 4th and 5th, were far more durable and healthier.
Performance
The Haswell design, which is both performative and efficient in data processing, is used in these 4th generation CPUs. Not to add, older CPUs have a far better performance-to-price ratio than a handful of newer versions. If you have an RX 580 or GTX 1060 graphics card, LGA 1150 CPUs are the best option.
Putting the last pieces of the puzzle together
Although most of the CPUs on the list aren’t future-proof for gaming generation games, they still account for a sizable part of the pool of players. People often purchase costly CPUs and GPUs, which may not be beneficial in the long term. That is why an essay like this is written to assist our fellow gamers realize how they should not be chasing after costly titles, but rather cheer for something in the middle. Please let me know if there is anything I missed in the comments section. Your constructive feedback would be much welcomed.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
They are, indeed. LGA 1150 was first introduced in late 2013 or early 2014, making it six years old. The bulk of upcoming PC games will not run on anything so old. So, if you were planning on future-proofing your gaming setup with an LGA 1150, you are making a mistake.
What distinguishes the LGA 1150 socket from others?
This socket is part of the Haswell and Devil’s Canyon architectures, thus its performance and efficiency ratios are vastly different. To be honest, LGA 1150 CPUs will not outperform Skylake or the newest processors.
Also see: 2021’s Best Motherboard CPU Combo
The best CPU for any gaming PC is the best CPU for every gaming PC, right? Not exactly. There are lots of different CPU powerhouses out there, meaning different CPUs are designed for different types of gaming rigs. For the purpose of this article, we are pulling together the best LGA 1150 CPUs every gamer should consider to buy, along with a few other recommendations.. Read more about lga 1150 cpu list and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful CPU 2021?
The most powerful CPU 2021 is Intels i9-9900K.
Is LGA 1150 discontinued?
No, LGA 1150 is not discontinued. It is still in use today and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
Is 4790K still good 2021?
Yes, the 4790K is still a good CPU for 2021.
May not look like but definitely a big tech addict. Tech blogger since graduating in her home town in Esbjerg. Loves long bike rides across the country.