Buying Guide
The Best LGA 1151 CPUs for Gaming
Five 9th-generation Core processors still listed new, for owners of Intel 300-series boards who want an upgrade without a rebuild.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
LGA 1151 is an older Intel socket, and the chips here are from the 9th generation. They make sense only if you already own a 300-series board such as a Z390 or B365; for a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 is the better route.
These processors fit only 300-series LGA 1151 boards, not the earlier 100- and 200-series boards that share the socket name. Specifications come from each listing; we did not benchmark these chips.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best LGA 1151 Gaming Upgrade
Intel Core i7-9700K
Eight cores with an unlocked multiplier.
Best for: Z370 and Z390 owners.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K (opens in a new tab)
Most Threads on LGA 1151
Intel Core i9-9900K
Eight cores and sixteen threads at a 5.0GHz boost.
Best for: Gaming plus streaming.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i9-9900K (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core i9-9900KF
The largest L3 cache here (16MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i9-9900KF (opens in a new tab)
Best Locked Eight-Core
Intel Core i7-9700
Eight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: B365 and H370 boards.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest-Cost Upgrade
Intel Core i5-9400F
Six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Replacing a dual- or quad-core chip.
Our take Check price for Intel Core i5-9400F (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eight cores with an unlocked multiplier. | Z370 and Z390 owners. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores and sixteen threads at a 5.0GHz boost. | Gaming plus streaming. | Check price for Intel Core i9-9900K (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (16MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for Intel Core i9-9900KF (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores at a 65W rating. | B365 and H370 boards. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 (opens in a new tab) |
| Six cores at a 65W rating. | Replacing a dual- or quad-core chip. | Check price for Intel Core i5-9400F (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best LGA 1151 Gaming Upgrade1 of 5
Intel Core i7-9700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-9700K has eight cores without Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier.
Best for
- Z370 and Z390 owners.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the most common upgrade for a Z370 or Z390 board still running a four- or six-core chip. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 12MB: the Core i9-9900KF offers 16MB, and the Core i5-9400F comes in at 9MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.9GHz: the Core i9-9900K offers 5GHz, and the Core i5-9400F comes in at 4.1GHz.
It matches the Core i9-9900K, the Core i9-9900KF and the Core i7-9700 on core count (8 cores). It also comes with Intel UHD Graphics 630 and DDR4-2666 support up to 64GB. It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Core i5-9400F and the pricier Core i7-9700, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 12MB
- Max boost: 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 95W
- Threads: 8
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 cores without Hyper-Threading
- Unlocked multiplier
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-9400F at the time of writing
Most Threads on LGA 11512 of 5
Intel Core i9-9900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i9-9900K is the top of Intel's 9th generation, with eight cores, sixteen threads and a 5.0GHz boost.
Best for
- Gaming plus streaming.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It needs a capable cooler and a board with solid power delivery. It matches the Core i7-9700K, the Core i9-9900KF and the Core i7-9700 on core count (8 cores). You also get 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform and an unlocked multiplier.
It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Core i9-9900KF and the rest. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Core i9-9900KF offers 16MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 95W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads, the most on this platform
- Unlocked multiplier
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Core i7-9700K
- Core count of 8 cores, ahead of the Core i5-9400F
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
- Costs more than the Core i5-9400F at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
Intel Core i9-9900KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i9-9900KF matches the 9900K's eight cores and sixteen threads but has no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required.
Why we like it
The maker specifies 16MB of cache, the most among these LGA1151 chips. Nothing else here matches its 16MB L3 cache; the Core i7-9700K comes closest at 12MB. On boost clock it ties with the Core i9-9900K at 5GHz.
It matches the Core i7-9700K and the Core i9-9900K on rated power (95W). You also get an unlocked multiplier. It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first.
Its price falls between the Core i7-9700 and the Core i9-9900K, based on our last check. If rated power is your priority, the Core i7-9700 (65W) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 95W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache
- Unlocked multiplier
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (16MB)
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Core i7-9700K
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Core i7-9700 (65W)
- Costs more than the Core i5-9400F at the time of writing
Best Locked Eight-Core4 of 5
Intel Core i7-9700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i7-9700 is the locked, 65W version of the 9700K.
Best for
- B365 and H370 boards.
Skip if
- Pass if a published L3 cache matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It suits B365 and H370 boards that cannot overclock anyway, and the maker notes that some boards need a BIOS update first. Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i9-9900K (5GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-9400F (4.1GHz). On core count it ties with the Core i7-9700K, the Core i9-9900K and the Core i9-9900KF at 8 cores.
On rated power it ties with the Core i5-9400F at 65W. It also comes with 8 cores at a 65W rating. It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first.
It was priced above the Core i7-9700K and below the Core i9-9900KF at the time of writing. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Core i9-9900KF offers 16MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max boost: 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 8
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 8 cores at a 65W rating
- Listing note that some boards need a BIOS update first
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Core i5-9400F
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Costs more than the Core i5-9400F at the time of writing
Lowest-Cost Upgrade5 of 5
Intel Core i5-9400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Core i5-9400F has six cores at a 65W rating and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Replacing a dual- or quad-core chip.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the low-cost way to move a 300-series board off a dual- or quad-core chip. On L3 cache it trails the group at 9MB, while the Core i9-9900KF offers 16MB. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.1GHz, while the Core i9-9900K offers 5GHz.
Its 6 cores core count is the lowest in this group; the Core i7-9700K leads at 8 cores. It matches the Core i7-9700 on rated power (65W). It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first. It undercut the Core i7-9700K and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 9MB
- Max boost: 4.1GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 6
- Socket: LGA1151
- Memory: DDR4
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 6 cores at a 65W rating
- 9MB L3 cache
- 4.1GHz boost clock
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Core i9-9900KF (16MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
What to Look for in an LGA 1151 CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check BIOS support before buying
Newer CPUs on older boards may need a BIOS update before the system will start. Check the board's CPU support list for the version you need and whether the board can flash without a CPU installed.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
Cores matter for streaming and creation
Six and eight cores cover gaming. Streaming with CPU encoding, video editing and compiling benefit from twelve or sixteen.
If you encode on the graphics card instead, core count matters less.
How to Choose an LGA 1151 CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Z370 and Z390 owners | Core i7-9700K | Eight cores with an unlocked multiplier |
| Gaming plus streaming | Core i9-9900K | Eight cores and sixteen threads at a 5.0GHz boost |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Core i9-9900KF | The largest L3 cache here (16MB) |
| B365 and H370 boards | Core i7-9700 | Eight cores at a 65W rating |
| Replacing a dual- or quad-core chip | Core i5-9400F | Six cores at a 65W rating |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-9700K | 12MB | 4.9GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Core i9-9900K | Not listed | 5GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Core i9-9900KF | 16MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Core i7-9700 | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Core i5-9400F | 9MB | 4.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-9400F |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i7-9700K, Core i7-9700, Core i9-9900KF, Core i9-9900K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Do I need to buy a separate cooler?
Usually yes. Only some chips, such as the Ryzen 5 7600 and 5600X, include a basic cooler; unlocked high-end models do not.
What memory should I pair with it?
AM5 and LGA1851 use DDR5; AM4 uses DDR4. For AM5, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit is a common pairing; check the board's memory support list.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Bottom Line
The Core i7-9700K is the best LGA 1151 gaming upgrade, and the i9-9900K adds Hyper-Threading for streaming. The i9-9900KF drops the iGPU, the i7-9700 suits locked boards, and the i5-9400F is the low-cost step up. Check your board's CPU support list before ordering.