What CPUs Are Compatible with Intel Socket 1151 - LGA 1151 Processor List

The Intel LGA 1151 socket has long been a cornerstone for mainstream PC builders. It was launched in 2015 and supported several generations of processors to become one of Intel’s most versatile platforms. 

Its popularity came from flexibility, which allows users to build budget-friendly desktops or high-performance gaming systems with the same socket base. However, compatibility across chipsets and generations has often been confused. 

You must know that not every processor fits every board, even when you use the same socket design. To make upgrades easier, this guide explores Intel LGA 1151 compatible CPUs, providing detailed tables, chipset explanations, and generation breakdowns. 

Why Compatibility Matters

Choosing the right Intel processors for an LGA 1151 socket system requires more than matching pin layouts. Builders must ensure correct chipset pairing to avoid wasted money and effort. And for this, you must understand the Intel socket 1151 CPU compatibility, as it will help you maximize performance and prevent upgrade failures. 

Reasons why compatibility matters are:

• You avoid buying CPUs unsupported by your motherboard chipset.
• You unlock the full performance potential of your processor.
• You ensure stability for gaming, productivity, multitasking, and more.
• You save money by making informed upgrade decisions.
• You build confidence knowing exactly what your system supports.

LGA 1151 CPU Compatibility Explained

Compatibility is the most important factor when selecting a processor for the LGA 1151 socket. Users assume every CPU will fit any board, but chipset restrictions make a big difference. Checking the Intel LGA 1151 CPU support list ensures your processor choice matches the right motherboard.

Recommended: List of Compatible Processors for Intel LGA 1150 Socket

Generational Differences

The LGA 1151 socket supported two major CPU families, each tied to specific chipsets. These formed the foundation of the LGA 1151 CPU list used by builders worldwide.

• 6th and 7th Gen (Skylake/Kaby Lake): They are designed for 100- and 200-series chipsets.
• 8th and 9th Gen (Coffee Lake/Refresh): These are required for newer 300-series chipsets.

Although they shared the same pin layout, the electrical design made them incompatible across groups.

Chipset Requirements

Every socket 1151 motherboard works only with CPUs tied to its chipset generation. This prevents cross-generation upgrades without changing the board.

• 100-and 200-series boards: Work with Skylake and Kaby Lake processors.
• 300-series boards: Work with Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh processors.

It means a user must always confirm what processors fit LGA 1151 before upgrading or purchasing.

Why It Matters

Selecting the wrong CPU wastes money and time. Knowing the chipset rules helps users find the LGA 1151 best CPU for their build. Gamers, creators, businesses, and office users can maximize system performance by pairing the right processor with the correct chipset.

CPU Lists by Generation

6th Gen Skylake Supported by 100-Series Chipsets

The LGA 1151 processors list begins with Intel’s 6th Gen Skylake lineup, which worked exclusively with 100-series chipsets such as H110, B150, H170, and Z170.

7th Gen Kaby Lake Supported by 200-Series Chipsets

The LGA 1151 CPU list also includes Intel’s 7th Gen Kaby Lake processors, designed to run on 200-series motherboards like B250, H270, and Z270.

8th Gen Coffee Lake Supported by 300-Series Chipsets

The best CPUs for LGA 1151 came with the 8th Gen Coffee Lake lineup, which relied on 300-series chipsets such as H310, B360, and Z370 for full support.

9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh Supported by 300-Series Chipsets 

The CPUs for LGA 1151 socket reached their peak with the 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh series, supported by advanced 300-series motherboards such as Z390 and B365.

Recommended: Best Intel Processors for Gaming

Tips to Shop the Right CPU for Intel Socket 1151

• Check chipset support before buying.
• Match CPU generation with the correct motherboard.
• Review the Intel LGA 1151 CPU support list for guidance.
• Pick the right balance of price and performance.
• Choose unlocked “K” models if you plan to overclock.
• Confirm DDR4 memory support for newer builds.

FAQs

Q: Are LGA 1151, 1150, 1200, 1700, and 1155 compatible?

No, they aren’t. Each socket has a different pin count and design, even if they look similar at first glance. For example, LGA 1151 has 1151 pins, while LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 are built differently. You can’t mix and match them, so always use the CPU designed for your exact socket.

Q: What motherboards are LGA 1151?

GA 1151 boards cover Intel’s 100-, 200-, and 300-series chipsets. Think of models like H110, B150, Z170, H270, B250, Z270, H310, B360, Z370, B365, and Z390. Each one lines up with certain CPU generations, so it’s smart to double-check before you buy or upgrade.

Q: Can LGA 1151 fit in LGA 1155, 1150, or 1700?

Unfortunately, no. Even though the sockets look almost identical, the pins don’t line up the same way. If you try, you risk damaging both the CPU and the board. So, an LGA 1151 chip only works in an LGA 1151 socket; it won’t fit into 1155, 1150, or 1700.

Q: What generation is LGA 1151?

LGA 1151 covered four generations: 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen Intel Core CPUs. Skylake and Kaby Lake ran on 100- and 200-series boards, while Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh required 300-series boards. Basically, it gave builders a lot of variety across those four CPU generations.

Q: Is LGA 1151 DDR5, DDR4, or DDR3?

Good question. LGA 1151 doesn’t support DDR5 at all. The earliest Skylake chips (6th Gen) worked with DDR3L or DDR4, depending on the board. From the 7th Gen onward, DDR4 became the standard. So, if you are building today with an LGA 1151 board, you’ll be sticking with DDR4 memory.