Is LGA 1151 Worth it for Intel 8th 9th Generation Processors in 2018?

In 2018, acquiring a motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket might still be a sound decision, especially if you were building a system with Intel's 8th or 9th generation processors, specifically the Coffee Lake series. This article will explore the key factors to consider when selecting an LGA 1151 motherboard in 2018.

Processor Compatibility

One of the primary factors in deciding whether to opt for an LGA 1151 motherboard is ensuring compatibility with the specific Intel CPUs you plan to use. LGA 1151 has two main revisions: one for 6th and 7th generation Skylake and Kaby Lake, and another for the 8th and 9th generation Coffee Lake. If your goal is to use the latter, make sure to select a motherboard explicitly compatible with the Coffee Lake CPUs. This is crucial for ensuring optimal performance.

Performance

The 8th and 9th generation Intel processors offered significant performance improvements compared to their predecessors, particularly in multi-core performance. These advancements were beneficial for gaming, productivity, and multitasking. For instance, the Intel Core i5-8600K, paired with a high-end GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1080, forms a formidable combination for both gaming and professional workloads.

Future Proofing

By 2018, many enthusiasts were looking towards newer sockets like LGA 1200 for 10th generation Intel CPUs and LGA 1700 for 12th generation CPUs for better long-term future-proofing. If you planned for a computer that would last several years, consider these newer sockets. However, the LGA 1151 still provides a robust set of options for powerful PCs, offering a good balance between performance and cost.

Price and Availability

At the time, LGA 1151 motherboards were widely available and often offered good value for the performance they provided. In 2018, the motherboards were competitively priced, making them an attractive choice for many builders. However, prices and availability can fluctuate, so it's wise to check current market conditions before making a purchase.

Additionally, it's important to verify the chipset compatibility between the CPU and the motherboard. For instance, the Intel Core i5-8600K, which is a 300 series CPU, may not work with a 200 series motherboard. You must ensure that the motherboard supports the specific CPU you plan to use. Similarly, different socket types require compatible chipsets; using a 200 series motherboard with a 300 series CPU would likely result in compatibility issues.

Conclusion

In summary, if your goal was to build a system specifically for Intel's 8th or 9th generation processors and you were satisfied with the performance they offered, an LGA 1151 motherboard would have been a solid choice in 2018. However, for longer-term use or if you anticipate future upgrades, consider newer motherboards if they fit your budget and needs.

While there are other CPUs and sockets that are better suited for certain needs, the LGA 1151 still provides a wide range of options for a powerful PC. The Intel Core i5-8600K, for example, is a powerful 8th generation processor that performs excellently when paired with a high-end GPU. Ensuring compatibility between the CPU and motherboard is crucial, so always verify the chipset compatibility.