Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
If you are nursing an old PC with an LGA 1150 motherboard, finding a CPU worth upgrading to feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most of the chatter is about the latest sockets, but your Haswell-powered system still has plenty of fight left in it with the right processor.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You do not need the newest chip to get serious performance. A cpu for lga 1150 can still handle demanding tasks if you pick the right model, if you need raw multi-core power or the best value for your older PC.
Quick Picks
- Intel Core i7-4790 Processor – BX80646I74790 — Best Overall
- Intel Core i7-4790 Processor 3.6GHz 8MB LGA 1150 CPU — Best Value
- Intel Core I7 4770K – 3.5 Ghz — Overclocker’s Pick
- Intel Chip 3.4 4 BX80646I74770 — Stable Performer
- Intel Xeon Processor E3-1241v3B — Server-Class Value
How To Choose The Best CPU for LGA 1150
Choosing a processor for the LGA 1150 socket is less about the newest features and more about finding the right balance of clock speed, core count, and price for your specific build. Because this platform is a generation old, you need to know exactly what you are getting.
Know Your Chipset: Z87 vs. Z97
The motherboard chipset you have dictates which CPUs you can drop in without hassle. The Intel Core i7-4790, for example, is a “Haswell Refresh” chip. It works perfectly with Z97 motherboards right from the start. If you have an older Z87 board, you may need to apply a BIOS update (a software fix for the motherboard) before it will recognize the new processor.
Locked vs. open up Multiplier (The “K” Factor)
An “open up multiplier” means you can easily increase the CPU’s clock speed for more performance, a process called overclocking. Models ending in “K” like the i7-4770K have this open up feature. If you have a high-end Z-series motherboard and a good cooler, a K-series chip lets you squeeze out extra years of life. If you do not plan to overclock, a non-K chip often runs cooler and costs less.
The Xeon Alternative for Workstations
Intel’s Xeon E3 line fits the LGA 1150 socket and delivers server-grade stability and performance. A Xeon like the E3-1241 v3 often offers similar specs to a Core i7—4 cores and 8 threads (meaning it can handle eight tasks at once)—but at a lower price. The catch is that these Xeons usually lack integrated graphics (a built-in video chip), so you must have a separate dedicated graphics card.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Clock Speed | Cores / Threads | Cache | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i7-4790 (BX80646I74790) | Overall Champion | 3.6 GHz | 4 / 8 | 8 MB | Amazon |
| i7-4790 (OEM) | Budget Drop-In Upgrade | 3.6 GHz | 4 / 8 | 8 MB | Amazon |
| i7-4770K | Overclocking Enthusiasts | 3.5 GHz | 4 / 8 | 8 MB | Amazon |
| i7-4770 | Stable Workstation Power | 3.4 GHz | 4 / 8 | 8 MB | Amazon |
| Xeon E3-1241 v3 | Server-Grade Value | 3.5 GHz | 4 / 8 | 8 MB | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Intel Core i7-4790 Processor – BX80646I74790
The gold standard for breathing new life into an old gaming rig.
This chip gives you the highest base clock speed in its generation, starting at 3.6 GHz, which means your games and apps feel snappier right from the boot screen. It packs 4 cores and 8 threads (capable of handling eight simultaneous tasks), making it a monster for its age when paired with a Z97 motherboard. One reviewer noted they used it as a “Used i7-4790 upgrade from i5-4430,” calling it an “Excellent Upgrade for OEM Prebuilt PC’s with 4th Gen Intel Processors.”
Unlike the Xeon E3-1241 v3, this chip comes with integrated graphics, so you can troubleshoot or run basic displays even without a dedicated GPU. Reviewers also found the stock cooler quiet and adequate for non-overclocking use, with pre-applied thermal paste that makes installation simple. It runs at 3.6 GHz, while the older i7-4770 runs at 3.4 GHz, which shows up in frame rates for older games.
The only real trade-off is that it is a locked processor (no “K” suffix), so you cannot overclock it. If you want to squeeze every last megahertz from your system, you might look at the K-series chips, but for a simple drop-in-and-go upgrade, this is the king.
Drop-in Performance
- Highest stock clock speed (3.6 GHz) among the main LGA 1150 i7s.
- Integrated GPU built-in, so no dedicated graphics card is required for boot.
- Quiet stock cooler with pre-applied thermal paste included in the box.
Non-Overclocker’s Limit
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking for extra performance.
- May require a BIOS update on older Z87 motherboards.
The Easy Winner: If you want the fastest, most reliable drop-in upgrade for your LGA 1150 PC without fiddling with overclocking, this is the chip to get.
The Catch: You will need a Z97 or updated Z87 board; and if you already have a high-end cooler, a “K” chip may offer more headroom.
2. Intel Core i7-4790 Processor 3.6GHz 8MB LGA 1150 CPU, OEM (CM8064601560113)
A bare chip for the budget-conscious builder resurrecting an old Dell.
Same 3.6 GHz clock speed and 4-core/8-thread muscle as the retail i7-4790, but this OEM version strips away the fancy packaging and stock cooler. It is designed for system integrators, meaning you get just the processor in an anti-static plastic shell. One buyer summed it up perfectly: “I bought this processor as the last major upgrade for my old Dell PC.”
You will need to supply your own cooler and thermal paste, which is easy if you already have a decent aftermarket fan. At 0.09 pounds, it is drastically lighter than the Xeon E3-1241 v3 which weighs in at 0.8 pounds, reflecting the absence of a bulky box and fan. Buyers report it is often a used chip sold as “like new,” but multiple owners mention it works perfectly as a “last major upgrade.”
Some buyers were surprised that it arrived loose in a box with no heatsink or fan, so be prepared for that. If you are on a strict budget and already have a cooler, this is the most affordable way to get the premier LGA 1150 performance.
Budget Champion
- Same high-performance i7-4790 silicon at a lower entry price.
- Extremely lightweight (0.09 pounds) for shipping.
- Ideal for a final platform upgrade before a full rebuild.
Bare Essentials
- No stock cooler or thermal paste included.
- Packaging is minimal; some buyers received the CPU loose in a box.
Best for Tight Budgets: Grab this if you already own a good aftermarket CPU cooler and just want the raw chip for the lowest possible cost.
The Drawback: No support for first-time builders—you must have your own cooler and thermal compound ready.
3. Intel Core I7 4770K – 3.5 Ghz – 4 Cores – 8 Threads – 8 Mb Cache – Lga1150 Socket – OEM
open up hidden performance for the enthusiast who loves to tweak.
The “K” in its name means its multiplier is open up, allowing you to push the 3.5 GHz base speed much higher with a good motherboard and cooler. It runs on the same LGA 1150 socket and features 4 cores with 8 threads, making it a capable gaming chip even years after its release. A buyer mentioned, “I haven’t overclocked it yet but even at from the start speeds I’m defeating friends who should have better cpu’s.”
While the i7-4790 has a slight edge in base clock speed (3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz), this 4770K can surpass that easily with a simple overclock. It is an OEM model, so it does not come with a cooler, as another reviewer pointed out: “Works great, doesn’t come with a stock cooler so you need to already have one.” If you have a Z87 or Z97 board and a capable fan, this chip offers the highest ceiling for performance.
One reviewer cautioned it is “5 generations old” and that you might be better off on a new platform. That is fair, but if you are sticking with LGA 1150, the 4770K is your ticket to push this socket to its absolute limit.
High Ceiling
- open up multiplier for overclocking, a big step up in speed potential.
- Solid out-of-the-box performance at 3.5 GHz with no tweaking.
Older Tech
- Older generation than the 4790 series; lower stock clocks.
- No cooler included.
For the Tinkerer: Choose this one if you want to overclock and squeeze every bit of life out of your LGA 1150 platform.
The Reality Check: If you do not plan to overclock, the lower-priced non-K 4790 will give you more instant speed without extra effort.
4. Intel Chip 3.4 4 BX80646I74770
The rock-solid workhorse for demanding 3D modeling and video editing.
Do not let the 3.4 GHz clock speed fool you—this chip delivers stable, energy-efficient performance that reviewers love for intensive business applications. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it handles heavy multi-tasking without breaking a sweat. One buyer who upgraded from a 1st gen i7 called it a “must for LGA1366 users” and noted it offers “additional instructions aiding video editing.”
Unlike the Xeon E3-1241 v3, this chip has integrated graphics (a GPU built right into the CPU), which means you do not need a dedicated graphics card just to get a picture on your screen. It still packs the same 8 MB cache as the more expensive 4790, making it excellent for data-intensive tasks. Reviewers report it is an “Excellent upgrade from i5-460m; huge speed increase for video editing and gaming.”
It is a non-K part, so you cannot overclock. But for someone who just wants rock-solid stability—especially for workstations—the 4770 is a perfect fit. Buyers also note that the stock cooler can be a bit loud under load, but aftermarket coolers like the Cooler Master 212 Plus drop temps from mid-30s to low 25°C.
Stable Workstation
- Integrated GPU so you can run without a dedicated video card.
- Excellent for non-overclocking builds needing reliability.
No Overclocking
- Locked multiplier prevents performance tuning.
- Stock cooler can be loud; aftermarket recommended for quiet use.
Ideal for Productivity: Reach for this if you need a rock-solid, integrated-graphics CPU for video editing or 3D modeling without overclocking.
Its Limit: For gamers who want more speed, the 4790’s higher 3.6 GHz clock is a better choice.
5. Intel Xeon Processor E3-1241v3B (8M Cache, 3.50 GHz) BX80646E31241V3
Server-grade power for your home NAS or workstation without the premium i7 tax.
This Xeon E3-1241 v3 brings enterprise reliability to your LGA 1150 build, with 4 cores and 8 threads chugging along at 3.5 GHz. It offers identical specs to a Core i7—same 8 MB cache, same socket—but is often found at a more accessible price point. A buyer summed it up best: “Server-quality CPU at a lower price than an i7.”
The critical difference here is that this Xeon lacks integrated graphics (an internal video chip). You absolutely need a dedicated graphics card to get any display output from your computer. It weighs 0.8 pounds, while the OEM i7-4790 weighs 0.09 pounds, because it ships with a fan included in the box. Another reviewer noted it “Works great with GeForce 770 for AutoCad; flawless after 3 months,” making it a perfect pick for a quiet server or a dedicated workstation with a GPU.
If you are building an Unraid server, a home NAS, or a dedicated rendering rig, this processor is a smart pick. It is less common than the i7s, but buyers consistently say it is “too good of a price” for the server-grade stability you get.
Enterprise at Home
- Server-grade stability and performance at a competitive price.
- Fan included in the box, saving you a separate purchase.
No Safety Net
- No integrated graphics—you must have a dedicated GPU for any display output.
- Heavier package (0.8 lbs), but that includes the fan.
Perfect for a Server Build: Pick this if you always run a dedicated graphics card and want the most reliable, cost-effective processor for an LGA 1150 NAS or workstation.
The One Big Catch: You cannot use this chip without a separate, working graphics card—no integrated video is available for troubleshooting or basic boot.
Understanding the Specs
Clock Speed (GHz)
This is the raw speed of the processor’s cores, measured in gigahertz (GHz). A higher number means the CPU can perform more calculations per second, which translates to faster performance in games and everyday tasks. The i7-4790’s 3.6 GHz base clock is the highest of the chips here, while the i7-4770 runs at a slower 3.4 GHz base. Turbo Boost technology can push these speeds even higher when you need extra power.
Cores vs. Threads
Think of cores as individual workers inside the CPU, and threads as the number of tasks each worker can handle at once. All the processors here have 4 cores and 8 threads, which is excellent for video editing, 3D rendering, and modern gaming. This technology is called Hyper-Threading, and it effectively lets each core do double duty, making your system feel much snappier under heavy loads.
Cache Memory
The cache is a small, super-fast pool of memory built directly onto the processor. It lets the CPU grab frequently used data without waiting for the main system memory (RAM). All the chips in this roundup feature 8 MB of cache, so they all handle repetitive tasks with similar speed. More cache generally helps with better game load times and application responsiveness.
Integrated Graphics (iGPU)
Some LGA 1150 processors have a graphics chip built into them, allowing you to plug a monitor directly into the motherboard and get a picture. The most notable absence here is the Xeon E3-1241 v3, which skips the iGPU entirely. You will need a dedicated graphics card for any Xeon, while the Core i7 chips can work as a full PC without one, which is great for troubleshooting or office builds.
FAQ
Will a Xeon E3-1241 v3 work in a regular LGA 1150 motherboard?
What is the difference between an i7-4790 and an i7-4770K?
Does the Intel Core i7-4790 come with a cooler?
Can I use an LGA 1150 CPU on an LGA 1151 motherboard?
Why does the Xeon E3-1241 v3 weigh 0.8 pounds compared to 0.09 pounds for the i7-4790 OEM?
Will the i7-4790 work with my Z87 motherboard?
Is the i7-4770 good for video editing in 2024?
What is a “K” series CPU on LGA 1150?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the cpu for lga 1150 winner is the Intel Core i7-4790 because it offers the highest stock clock speed (3.6 GHz), a reliable integrated GPU, and a quiet cooler in the box for a simple drop-in upgrade. If you want the ability to overclock and already have a cooler, grab the Intel Core i7-4770K. And for a server or workstation that already has a dedicated graphics card, the Intel Xeon E3-1241 v3 gives you the most value for the money.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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