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Upgrading an older LGA 1150 system in 2025 can be a smart financial decision. Rather than replacing your entire motherboard, RAM, and CPU, a processor upgrade can breathe new life into your existing build at a fraction of the cost.
The Intel Core i7-4790K is the best 1150 socket CPU with 4 cores, 8 threads, and clock speeds up to 4.4GHz, making it perfect for both gaming and productivity tasks.
After analyzing 8 different processors and examining real user experiences, we’ve found that LGA 1150 still has relevance for budget-conscious builders and those upgrading secondary systems. The key is knowing which CPU offers the best performance-per-dollar for your specific needs.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top-performing CPUs for the LGA 1150 platform, compatibility considerations, and whether this legacy socket is still worth investing in for 2025.
Compare all 8 processors at a glance with key specifications and pricing to make the best decision for your build.
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Performance: 4.0-4.4GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/8 Threads
Cache: 8MB
TDP: 88W
The Intel Core i7-4790K stands out as the flagship processor for the LGA 1150 platform. With its unlocked multiplier and impressive overclocking headroom, this CPU can reach speeds of 4.4-4.6GHz with proper cooling and BIOS configuration.
Customer photos show the robust build quality and the included Intel stock cooler, though serious overclockers will want to upgrade to an aftermarket solution immediately. The processor features 8MB of L3 cache and Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, providing 8 logical threads for excellent multitasking performance.
Based on real-world testing, the i7-4790K handles modern games surprisingly well when paired with GPUs like the RTX 3060. Users report smooth 1080p gaming at high settings, making it a viable option for budget gaming builds in 2025.
The Devil’s Canyon architecture provides better thermal performance compared to earlier Haswell processors, though the 88W TDP still demands quality cooling solutions. Customer images reveal the improved thermal interface material and overall construction quality.
At $209, it commands a premium in the used market, but the performance justifies the cost for those looking to maximize their LGA 1150 investment without changing platforms.
What Users Love: Excellent overclocking capabilities, great gaming performance, reliable operation under load, easy to tune with unlocked multiplier.
Common Concerns: High temperatures under load, stock cooler inadequate for overclocking, premium price point for older technology.
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Performance: 4.0GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/8 Threads
Cache: 8MB
TDP: 84W
The Intel Core i7-4790 offers nearly identical performance to its K-series counterpart but at a significantly lower price point. With a base clock of 4.0GHz and turbo boost to 4.0GHz, this processor delivers consistent performance without the need for manual overclocking.
This non-K version features a lower 84W TDP, making it more thermally efficient and easier to cool. Customer photos reveal the same high-quality construction as the K-series processor, with the Intel branding clearly visible on the heatspreader.
Real-world testing shows the i7-4790 handles productivity tasks and moderate gaming with ease. The 8MB cache and Hyper-Threading technology provide excellent performance in applications that can utilize multiple threads, making it ideal for workstations and content creation.
For users who don’t want to bother with overclocking, the i7-4790 represents excellent value. Users report computers booting in about 5 seconds and smooth operation for virtualization labs and 4K HTPC use.
At $93.99, it offers compelling performance-per-dollar, though limited stock availability may drive prices higher. The processor’s stability and ease of installation make it a popular choice for system upgrades and secondary builds.
What Users Love: Excellent stability, fast performance out of the box, good for virtualization, lower power consumption than K-series.
Common Concerns: Limited availability, no overclocking potential, older generation technology.
Performance: 3.5-3.9GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/4 Threads
Cache: 6MB
TDP: 88W
The Intel Core i5-4690K strikes an excellent balance between price and performance for gaming enthusiasts. With its unlocked multiplier and Devil’s Canyon architecture, this processor can overclock to 4.4GHz with relative ease, delivering impressive gaming performance.
Customer images show the processor’s clean design and included stock cooler, though gamers will want to invest in better cooling for optimal overclocking results. The 6MB L3 cache is slightly smaller than the i7 variants but still provides good performance for most gaming scenarios.
Real-world gaming tests show the i5-4690K handles modern games surprisingly well at 1080p resolution. Users report steady speeds up to 4.4GHz without much effort, with temperatures staying around 41°C under normal gaming loads.
The processor excels in gaming workloads where high single-thread performance matters more than core count. While it lacks Hyper-Threading, most games still don’t fully utilize more than 4 cores, making this CPU a smart choice for pure gaming builds.
At $47.99, the i5-4690K offers excellent value for budget gaming builds. Customer reviews praise its performance in demanding tasks like Cinema 4D and note it’s powerful enough for future 2160p streaming needs.
What Users Love: Perfect for gaming, excellent overclocking headroom, runs cool under load, great value for money.
Common Concerns: No Hyper-Threading, limited productivity performance compared to i7s, older socket technology.
Performance: 3.3GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/4 Threads
Cache: 6MB
TDP: 84W
The Intel Core i5-4590 represents one of the most affordable ways to get quad-core performance on the LGA 1150 platform. As a certified refurbished product, it comes with a 90-day warranty and significant cost savings over new processors.
This processor features a 3.3GHz base clock with turbo boost capabilities, providing solid performance for everyday computing tasks. The 84W TDP ensures reasonable power consumption and heat output, making it compatible with most stock cooling solutions.
Customer images reveal the processor’s clean appearance despite being refurbished, with the Intel branding still clearly visible on the heatspreader. The included documentation provides peace of mind regarding the refurbishment process.
Real-world testing shows the i5-4590 handles everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and light gaming with ease. Users report significant performance improvements over older dual-core processors, making it an ideal upgrade path for aging systems.
At just $29.99, the i5-4590 offers exceptional value for budget-conscious builders. While it may not deliver the best gaming performance, it provides a solid foundation for secondary PCs, home theater setups, and basic productivity machines.
What Users Love: Excellent value, certified refurbished with warranty, easy upgrade path, works well on older motherboards.
Common Concerns: Limited performance for demanding tasks, refurbished condition, no Hyper-Threading support.
Performance: 3.4-3.9GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/8 Threads
Cache: 8MB
TDP: 84W
The Intel Core i7-4770 offers excellent performance for its generation with 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading technology. With a base clock of 3.4GHz and turbo boost to 3.9GHz, this processor delivers solid performance across a wide range of applications.
While slightly older than the 4790 series, the i7-4770 still provides capable performance for gaming and productivity tasks. The 8MB L3 cache ensures smooth multitasking, and the 84W TDP keeps power consumption and heat output manageable.
Customer photos show the processor in good condition despite being renewed units. The Intel branding remains clearly visible, and the contacts show minimal wear, indicating careful refurbishment process.
Real-world testing reveals the i7-4770 handles productivity tasks well and can still manage modern gaming at lower settings. The 8 threads provide good performance in applications that benefit from multithreading, making it suitable for content creation and workstation use.
At $43.25, the i7-4770 offers good value for users who need more threads than an i5 but can’t afford the newer 4790 series. While it’s an older generation, the performance difference is minimal for most use cases.
What Users Love: Solid performance for its age, 8 threads for multitasking, good value for used market, Intel reliability.
Common Concerns: Limited availability, only renewed units available, older generation technology.
Performance: 3.2GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/4 Threads
Cache: 6MB
TDP: 84W
The Intel Core i5-4570 represents one of the most affordable entry points into quad-core computing on the LGA 1150 platform. At just $19.09, this renewed processor offers significant performance improvements over older dual-core and triple-core CPUs.
With a 3.2GHz clock speed and 6MB of L3 cache, the i5-4570 delivers solid performance for everyday computing tasks. The 84W TDP ensures reasonable power consumption, making it compatible with most existing cooling solutions.
Customer images show the processor in good condition despite being renewed. The Intel branding is clearly visible on the heatspreader, and the contacts appear clean, indicating proper refurbishment process.
Real-world testing reveals the i5-4570 works flawlessly and is significantly faster than older i3 processors. Users report completing installations in about half an hour, with immediate performance improvements in system responsiveness.
This processor comes well packaged and offers good value for money. While it may not deliver the best gaming performance, it provides a solid foundation for basic computing tasks and light gaming.
What Users Love: Extremely affordable, works perfectly, easy to install, significant performance boost over older CPUs.
Common Concerns: Limited availability, occasional DOA units, older generation technology.
Performance: 3.3GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/8 Threads
Cache: 8MB
TDP: 84W
The Intel Xeon E3-1226 V3 offers a unique alternative to mainstream Core processors, bringing enterprise-grade reliability to the LGA 1150 platform. With 4 cores and 8 threads, this Xeon processor delivers solid performance for both server and workstation applications.
Despite being a server processor, the E3-1226 V3 is compatible with many consumer LGA 1150 motherboards, making it an interesting option for users seeking alternative solutions. The 8MB cache matches the i7 series, providing good performance for data-intensive tasks.
The 3.3GHz clock speed provides decent performance, while the 84W TDP keeps power consumption manageable. Xeon processors are known for their reliability and stability under continuous load, making this ideal for home server setups.
At just $17.05, the E3-1226 V3 offers incredible value for users building home servers or workstations. While the single review shows perfect satisfaction, the limited availability and older generation status may concern some buyers.
What Users Love: Xeon reliability, good for server applications, works in desktop boards, excellent value.
Common Concerns: Very limited reviews, older Xeon generation, limited availability.
Performance: 2.9-3.6GHz
Cores: 4 Cores/4 Threads
Cache: 6MB
TDP: 65W
The Intel Core i5-4570S stands out with its lower 65W TDP, making it an excellent choice for energy-efficient builds and systems where power consumption is a concern. This S-series processor offers quad-core performance with reduced power requirements.
With a base clock of 2.9GHz and turbo boost to 3.6GHz, the i5-4570S provides solid performance while consuming less power than standard desktop processors. The 6MB cache ensures good performance in everyday tasks.
Customers report great performance improvement over older processors and praise the plug-and-play installation process. This makes it particularly suitable for NAS systems, home servers, and other always-on applications where power efficiency matters.
At $25.00, the i5-4570S offers good value for users who need lower power consumption. While the base clock is lower than standard desktop processors, the turbo boost capability helps maintain performance when needed.
What Users Love: Lower power consumption, great for NAS systems, easy installation, good performance for its class.
Common Concerns: Lower base clock speed, refurbished condition only, older generation technology.
LGA 1150 is Intel’s CPU socket from the Haswell and Broadwell generations, released in 2013. This socket supports 4th and 5th generation Core processors with DDR3 memory. Before purchasing, verify your motherboard’s compatibility with the specific CPU model, as some boards may require BIOS updates to support newer processors.
For users with existing LGA 1150 motherboards, upgrading the CPU is more cost-effective than replacing the entire platform. However, consider your future upgrade path, as this socket has no official support beyond 5th generation processors.
When choosing an LGA 1150 CPU for 2025, consider how it will perform with modern applications and games. The i7-4790K remains the fastest option with its 4.0-4.4GHz clock speed and 8 threads, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks.
For gaming, the i5-4690K offers excellent value with its unlocked multiplier and good overclocking potential. Even without Hyper-Threading, it handles most modern games well at 1080p resolution when paired with appropriate GPUs like the RTX 3060.
Most LGA 1150 CPUs are now only available on the used market, which comes with risks and rewards. When buying used processors, prioritize sellers with good reputations and consider processors that offer warranties or return policies.
Be aware of potential scams, particularly for high-end models like the i7-4790K. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and test components immediately upon receipt to verify functionality.
For gaming builds, the best GPU pairing depends on your resolution and performance targets. The i7-4790K pairs well with RTX 3060/3060 Ti for 1080p gaming, while the i5-4690K is better matched with GTX 1660 or RTX 3050 for balanced performance.
Avoid pairing LGA 1150 CPUs with high-end GPUs like the RTX 3070 or better, as the older architecture may bottleneck these graphics cards in CPU-intensive games.
After extensive testing and research, our team found that the LGA 1150 platform still offers value for specific use cases in 2025. While it’s not the latest technology, these processors can deliver solid performance for budget builds and system upgrades.
The Intel Core i7-4790K remains our top pick for users seeking maximum performance from the LGA 1150 platform. Its overclocking capabilities and strong single-thread performance make it ideal for gaming and productivity tasks.
For budget-conscious gamers, the Intel Core i5-4690K offers excellent value with its unlocked multiplier and good gaming performance. It provides the best balance of price and performance for mid-range builds.
Users seeking the absolute best value should consider the Intel Core i7-4790, which delivers near-flagship performance without the overclocking premium, making it perfect for those who want strong performance without manual tuning.
While the LGA 1150 platform has limitations, particularly regarding future upgrade paths and compatibility with the latest technologies, it remains a viable option for those looking to extend the life of existing systems or build budget-friendly secondary PCs.
