You might be wondering how to create a powerful PC for work-related tasks, aren’t you? Alternatively, you could prefer a gaming PC to ensure that there is never any latency.
LGA CPUs will maximize performance while using less of your additional money in both scenarios. LGA CPUs are undoubtedly the most dependable option for the finest PC performance at a reasonable price.
Your next thought could be: Which LGA CPU will work best for running your PC on a daily basis? The finest LGA 2011 CPU would be a dependable one to minimize extra expense and provide you the highest performance.
Now finding the best LGA CPU would be easy for your as you are about to check out the list below, which have chosen by a PC expert.
What is LGA CPU?
LGA stands for Land grid array, which generally refers to a particular kind of CPU socket. The LGA is a product of surface mounting technology for integrated circuits. LGA socket has an array of the pin on the socket, which provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the PCB (Printed circuit board) and the microprocessor.
Generally, the LGA socket is pin-based which demands a pin-less microprocessor. Both Intel and AMD offer pin-less CPUs for the LGA socket. These days all the motherboard comes with an LGA socket, which is designed for LGA based pin-less processor.
Top 6 Best LGA 2011 CPU Reviews & Buying Guide
In this segment of the article, we have presented all these selected LGA CPUs with their detailed features, functions, and usability. Let’s jump into the review section.
1. Intel Core i7-3820 Quad-Core Processor 3.6 GHz 10 MB Cache
When you are building a high configuration PC, your first priority may on having a good CPU, right? If this is such, then you need a reliable CUP that I have put up here for your convenience.
The first LGA 2011 CPU we have taken to kick off the list is from Intel. Due to its outstanding performance and durability, Intel got the top position around the world.
The main advantage of having this processor is its 4 cores and 8 threads, which also provide you the 10 MB Intel smart cache memory. However, such a type of memory is rare for any 3rd generation of Intel processors.
Though it shows only the 3.6Hz frequency for this processor, you can able to use the Max frequency up to 4.4Hz through its turbo frequency. So, there is room for overclocking the processor when you especially need to have the Max turbo frequency.
When we compare it with some AMD LGA 2011 processors, the main distinguishing feature that sets it apart from its competitors is its overclocking features.
I would like to mention a bonus feature of this i7 processor is its PCI-E x 16 capabilities. That means you will get full access to 16 lanes of data transferring for each if you are using two video cards at the same time.
Feature We Like Most
Though some of the Intel CUP doesn’t have the heat sink with the processor, you will get a manufacturer heat sink that is specially designed for the Core i7 processors.
Probable Drawbacks
The only drawback we have with this one is that it is absent from an included thermal compound which is required to set up the heat sink to the CPU.
Key Features
- 3rd generation Intel core i7 processor
- Offers 10MB Inter smart cache memory
- Overclocking up to 4GHz or more
- It comes with 4 cores and 8 threads for multitasking
Final Opinion
If you need a CPU for small to medium organizational tasks, then you can consider this one. Plus, the price range is at the buyer’s range.
2. Intel Core i7-5930K Haswell-E 6-Core 3.5GHz LGA 2011
To give you the best experience in terms of every aspect of a CPU, I have put up the Intel Core i7-5930K from the Haswell series. Now you may be wondering how a 5th generation processor gives you all your desired performance, right? Let’s dig down!
Though it’s a 5th generation core i7 processor, it comes with 6 cores and 12 threads. That means you will have a maximum physical and threading performance while doing high-load working or multitasking.
One thing I must mention is that, it is one of the high configured processors from Intel because Haswell architecture is designed with an X99 chipset that demands much extensive memory of DD4. And you can use max memory of 64GB.
One important thing I have noticed is that if you overclock the process over 4.5GHz, then it will produce 83°c, which is not a comfortable situation for normal operation. In this case, you need a powerful CPU cooling system. However, if you overclock up to 4GHz, then it will maximum produce heat up to 63°c.
When I take 5930K and 4790K side by side, it is clear that 5930K offers more cores and thread than 4790K. However, 5930K provides 20% less single and dual throughput and a 40% higher price than 4790K.
Feature We Like Most
After long use of the i7-5930K CPU, I have found zero issues with this. From overclocking to high rendering to HD gaming, its performance never lets your down. I think these are the wonders of this CPU.
Probable Drawbacks
It doesn’t come with integrated graphics, so you much put some dedicated graphics to run the CPU.
Key Features
- Haswell-E 6-Core with 12 threads
- The CPU is the Epitome of multitasking
- Comes with Intel 15MB cache memory
- Supporting memory DDR4 up to 64GB
- Ensures smooth overclocking up to 4.5Ghz with the cooling system
Final Opinion
Though by name it’s an i7 based 5th generation process, you will get every latest feature on this processor. So, if you need a CPU for heavy work-loaded situations with zero lag, then you can enjoy its performance altogether.
3. Intel Core i7-3930K Hexa-Core Processor 3.2 GHz 12 MB Cache
If you are searching for the best LGA 2011 CPU for video rendering, clock speed is one such point that you can’t avoid. In this case, here such a processor is recommended for the video editors.
I am now Introducing the intel i7-3930K which is 6 core-based processor. Basically, Intel has been specially designed for this processor for multitasking and video rendering.
Besides, it will provide you accurate gaming frame rate while playing most demanding gaming such as Zone of the Enders and the Tales of Symphonia.
What we experienced most fantastic about the CPU is its 12-thread processor. Generally, its 12-thread processor provides maximum performance while multitasking. So, if you most do multi-threading tasks, then i7-3930K would be the best choice.
You can see that the base clock speed of the CPU is 3.2 GHz. However, you can overclock the processor up to 5 GHz.
When we juxtapose both Intel i7-3930K vs. i7-3820, it is clearly seen that i7-3930K is ahead of i7-3820 in terms of every feature such as cache, and speed, thread, and the number of cores.
Feature We Like Most
Without having much effort, you will easily get 4.2 to 4.5 GHz overclocking speed by simply using the CPU fan or heatsinks. However, if you want the maximum clock speed up to 5GHz, then you need premium CPU water coolers.
Probable Drawbacks
Intel Core i7-3930K is a bit pricy processor. However, it is not much pricey in terms of its overall specification and performance.
Key Features
- It can be overclocked up to 5 GHz
- It comes with a 12 MB cache memory
- Best for multitasking due to its 12 threads
- Most preferable for high rendering job
Final Opinion
From multitasking to rendering to gaming, if you look for such an over-performing processor, then that would be the best choice for you.
4. Intel Core i7-5960X Haswell-E 8-Core 3.0GHz LGA 2011-v3
If you are a graphics designer/videographer or other graphics-related professional, then finding a suitable CUP is a great concern, right? If so, then dig a little bit deeper with me.
Basically, I am talking about the Intel 5960X, which is a core i7 5th generation processor. Unlike i7-5930K, 5960X is a bit updated CPU with some advanced features.
For example, it comes with 8 physical cores, which is good for single or dual-tasking. Interestingly, there is good news for those who are a multitasker. Like, you mostly need to open multiple files at a time, then its 16 threads will get you without facing any lag.
When I compared i7-5960X with the 4790K, I saw that the 4790K takes much time while opening 10GB to 20GB files at the same time. However, the performance of 5960X is quite surprising as it takes a couple of secs to open even larger files.
Interestingly, you will have much less time for video rendering. For instance, it will take a min to render even a 4k video.
Feature We Like Most
If you use the max 64GB DDR4 memory with a dedicated graphics card, it would be a giant beast for you. The speed of the PC would be remarkable even if you open large to larger files at the same time. And no lagging time is recorded.
Probable Drawbacks
This i7-5960X processor would be a bit pricey for simple PC operation, but not for high-end tasking.
Key Features
- Comes with Haswell-E 8-Core with 16 threads
- Max memory supports DDR4 64GB
- Designed for high-end graphics or HD gaming
- Offers 20MB Intel Smart cache that is quite faster
Final Opinion
For multitasking and heavy graphics job, a reliable CPU is needed with maximum data processing speed. In this case, i7-5960X would be your reliable CPU.
5. Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 12 Core Processor 2.7GHz 30MB Cache
When you are tight on budget, but you need a high configured CPU to do your high-end job, then you would love to know about this Intel Processor.
Basically, it is a refurbished processor from Amazon. However, when I checked, it found nothing wrong with such renewed processor. And Amazon gives you 90 days return guarantee. Why need to think so much?
When you take a look at the maximum memory support of the Xeon E5-2697 CPU, you will definitely understand why this CPU is designed for. Generally, Intel has designed the CPU for a heavy industrial setup that allows you to memory support up to 768GB.
Sometimes you need to do faster data transferring. In this case, a high cache memory-based CPU would give you maximum data processing speed. In this case, I can recommend you this one which has 30MB cache memory. Hence, it considers one of the best microprocessors by Intel.
Feature We Like Most
Besides using it on a desktop computer, you can use the microprocessor on your Mac Pro (late 13). Plus, the capacity of the CPU lets you do almost every type of task, such as heavy graphics, 3D, and HD gaming.
Probable Drawbacks
Though it comes in a fresh pack, it doesn’t include any heatsinks or thermal paste. So, you must arrange these from the outside.
Key Features
- Available at a very reasonable price
- It comes with 12 Core and 24 threads for multitasking
- Offer Intel 30MB smart cache for faster data processing
- Though the base speed is 2.7GHz, you will get the max turbo frequency up to 3.5GHz
Final Opinion
If you need a reliable CPU for a large setup that ensures maximum performance and the budget range is quite affordable, then you can get it easily.
6. Intel Xeon E5-2630 v3 2.4 GHz 8 Core Processor 20MB LGA 2011-3
You may be looking for a reliable CPU to build a business-class PC, right? In this case, here is a better collection of Intel if you also consider the budget as the first priority.
Yes, I am talking about the Intel Xeon E5-2630 V3 processor. Why I am referring to it as a business operational CPU is because it comes with eight physical cores, which performs better at the single or dual-tasking job.
Moreover, in day-to-day business operations, you need to do multitask, right? If so, then you need more threads than physical cores. Interestingly, you will have exactly two times more threads than its physical core.
Xeon E5-2630 would be your real companion for smoothly running all business software like MS Office, Excel, and other Enterprise Management Systems.
Feature We Like Most
Operating temperature is one of the distinguished things to notice about the CPU. Unlike other CPUs on the list, it provides the coolest performance, even in overclocking. It will maximum reach up to 72.1 °C.
Probable Drawbacks
The cooling water system is not preferred for this CPU to get maximum overclocking speed. Instead, you can use the Air-cooling system to get max overclock speed.
Key Features
- Offers 20MB Intel smart cache memory
- Air cooling provides max overclock speed
- It comes with 8 cores and 16 threads
- It offers an affordable price range
Final Opinion
If you look for a cost-friendly Intel CPU with generous performance for your business operation, then you can take it into your cart.
Buying Guide of the LGA 2011 CPU
As we know, the CPU is the major part of building a pc. And when you look for an LGA 2011 socket-based CPU, there are some crucial points to consider before every purchase.
That’s why in this segment of the article, we have put together those factors you must look at to have the best LGA 2011 CPU for gaming.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is considered the high-speed memory of a CPU. Besides other memory, cache memory responds first while processing data or applying a pc software. For instance, when we run an application, the cache memory stores the data as a temporary memory so that I can retrieve the data quickly.
In every CPU, you will find 3 different types of Cache memory. The L1 cache is considered the primary cache memory. Though it is extremely fast, the storage capacity is low than the L2 cache. And the L3 cache is designed to improve the performance of the first two L1 and L2 memory.
Overclocking
When we are involved in a high-end application, most of the time, we need to overclock the speed of the CPU. As we know, every CPU has a base speed. But we can customize the base speed through overclocking.
In every CPU, there is room for overclocking so that we can get our expected speed over base speed. For overclocking a CPU, we must consider some factors like the CPU temperature and the adjustment of a suitable cooling system.
It is seen that most of the CPUs work best in overclocking while using the water-cooling system. Because it ensures maximum cooling than an air-cooling system. However, there are exceptions for some CPUs. Like Intel Xeon E5-2630 CPU provides maximum boost frequency when it gets the air-cooling system.
So, depending on the CPU requirement, you must consider the cooling system to get maximum clock speed.
Physical And Virtual Cores
In a word, the core of a CPU is the hardware component that needs a single processing unit to do a single task. In contrast, the thread is referred to as the virtual cores that involve in the multi-processing unit.
Generally, a core of a CPU is responsible for single-tasking, whereas threads are for multiple tasking. For instance, suppose a dual-core processor gets 3.5GHz for each core, whereas a quad-core processor gets less core speed for every core than a dual-core CPU. That means, if you do mostly single-tasking, then a dual-core CPU provides max performance.
In Intel CPU, you will get the 2 times more threads (virtual cores) against its physical cores. For example, if the processor is 8 cores, then it will have 16 threads. There are some exceptions I found in AMD processor because some AMD processor has the same number of cores for both physical and virtual.
How To Install / Remove an Intel Socket LGA2011 CPU
First, I will go through the installation process of the CPU. If you go through it in the same way, you can also remove the CPU from the LGA 2011 socket.
By following the step-by-step process, you could easily install the CPU to any LGA socket-based motherboard. Let’s dive into it:
Step 1: Unpack both the CPU and the motherboard to install the CPU. You must carefully handle the CPU so that no damage can happen to the CPU.
Step 2: Now, open the socket bracket by unlocking the lever and leaving it on. The lever is quite visible on the bracket, so you can easily locate it.
Step 3: Place the microprocessor on the socket aligning the two notches on the sides and the triangle on the bottom left corner. If every point is fitted into place, then the CPU sits perfectly on the socket.
Step 4: Don’t press the processor against the socket. Just place it and lock the bracket. If the bracket comes with a cover, it will come as a pop-up after locking the bracket.
LGA 2011 cooler compatibility
Finding the compatible CPU cooler for the LGA 2011 socket is not a big deal. If you go by only one parameter, you could easily find the compatible cooler for your desired CPU. So, you can search by the socket type of the CPU. For example, as you look for the LGA 2011, then you could search by it and find the cooler.
Another way you can confirm the Cooler Compatibly. Let’s follow the below steps:
- Go to the Product specifications Page
- You need to look at two things here one TDP and the Socket Information
- Now compare the CPU’s TDP and Socket Info to the Cooler’s TDP and Socket Info
- Remember! The cooler’s TDP value must be higher than the CPU’s TDP
- And Cooler socket must be the same as the CPU’s socket
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I overclock these processors?
Yes, Intel allows overclocking for these processors. Depending on the CPU, how much speed you can get over the base speed. In this case, you must get informed of the overclocking temperature of the CPU and use the right cooling system.
2. What is the benefit of having an Amazon renewed processors?
When amazon offers any renewed items, they ensure the quality and product authenticity. The benefit is that you can get the original processor at a reasonable price. And they will ensure 90 days return policy for every refurbished processor.
3. LGA 2011 or 1356 for budget gaming?
4. Do all CPUs come with an OEM heatsink?
It depends on the series or individual CPU. Not all Intel CPU comes with an OEM heatsink. If it includes, they clearly mentioned in the product description.
5. What is the maximum temperature range of the CPU?
If you use the CPU at its base rate, then it can reach up to 60°C to 70°C. However, in some cases, the temperature reaches up to 80-86°C while overclocking.
6. How can I find the best LGA 2011 cpu for gaming ?
First off, you must search according to your tasking, like, if you use the PC for heavy graphics content or 3D or gaming purpose, then you need a CPU that offers maximum base speed with multiples cores.
You must consider the Cache memory and the thread numbers at high value. These are the basic factors you need to look at while buying.
Final Words
When your first preference is to get a LAG 2011 based CPU, then why don’t you get the best one. Here I have tried to put up some of the best LGA 2011 CPUs that you can come across.
Therefore, hopefully, you have found your desired CPU as you have gone through the article with careful consideration.
Related Post:
Emma, the founder of The Info Book, started with a passion for Sports Blogging in 2013. He has continued his passion for Blogging and desire to improve his skills and wanted to share his journey and helpful knowledge with other like-minded individuals.
He launched The Info Book as an outlet for those interested in learning more about Sports in hopes they can take what they learn and apply it for themselves!
