Sockets in computers help extend the computer’s life by changing the machine’s internal settings. Sockets were used in today’s computers, with AMD and Intel being the most popular processors. Sockets are majorly utilized to keep processors and motherboards compatible.
You may be unsure which socket is appropriate for your computer, so we’ll review which sockets are compatible with your motherboard and computer in this post.
Sockets
A socket is a device that contains numerous pins and uses technology to keep a processor in one place, and it helps to link the motherboard to the CPU. Sockets evolve with technology, and there are many different types of sockets available. Pin selection is also influenced by socket selection.
Depending on pin configuration, specific sockets may support multiple CPU generations. For example, the present Intel LGA 1151 socket supports CPUs from the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth generations.

You’ll have to replace the motherboard entirely if you need to use a different interface. LGA 1151 is supported by both the Intel Core i5 7600K and the Intel Core i5 9600K, but the former is compatible with the Z170 chipset and the latter with the Z370 chipset.
We’ll look at some Intel and AMD socket examples to see how the latest from both companies can handle different generations of CPUs.
Intel
Intel is the world’s top processor manufacturer, and knowing which LGA your new hardware is compatible with them. If you’re curious, AMD, the other prominent manufacturer, uses PGA sockets, which are identical to PGA sockets. Intel’s newest series of consumer desktop processors use the LGA 1151 socket. The number indicates the number of connections on the socket itself under Intel’s naming scheme.
- LGA 2066
The LGA 2066 socket debuted in 2017 with the Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X processor families and was designed for high-end desktop PCs. The LGA 2011-3 socket was supposed to be a direct replacement for it.
- LGA 1151
14-nanometer processor’s skyline class, branded as the 6th Gen Core designs with product names in the 6000 series, were announced in 2015, and LGA 1151 was used to handle them.
H110, B150, Q150, H170, Q170, and the most performance-oriented, Z170, are among the six chipsets supported by design, ranging in power from low to high. Compared to similar chipsets from the slightly earlier LGA 1150 family, they all offer more USB 3.0 ports and faster DDR4 RAM DIMMs (though some motherboards can also be fitted with older and less expensive DDR3 RAM), and more SATA 3.0 ports for the low-end chipsets.
Other than the Z170, all LGA 1151 compliant chipsets limit overclocking to the GPU; if you wish to overclock your CPU or RAM, you’ll need to get the high-end chipset. Only the H170, Q170, and Z170 chipsets enable SATA RAID, and only the Q170 adds support for USB 3.0.
Here are some pointers for installing CPUs and sockets:
- Supported sockets in most motherboard and CPU retail listings.
- When placing a CPU into a socket, never press down on it.
- To help orient and position the component, use any marks on the CPU and socket.
- Most sockets come with an arm that can secure a CPU by raising and lowering the bracket.
- There are a number of frames that will help to give support.
- Before applying a new heat paste, remove and clean the old one.
- Before buying a motherboard, make sure you know how many PCIe slots it has (for GPUs, for example).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which socket 1151 CPU is the most powerful?
Processor Intel Core i9-9900K: This CPU will function well with high-end LGA 1151 chipsets like the Z390 or even the Q370, and you’ll be able to run sophisticated apps quickly and simply thanks to the 5GHz boosted clock.
LGA 1151 socket supports which CPU generations?
1151, famous as Socket H4, is an Intel microprocessor-compatible socket that is obtainable in two versions: one that supports both Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs, and another that usually supports Intel Coffee Lake CPUs.
What’s the difference between FCLGA1151 and LGA 1151?
The FCLGA1151, often known as LGA1151, is a chip socket used in Intel’s 8th and 9th generation processors. This socket supports the Kaby Lake, Skylake, and Coffee Lake product lines.
Final words
As technology progresses, Intel’s CPU socket offerings change. People may be perplexed about the capabilities and compatibility of various chipsets due to the changes, but the confusion is likely to persist.
Intel may forsake outdated processors if better technology becomes available, making replacements and upgrades challenging to come by. Adapting an old socket to run new CPUs is possible, although doing so requires a lot of study.