Shopping for new computer gear can be one of the most complex and confusing tasks. There are so many different numbers, types, and devices, making it impossible to narrow down your choices.
LGA 2066 sockets have 2066 pins and are typically used for extremely high-end PC builds. LGA 1151 sockets have 1151 pins and are perfectly suitable for the average PC user. More specifically, LGA 2066 sockets offer compatibility with premium CPUs such as Skylake-X, Kaby Lake-X, and Skylake-SP that have more memory, bandwidth, and core counts.
CPU Sockets Explained
There are different connectors for everything inside a computer, and CPU sockets are no exception. Unlike PCIe slots that use the same type of connector for many kinds of add-in components, every CPU uses its own socket.
LGA Sockets
Let’s talk about Intel sockets.
Many years ago, Intel used CPUs with pins on the bottom of the CPU that slotted into pin grids on the motherboard. Nowadays, Intel desktop processors use mounting systems called land grid array, or LGA.
This means that the bottom of the CPU has electric contact pads while the pins are actually in the socket on the motherboard.
The number after LGA describes how many pins are on the bottom of the socket and pads on the bottom of the CPU.
Why do CPUs require so many pins?
Desktop processors can potentially consume a lot of power. Dividing into thousands of pins helps stabilize the CPU so it doesn’t become overloaded.
Furthermore, some pins are also used to transmit data and are connected to an individual motherboard bus.
Lastly, some pins are reserved for future upgrades and advancements.
Keep in mind, only Intel CPUs utilize LGA while AMD CPUs use PGA.
PGA Sockets
In AMD desktop CPUs, the pins are located on the bottom of the CPU. In PGA, or pin grid array, the socket on the motherboard itself still has holes for inserting the pins of the CPU.
Modern CPU Installation
Regardless of if you’re using an AMD or Intel CPU, these processors do not require any direct pressure on the chip to be properly inserted. If you’re pushing down on them, you’re probably inserting it incorrectly.
Instead, modern CPUs are held in with retention arms because the pins on the socket or the CPU are very fragile. Pushing down on the processor can easily damage your processor, motherboard, or both.
So, gently place your CPU into the motherboard and make sure the pins are aligned. Then, bring down the retention arm to keep the CPU in place.
LGA 2066
Intel LGA 2066 is a type of CPU socket that’s known as Socket R4 or Socket 2066. These motherboard sockets have 2066 tiny delicate pins that interface with compatible CPUs.
LGA 2066 debuted with Intel Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X processors in 2017. The 2066 replaced Intel’s LGA 2011-3 (R3) in high-end desktops and workstations.
Furthermore, the LGA 2066:
- Uses a flip-chip land grid array chip form factor
- Adopts Intel QPI DMI 3.0 FBS protocol
- Supports memory type DDR4
Compatible CPUs for High-End Desktops
Every high-end desktop CPU that’s compatible with LGA 2066 requires an Intel x229 chipset to work. As such, each of the processors below utilizes an x229 chipset.
1) Kaby Lake-X Processors: Core i5-7640X & Core i7-7740X
2) Skylake-X 7000 Series: Core i7-7800X, Core i7-7820X, Core i9-7900X, Core i9-7920X, Core i9-7940X, Core i9-7960X & Core i9-7980XE
3) Skylake-X 900 Series: Core i7-9800X, Core i9-9820X, Core i9-9900X, Core i9-9920X, Core i9-9940X, Core i9-9960X and Core i9-9980XE
4) Cascade Lake-X Series: Core i9-10900X, Core i9-10920X, Core i9-10940X, Core i9-10980XE
Compatible CPUs for Workstations
Workstations CPUs that are compatible with 2066 sockets require an Intel C422 chipset to work.
1) Skylake-W Series: Xeon W-2102, Xeon W-2104, Xeon W-2123, Xeon W-2125, Xeon W-2133, Xeon W-2135, Xeon W-2145, Xeon W-2155, Xeon W-2175 & Xeon W-2195
2) Cascade Lake-W Series: Xeon W-2223, Xeon W-2225, Xeon W-2235, Xeon W-2245, Xeon W-2255, Xeon W-2265, Xeon W-2275 & Xeon W-2295
Popular LGA 2066 Motherboards
- ASUS Intel X299 TUF MARK 2 LGA 2066 Motherboard
- Gigabyte X299X AORUS MASTER E-ATX Motherboard
- MSI MEG X299 CREATION Motherboard
LGA 1151
LGA 1151 (Socket H4) was launched as a replacement for LGA for the LGA 1150 (Socket H3). It’s an Intel microprocessor compatible socket that comes in two different versions.
- The first version supports Intel’s Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs
- The second version exclusively supports Coffee Lake CPUs
Furthermore, LGA 1151 sockets have 1151 pins that make contact with the pads on a CPU.
In terms of memory, the first revision of LGA 1151 sockets mostly use DDR4 memory. However, some support DDR3(L) memory and others support both DDR4 or DDR3(L)
The second revision only supports DDR4 memory.
LGA 1151 Revision 1
Skylake Chipsets (100 Series and C230 Series)
LGA 1151 sockets support six different chipsets, in order from least to most power:
- H110:
- B150:
- Q150
- H170
- Q170
- Z170
Every LGA 1151 compatible chipsets restrict overclocking to the GPU except for the Z170. Furthermore, the Z170, H170, and H110 chipsets are made as consumers chipsets. The Q170, Q150, and B150 chipsets are made as business chipsets.
Kaby Lake Chipsets (200 Series)
Other than the four additional PCH PCIe lanes in Kaby Lake chipsets which are reserved for applying an M.2. slot to support Intel Optane Memory, they are practically the same as Skylane Chipsets
- B250
- Q250
- H270
- Q270
- Z270
LGA 1151 Revision 2
The second revision of LGA 1151 sockets was altered for the Coffee Lake generation CPUs and is equipped with Intel 300-series chipsets.
Although the physical dimensions are unchanged, the revised socket reappoints some reserved pins which add power and ground lines to support the requirements of 6-core and 8-core processors.
The second form also moves the processor detection pin, making it incompatible with earlier processors and motherboards.
For this reason, desktop Coffee Lake processors are incompatible with Skylane and Kaby Lake series chipsets.
This revised socket is also referred to as 1151-2.
Coffee Lake Chipsets (300 Series and C240 Series)
Similar to Kaby Lake chipsets, Coffee Lake chipsets offer four additional PCH PCIe lanes reserved for applying an M.2. slot to support Intel Optane Memory.
- H310
- B365
- B360
- H370
- C246
- Q370
- Z370
- Z390
LGA 2066 vs 1151
To determine which socket type to get, you need to decide what kind of PC user you are.
LGA 2066 was created for high-end PC users who use their computers for highly intensive work and need a large number of CPU cores, RAM, storage, and PCIe expansions.
For average gamers and consumers, an LGA 1151 socket is more than enough.
Furthermore, LGA 2066 motherboards are unnecessary unless you’re going to get at least an 8-core CPU. It’s a better decision to go with a Coffee Lake 1151 if you’re getting a 6 or 4-core processor.
Best LGA 1151 CPU
Unless you’re building a supercomputer and have an abundant budget, it’s typically recommended to go with LGA 1151. For this reason, let’s take a look at the best LGA 1151 CPUs for all budgets.
1) Intel Core-i9 9900K
The Intel Core-i9 9900K leads the pack in the 9th generation of Intel as the most powerful processor. If you need your PC to handle multiple different tasks or undergo intensive gaming sessions, this CPU will set you up for success.
Furthermore, this CPU is excellent for visual designers who need a lot of processing power. The i9 9900K features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 5GHz clock speed. It’s also ableBest i7 Processors for Gaming at Higher Resolution [2021] to be overclocked which allows you to get even more performance.
2) Intel Core-i7 9700K
The Intel Core-i7 9700K features 8 cores, 8 threads, and a 4.9GHz clock speed. Compared to the i9 9900K, the i7 offers the same performance if you’re gaming. However, video editors will suffer a slight lack in performance.
Hardcore streamers, though, should opt for the i9 9900K as your computer will need more processing power to stream your gameplay efficiently.
3) Intel Core-i5 9600K
If you’re on a budget, the Intel Core-i5 9600K is a fantastic option. This CPU offers an unlocked multiplier which means you can overclock it to the max, but you’ll need an adequate motherboard and cooling.
Furthermore, this CPU offers 6 cores and 6 threads which is great for mid-range gaming.
Conclusion
As an average consumer, your best bet is to go with an LGA 1151 socket. More specifically, gamers should opt for a 300-series LGA 1151 motherboard and CPU.
Although having a premium motherboard and LGA 2066 socket is perfectly fine, it’s better to invest more of your PC budget into a great CPU and GPU.
As gamers or visual designers, you’ll most likely face bottlenecking because of low-quality CPUs and GPUs.
So, keep this in mind as you’re making your next purchase.
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between LGA 1200 and 1151?
LGA 1200 was released in 2020 as a compatible socket for Comet Lake and Rocket Lake desktop CPUs. It was made as a replacement for LGA 1151 sockets and has 49 more pins than the predecessor.
What Do CPU Cores Do?
In essence, a CPU with more cores can handle more tasks at the same time. A multi-core CPU is a computer processor that has two or more sections.
What Are CPU Threads?
CPU threads relate to software threads and hardware threads. More hardware threads typically mean better performance in highly multi-threaded workloads.
