Review of Modern Intel Processors

Author: Ілля | Published: 01.06.2025 | Category: Computers

Review of Modern Intel Processors: Sockets and Models

Review of Modern Intel Processors – This article provides an overview of modern Intel processors as of May 2025, focusing on their sockets and models currently relevant in the market. Intel remains a leader in processor manufacturing, offering a wide range of solutions for various needs—from office PCs to gaming systems and professional workstations.

Overview of Modern Intel Processors – Intel Sockets: Key Information

A socket is the physical connector on a motherboard that determines processor compatibility with the platform. Modern Intel processors primarily use the LGA 1700 socket for desktop PCs and entry-level server solutions, while other sockets like LGA 4677 or LGA 4189 are used for server and high-performance systems. For mobile devices (laptops), Intel uses different formats, but this article focuses on desktop processors.

Key current sockets for desktop processors:

LGA 1700: Used for 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors (Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, Raptor Lake Refresh). Supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, as well as PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 interfaces.
LGA 1851: A new socket introduced for 15th generation processors (Arrow Lake), which started appearing in late 2024. It supports only DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, making it future-proof for upgrades.

LGA 1700 Socket: 12th, 13th, and 14th Generations

The LGA 1700 socket is the primary choice for modern Intel desktop processors. It supports three generations: Alder Lake (12th), Raptor Lake (13th), and Raptor Lake Refresh (14th). These generations utilize a hybrid architecture combining high-performance (P-cores) and energy-efficient cores (E-cores).

LGA 1700 Socket Characteristics:

Memory Support: DDR4 and DDR5 (depending on the motherboard).
Interfaces: PCIe 5.0 (for 12th–14th generations) and PCIe 4.0.
Chipsets: Intel 600 and 700 series (e.g., Z690, B660, Z790, B760).

Processor Models for LGA 1700

12th Generation (Alder Lake, 2021–2022)

Core i9:
Core i9-12900K: 16 cores (8P + 8E), 24 threads, up to 5.2 GHz.
Core i9-12900KF: Same as above, but without integrated graphics.
Core i9-12900: 16 cores, lower frequency (up to 5.1 GHz).
Core i7:
Core i7-12700K: 12 cores (8P + 4E), 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz.
Core i7-12700: 12 cores, lower frequency (up to 4.9 GHz).
Core i5:
Core i5-12600K: 10 cores (6P + 4E), 16 threads, up to 4.9 GHz.
Core i5-12400: 6 cores (6P), 12 threads, up to 4.4 GHz.
Core i3:
Core i3-12100: 4 cores (4P), 8 threads, up to 4.3 GHz.
Pentium and Celeron:
Pentium Gold G7400: 2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.7 GHz.
Celeron G6900: 2 cores, 2 threads, up to 3.4 GHz.

13th Generation (Raptor Lake, 2022–2023)

Core i9:
Core i9-13900K: 24 cores (8P + 16E), 32 threads, up to 5.8 GHz.
Core i9-13900KS: 24 cores, up to 6.0 GHz.
Core i9-13900F: No integrated graphics, up to 5.6 GHz.
Core i7:
Core i7-13700K: 16 cores (8P + 8E), 24 threads, up to 5.4 GHz.
Core i7-13700: 16 cores, up to 5.2 GHz.
Core i5:
Core i5-13600K: 14 cores (6P + 8E), 20 threads, up to 5.1 GHz.
Core i5-13400: 10 cores (6P + 4E), 16 threads, up to 4.6 GHz.
Core i3:
Core i3-13100: 4 cores (4P), 8 threads, up to 4.5 GHz.

14th Generation (Raptor Lake Refresh, 2023–2024)

Core i9:
Core i9-14900K: 24 cores (8P + 16E), 32 threads, up to 6.0 GHz.
Core i9-14900KF: No integrated graphics, up to 5.8 GHz.
Core i7:
Core i7-14700K: 20 cores (8P + 12E), 28 threads, up to 5.6 GHz.
Core i5:
Core i5-14500: 14 cores (6P + 8E), 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz.
Core i5-14400: 10 cores (6P + 4E), 16 threads, up to 4.7 GHz.
Core i3:
Core i3-14100: 4 cores (4P), 8 threads, up to 4.7 GHz.

Core X Series (HEDT, 2019–2021)

Core i9-10980XE: 18 cores, 36 threads, up to 4.6 GHz.
Core i9-10940X: 14 cores, 28 threads, up to 4.8 GHz.

LGA 1851 Socket: 15th Generation (Arrow Lake, 2024–2025)

The LGA 1851 socket was introduced for Arrow Lake processors (15th generation). These processors support DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.

LGA 1851 Socket Characteristics:

Memory Support: DDR5 only.
Interfaces: PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7.
Chipsets: Intel 800 series (e.g., Z890).

Processor Models for LGA 1851

Core Ultra 9:
Core Ultra 9 285K: 24 cores (8P + 16E), 32 threads, up to 5.7 GHz.
Core Ultra 7:
Core Ultra 7 265K: 20 cores (8P + 12E), 28 threads, up to 5.5 GHz.
Core Ultra 5:
Core Ultra 5 245K: 14 cores (6P + 8E), 20 threads, up to 5.2 GHz.

Stability Issues and Recommendations

In 2024, Intel reported stability issues with 13th and 14th generation processors rated at 65W and above. Users are recommended to update their motherboard BIOS.

Selection Recommendations:

Budget Segment: Core i3-14100 or Core i5-14400.
Mid-Range Segment: Core i5-14500 or Core i7-14700K.
High-Performance Segment: Core i9-14900K or Core Ultra 9 285K.
Future-Proofing: For new builds in 2025, opt for LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake).

Conclusion

Review of Modern Intel Processors. Intel offers a wide range of processors for various needs and budgets. The LGA 1700 socket remains relevant for the 12th–14th generations, but the LGA 1851 socket with Arrow Lake processors appears more promising for new systems.