LGA 1200 Vs LGA 1700: All Differences

Today, we’ll look at the LGA 1200 Vs LGA 1700 slots to help new PC fans. Most customers know that almost every new generation of Intel CPUs comes with a new chipset design. Because of this, many motherboards may or may not work with a particular chip.

But it’s important to remember that Intel has many more sockets than AMD. To explain, the AM4 socket works with AMD processors from the last four versions. So, you can put a Ryzen 1000 series processor and a Ryzen 5000 series processor on a single X570 system.

Key Takeaways

• Every two generations, Intel changes its ports, so customers can expect three or four chipsets for more than one processor.
• Even though the LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 ports look different, that doesn’t mean that one is better than the other.
• We will soon have a B760 processor, but until then, the B660 is the best alternative.

What Are The LGA 1200 And LGA 1700 Sockets?

The LGA 1200 socket and the LGA 1700 socket are two of the most recent Intel processor slots for motherboards. Since Intel changes its socket about every two generations, many sockets are on the market. Also, there are even more computers because there are so many sockets. So, to tell the difference between the two sockets, we’ll look more closely at what makes them different.

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LGA 1200 supports Intel 10th and 11th-generation CPUs. LGA 1700 supports Intel 12th and 13th-generation CPUs. This guide will help you choose a CPU from those generations.

LGA 1200 Vs LGA 1700 Differences

As it is now, even small changes between sockets make it impossible for them to work with some processors. Sockets have changed in recent years, so customers need to know what those differences are to know which processors are compatible. So, let’s talk about what makes the LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 plugs different.

Socket Size

Understanding “LGA” begins with the socket size. Land Grid Array is LGA. Intel CPUs have motherboard pins, not processor pins. This method is safer and more power-efficient. However, the LGA “1200” socket contains 1200 motherboard pins. LGA “1700” sockets have 1700 motherboard pins. LGA 1700 has 500 additional pins than LGA 1200.

As shown, the LGA 1700 socket has a different form. LGA 1200 is square, and LGA 1700 is rectangular. LGA 1700 sockets are ~7.5mm longer than LGA 1200 sockets. Pin density increases LGA 1700 socket efficiency and performance.

CPU Cooler Compatibility

Second, LGA 1200 CPU coolers are incompatible with LGA 1700 sockets due to socket size. The socket size changed, shifting more excellent bracket installation holes. More excellent compatibility concerns have necessitated LGA 1700 socket coolers. Using retaining brackets, an LGA 1200 socket cooler may fit an LGA 1700 socket processor. Due to the Z-axis height mismatch, consumers will not get optimal cooling. Users should buy coolers for each socket.

Socket Keying Mechanism

LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 socket keying systems differ. A socket-keying technique secures a processor in the socket. Some sockets have similar keying techniques. LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 socket systems differ.

The LGA 1700 socket, shown above, has four keys. When inserting the CPU, match the keys and holes. The bracket has two holes on each side, on top and bottom.

The LGA 1200 socket has a distinct keying mechanism. The CPU only has two keys that fit the bracket’s two holes. The bracket has holes in the upper left and right corners. Place the CPU so the keys match the holes.

Pin Indicators

Keying mechanisms lock a CPU to the bracket, while pin indications advise users how to put it. Every CPU and motherboard has a little arrow pointing one way. Of course, match the directions when placing the CPU in the bracket. However, each socket and chipset has unique pin indications at each corner.

The image shows the motherboard bracket and LGA 1700 socket pin indicators on the top right. Avoid breaking pins by aligning the arrows. LGA and PGA sockets have comparable pin indications at each end.

The LGA 1200 socket shows the pin indicator is on the other end. Manufacturers aim to make unique products, even when pin indicators don’t increase performance. LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 sockets differ.

LGA 1200 Vs LGA 1700 Processor Compatibility

Processor compatibility is the last distinction between the two Intel sockets. Intel updates its socket design in almost every generation. Thus, new processors may not work with older motherboards and vice versa. Intel has been avoiding socket updates for at least two generations.

The LGA 1200 socket supports two Intel processor versions. Comet Lake (10th gen) and Rocket Lake (11th gen) processors. When buying a 10th or 11th-generation Intel processor, consider the motherboard.

LGA 1700 supports the newest Intel processors. We mean the Intel Alder Lake (12th gen) and Raptor Lake (13th gen) processors. Thus, any LGA 1700-compatible motherboard supports all 12th and 13th-generation Intel processors.

Motherboard Compatibility

After processor compatibility, check motherboard compatibility. Each socket supports more motherboards than processors. We’ll summarize each chipset.

LGA 1200 Compatible Motherboards

Start with LGA 1200 motherboard chipsets. Today’s PCs use these chipsets.

B460

The B460 chipset supports all 10th and 11th-generation Intel processors. The Asus Prime B460 motherboard is next. The Asus Prime B460 has many features despite being older. Asus Prime B460 costs ~$98. The motherboard is cheap for all consumers. Asus Prime B460 contains a front USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. It supports DDR4 RAM and 4 x 6Gb/s SATA connections.

Z490

Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Pro Elite supports only 10th-generation Intel processors. It’s better than the B460 chipset, but it’s costly. The Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Pro Elite costs $229, while the Asus B460 costs $98. The Gigabyte Z490 supports 128 GB of 5000 MHz DDR4 RAM. Unlike the B460, the Z490 Aorus Pro Elite has a 2.5 GbE LAN. We still prefer the B460 chipset unless you need a 2.5 GbE LAN.

B560

The B560 chipset supports LGA 1200. We’re considering the Asus Prime B560 motherboard. Prices are changing as more chipsets support LGA 1200. Asus Prime B560 motherboards cost ~$111. The Asus Prime B560 costs more than the B460 but less than the Gigabyte Aorus Z490. Asus B560 motherboards support RAM overclocking up to 5000 MHz.

Also, its eight power stages make it possible to give stable power. So, the Asus Prime B560 is the same as the Gigabyte Z490 motherboard in terms of what it can do.

Z590

ROG Strix Z590 is a high-end LGA 1200 chipset motherboard. Gigabyte Aorus Z490 is cheaper than ROG Strix Z590. ROG Strix Z590 costs $238. The Gigabyte Aorus Z490 costs ~$229. The Z490 chipset is insignificant because the Z590 is newer and has more functions.

The ROG Strix Z590 motherboard supports 5333 MHz 128 GB DDR4 RAM. The Z590 motherboard has 14 + 2 power stages for improved power efficiency. Finally, ROG Strix Z590 motherboards have 2.5 Gb ethernet.

LGA 1700 Compatible Motherboards

After we’ve looked at the motherboards that work with LGA 1200, let’s move on to the ones that work with LGA 1700. Even though more chipsets work with the LGA 1700 socket, we will only look at the ones commonly used in PCs today.

B660

Gigabyte B660M Aorus Pro AX moves from LGA 1200 to LGA 1700. The price rises to ~$160. B660 chipsets have more excellent features than Z590 and B460 chipsets. Gigabyte B660 supports 5600 MHz 128 GB DDR5 RAM. However, DDR4 RAM makes it a better motherboard. Multiple thermal pads on the Gigabyte B660 motherboard improve thermal design. Finally, the motherboard has one USB 3.2 port.

Z690

The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G motherboard is the next LGA 1700 socket. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G costs ~$260 since it lacks advances. Despite its higher price, its features match those of the Gigabyte B660 motherboard. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G motherboard supports DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and USB 3.2 Gen 2. The Z690 Aero G only supports 2133 MHz DDR4 RAM.

Storage slots include 4 NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots. Finally, the Z690 Aero G motherboard has 2.5G LAN.

Z790

The Z790 is our final chipset because Intel has not released a B760 chipset. The finest Z790 motherboard is the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. However, the Asus ROG Z790 motherboard is our most expensive at ~$630. We only advocate such a pricey motherboard if you’re wealthy. However, you might upgrade your processor or graphics card with the motherboard savings.

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The Z790 motherboard supports DDR5 RAM at ~7800+ MHz. USB ports and PCIe 5.0 lanes abound. The motherboard’s additional features need to justify its price. The Z690 and B660 chipsets are great for 12th and 13th-generation Intel processors. DDR5-compatible motherboards cost considerably more.

Who Is This Article For?

The LGA 1200 Vs LGA 1700 sockets page is for shoppers who aren’t sure which motherboard to buy—knowing which processor supports which chipset is complex because Intel changes its socket every two generations. First, we compared LGA 1200 and 1700 sockets. Socket size, CPU cooler compatibility, socket keying system, and pin indicators also change.

Second, we examined both sockets’ CPU compatibility and chipset generations. That will let buyers understand which CPU supports which socket and create upgrade paths.

Conclusion

The fight between LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 is a fascinating riddle in the maze of technological progress. This electronic fight is a symphony of new ideas in which subtlety and skill dance together.

With its proven dominance, LGA 1200 stands out as a strong one. Its ability to work with the most popular engines is the perfect example of a good match. But the LGA 1700 is coming up on the horizon, and it looks like it will be an avant-garde concerto. It has many pins and uses advanced architectures, pointing to a potential power and efficiency rise.

In the shadow of this choice are both short-term and long-term goals. The LGA 1200 is easy to use because it is expected, which is a tribute to the practical. The LGA 1700, on the other hand, is like a siren call, a dare to accept the unknown.

In this story about silicon and plugs, the ending doesn’t say anything for sure. It follows the freedom philosophy and understands that change comes from new ideas. As processors and jobs move forward, the LGA 1200 vs LGA 1700 saga is an excellent example of how quickly technology changes.

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