Unleashing the Power of LGA 1151 Mutants: Test and Comparison!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is an LGA 1151 Mutant?
3. Compatibility and Installation
4. Budget-Friendly Gaming Options
5. Choosing the Right Motherboard
6. Overclocking and BIOS Modification
7. Thermal Paste and CPU Cooler Considerations
8. Memory Controller Performance
9. CPU Comparison and Test Results
10. Gaming Performance Analysis
11. productivity Performance Analysis
12. Power Consumption and Efficiency
13. Final Thoughts

Introduction

Welcome to Mykonos Hardware! In this article, we will discuss the current prices of Xeon E5 X79 and X99 motherboards and explore more cost-effective alternatives for budget-friendly gaming computers and workstations. Specifically, we will focus on LGA 1151 mutants, which are laptop CPUs mounted on custom-made PCBs for installation into LGA1151 sockets.

What is an LGA 1151 Mutant?

An LGA 1151 mutant refers to a laptop CPU that has been adapted for use with desktop motherboards. These mutants consist of a CPU chip mounted on a custom-made PCB, which is then installed onto the motherboard. While the idea of using laptop CPUs in desktop builds may seem intimidating, the process is actually straightforward and requires only a few tools, such as a screwdriver.

Compatibility and Installation

When it comes to the compatibility of LGA 1151 mutants, it is important to check the AliExpress table for the correct motherboard compatibility. While the table provides a good starting point, it may not include all compatible motherboards. In some cases, motherboards that are not listed may still work with LGA 1151 mutants, while others that are theoretically compatible may not. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the seller or perform further research to ensure compatibility.

To install an LGA 1151 mutant, the existing mounting mechanism on the motherboard needs to be unscrewed. The mutant CPU is then screwed into place using a bracket that is typically supplied by Chinese sellers. While the process may initially appear daunting, it is relatively simple and nothing to be afraid of.

Budget-Friendly Gaming Options

If you are looking to build a budget-friendly gaming rig, there are several options to consider. One option is to explore the LGA 1151 Z170 motherboards available on AliExpress. These motherboards are suitable for LGA 1151 mutants and can provide a cost-effective solution for your gaming needs. Additionally, local Second-HAND markets and stores often offer B365 motherboards, which are also compatible with LGA 1151 mutants.

Choosing the Right Motherboard

When choosing a motherboard for your LGA 1151 mutant, it is important to consider factors such as overclocking capabilities and BIOS modification support. Not all motherboards allow for modified or customized BIOS, which is necessary for compatibility with mutant CPUs. However, some manufacturers, such as Gigabyte, may offer the option to flash modified BIOS without the need for external devices.

To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to either create a modified BIOS using applications like Coffee Time or Seek pre-made modified BIOS versions from AliExpress or Taobao sellers. Engaging with sellers and requesting pre-made BIOS can simplify the process and save time. However, if you are familiar with BIOS modification, you can also opt to create your own modified BIOS using Coffee Time.

Overclocking and BIOS Modification

Overclocking LGA 1151 mutants can provide additional performance gains. The process of overclocking involves increasing the CPU frequency beyond its stock settings. This can be done through the BIOS by adjusting the clock multiplier and voltage settings. However, it is important to note that not all mutant CPUs are unlocked for overclocking. Therefore, it is crucial to check the product specifications and consult with the seller before attempting any overclocking procedures.

Additionally, BIOS modification is often necessary to ensure compatibility with mutant CPUs. Customized or modified BIOS versions can provide the necessary support and settings for optimal performance. It is recommended to consult with sellers or utilize resources like the BIOS bank on the YouTube Channel "Copy Yoshova" to obtain suitable modified BIOS versions.

Thermal Paste and CPU Cooler Considerations

One important aspect to consider when dealing with LGA 1151 mutants is the absence of an integrated heat spreader (IHS) on the CPU chip. This means that a high-quality thermal paste must be applied directly to the CPU die to ensure adequate heat dissipation. It is crucial to ensure that the entire CPU die is covered with thermal paste to prevent any overheating issues. While applying thermal paste using a cotton stick is a common method, it is essential to be thorough and cover every last piece of the CPU die.

Although liquid metal thermal paste is often popular among hardware enthusiasts, caution is advised when using it with LGA 1151 mutants. Liquid metal is conductive and can cause damage if not applied carefully. Additionally, frequent replacement of liquid metal is necessary to maintain optimal performance. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for traditional thermal paste options, as they offer sufficient heat conductivity without the risk of damage.

When selecting a CPU cooler, it is essential to choose one with a flat surface at the contact point with the CPU. Certain CPU coolers may have a direct contact design between the heat pipes and the CPU, resulting in an uneven surface at the bottom of the cooler. This can potentially damage the CPU die. Coolers with a flat surface ensure proper contact and efficient heat transfer. Options like the Big White Shadow Rock Slim are suitable for use with LGA 1151 mutants, but any cooler with a flat surface will suffice.

Memory Controller Performance

LGA 1151 mutants were originally designed to work with slower memory configurations commonly found in laptop form factors. As a result, the memory controller performance may not be optimal for higher-speed memory modules. While some mutants can support DDR4-2400 to DDR4-2666 memory, others may be able to handle DDR4-2800 speeds. However, it is crucial to note that not all mutants are capable of achieving higher memory frequencies.

When using LGA 1151 mutants, it is recommended to test the memory stability and ensure compatibility with your specific mutant CPU. DDR4-2400 is generally a safe option, but some mutants may be able to handle slightly higher speeds. When encountering stability issues, it is advisable to lower the memory frequency to the highest stable level to optimize system performance.

CPU Comparison and Test Results

Now, let's delve into the performance of LGA 1151 mutants through various tests and comparisons. In this article, we will specifically focus on four mutant CPUs: the QTJ2, QNCT, QQLT, and QQXS. These mutants range from 6-core to 8-core configurations, offering different performance capabilities.

Among the tested mutants, the QTJ2 stands out as a strong performer. Despite its slightly lower clock speeds compared to the other mutants, it delivers better gaming performance, suggesting the presence of advanced architecture. The QNCT, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with its 6-core configuration and lower clock speeds. While it may not surpass other mutants in terms of raw performance, its cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive choice, especially when paired with budget-friendly motherboards like the H110, B365, or B150.

Gaming Performance Analysis

To assess the gaming performance of LGA 1151 mutants, we conducted several gaming benchmarks using various titles. In games that heavily rely on single-core performance, such as F1 2019, the mutants demonstrate their capabilities and outperform quad-core CPUs like the Core i5-6600K. However, it is important to note that mutants still fall behind the Ryzen 5 5600X, which excels in both single-core and multi-core performance.

In newer games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs Legion, the mutants struggle to deliver satisfactory performance. The quad-core Core i5-6600K proves to be insufficient for these games, resulting in stuttering and an overall unpleasant gaming experience. This highlights the growing demand for more cores and stronger architectures in modern gaming.

On the other hand, older titles, such as Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, demonstrate better compatibility with mutants and quad-core CPUs. While mutants perform admirably in these games, they still fall short compared to the Ryzen 5 5600X, which consistently provides superior gaming performance.

Productivity Performance Analysis

In addition to gaming, mutants showcase their capabilities in productivity tasks such as video rendering and editing. For instance, in Cinebench R20, mutants like the QQLT and QQLS demonstrate strong multi-core performance, surpassing the Ryzen 5 5600X. However, Ryzen takes the lead in single-core performance thanks to its more advanced architecture.

CPU-Z performance analysis reveals similar trends, with Ryzen 5 5600X consistently showing superior results. However, mutants like the QTJ2 deliver impressive performance, outperforming the QQLT and QQLS despite their higher clock speeds. This suggests that architectural improvements in the QTJ2 provide benefits specifically in gaming performance, while the other mutants shine in productivity tasks.

Power Consumption and Efficiency

When considering power consumption, it is important to examine the overall system power rather than focusing solely on the CPU. In our tests, we measured the power consumption of the entire system, with the AMD RX 6800 XT graphics card being a significant contributor to power usage. However, we noticed that a fast CPU can load the graphics card more effectively, resulting in increased power consumption.

Comparing mutants like the QQLT and QQLS with the Xeon E5-2678V3, we observed that QQLT consumed slightly more power. Ryzen 5 5600X, despite its superior performance, consumed less power than the mutants. The quad-core Core i5-6600K, which struggled in gaming and productivity tests, consumed minimal power due to its inability to fully load the graphics card.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, LGA 1151 mutants offer a viable alternative to traditional X79 and X99 platforms for budget-conscious builders. Their compatibility with various motherboards, cost-effectiveness, and potential for overclocking make them attractive options. Ultimately, the choice of mutant CPU depends on individual needs and preferences. The QTJ2 stands out as a solid performer in gaming, while the QNCT offers an affordable entry-level option.

It is important to consider factors like compatibility, BIOS modification, thermal management, memory controller limitations, and overall performance when using LGA 1151 mutants. By understanding the strengths and limitations of these mutants, builders can make informed decisions and create budget-friendly gaming rigs or workstations that meet their specific requirements.

Thank you for reading this article, and we hope it has provided valuable insights into the world of LGA 1151 mutants and their potential for building cost-effective systems.

Resources:

• AliExpress (www.aliexpress.com)
• Taobao (www.taobao.com)
• Coffee Time application
• BIOS bank YouTube channel "Copy Yoshova"