Choosing intel cpu for Windows 7

[c64]

I need a new computer. Windows 10 / 11 is out of question. Not a Linux fanboi.

Currently I have i5 Gen 7. Officially not supported, but had no issues so far. Even managed to install video drivers.

What are the later generations of Intel processors (i5 or i7) to run on Windows 7 without issues?

[jpanhalt]

I am a complete novice on PC builds and always just went to the local MicroCenter and spoke with a very knowledgeable lady named Pat. 

Last Summer, my i7-4770K cpu died.  It had been about 6 years, and I figured it was time to update.  Not so.  I was told that the only Intel processors that will still run Win 7 (I use Win 7 Pro) are socket LGA 1150 and LGA 1151.  I have not researched that fact.

There are/were some boards and new processor for the LGA 1151 socket.  I ended up buying a used i7-4770K (socket LGA 1150).  In fact, I stocked up on a spare i7-4770K and my old reliable MoBo.  When those finally die, I will probably switch OS, maybe Linux, but that switch will be painful as my favorite CAD programs are probably stuck on Win 7.

[BeBuLamar]

I think the newest CPU would run windows 7. The problem may be the other hardware like video cards, sound cards, ethernet adapter etc.. that may not have Windows 7 driver.

[free_electron]

hop on ebay , get a used Z-book or Z800 workstation. runs win7 and win10 without issues. for 600$ you can get a workhorse with a quadro K4100 or K5100 if you get lucky. These machines are rock solid.

[c64]

I think the newest CPU would run windows 7. The problem may be the other hardware like video cards, sound cards, ethernet adapter etc.. that may not have Windows 7 driver.

Yes, I expect the biggest problem would be the video card integrated into CPU. I managed to install driver for my current unsupported 7th generation one

[AntiProtonBoy]

Any i7 will do the job just fine.

Side note check out Windows 10 LTSC edition. It's basically what Windows 10 should've been: no windows store craplets bundled, no cortana, no online account requirement.

[SiliconWizard]

Any i7 will do the job just fine.

It should, but note that MS had introduced modifications in Win 7 that prevented it to be updated if you have newer hardware. (To force people upgrading to Win 8 or 10.)
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/248069-unofficial-patch-unblocks-windows-7-8-1-updates-kaby-lake-ryzen

Now if you install Win 7 SP1 with all the latest security fixes, you shouldn't get any issues. But if you use an older installer of Win7, you might be stuck unable to update it further.
That said, I don't even know if Windows Update still updates Win 7 up to the latest known fixes, or if it stopped updating altogether whatever you have installed when they stopped the support. I'm curious.

Side note check out Windows 10 LTSC edition. It's basically what Windows 10 should've been: no windows store craplets bundled, no cortana, no online account requirement.

Yes, but how do you get ahold of a license?

[rsjsouza]

Now if you install Win 7 SP1 with all the latest security fixes, you shouldn't get any issues. But if you use an older installer of Win7, you might be stuck unable to update it further.
That said, I don't even know if Windows Update still updates Win 7 up to the latest known fixes, or if it stopped updating altogether whatever you have installed when they stopped the support. I'm curious.

The available updates are for the MS Defender/AV. Nothing else.

Still works fine in an environment with the appropriate safeguards. 

Side note check out Windows 10 LTSC edition. It's basically what Windows 10 should've been: no windows store craplets bundled, no cortana, no online account requirement.

Yes, but how do you get ahold of a license?

I couldn't find a way to get a license from Microsoft for individual user, only from the unauthorized MS license resellers. I had installed it and it really is what Win10 should have been without the crap. 

[AntiProtonBoy]

[
It should, but note that MS had introduced modifications in Win 7 that prevented it to be updated if you have newer hardware. (To force people upgrading to Win 8 or 10.)
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/248069-unofficial-patch-unblocks-windows-7-8-1-updates-kaby-lake-ryzen

Now if you install Win 7 SP1 with all the latest security fixes, you shouldn't get any issues. But if you use an older installer of Win7, you might be stuck unable to update it further.
That said, I don't even know if Windows Update still updates Win 7 up to the latest known fixes, or if it stopped updating altogether whatever you have installed when they stopped the support. I'm curious.

you should be able to slipstream updates into an older ISO:
https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-slipstream-windows-7-sp1-into-installation-dvd-iso/

Side note check out Windows 10 LTSC edition. It's basically what Windows 10 should've been: no windows store craplets bundled, no cortana, no online account requirement.

Yes, but how do you get ahold of a license?

by being creative 

[SiliconWizard]

[
It should, but note that MS had introduced modifications in Win 7 that prevented it to be updated if you have newer hardware. (To force people upgrading to Win 8 or 10.)
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/248069-unofficial-patch-unblocks-windows-7-8-1-updates-kaby-lake-ryzen

Now if you install Win 7 SP1 with all the latest security fixes, you shouldn't get any issues. But if you use an older installer of Win7, you might be stuck unable to update it further.
That said, I don't even know if Windows Update still updates Win 7 up to the latest known fixes, or if it stopped updating altogether whatever you have installed when they stopped the support. I'm curious.

you should be able to slipstream updates into an older ISO:
https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-slipstream-windows-7-sp1-into-installation-dvd-iso/

Yup. I suggest doing that.

Side note check out Windows 10 LTSC edition. It's basically what Windows 10 should've been: no windows store craplets bundled, no cortana, no online account requirement.

Yes, but how do you get ahold of a license?

by being creative 

I guess I know what that means. =)
I would probably do it if I didn't fully dislike Win10 on many levels (crap and inconsistent UI, updates that regularly break stuff, etc.) But not having the telemetry and all associated shit would already be a nice plus.