Best RAM For i7-13700K: A Comprehensive Review

Best Overall RAM For Core i7-13700K

Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32 GB (2×16 GB) | Frequency: 6000 MHz | Latency: CL36 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Voltage: 1.35V

Whether it is performance, looks, or power consumption, if you are after a RAM that checks all the boxes, then you should go with the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz). G.Skill is a reliable brand, and we have featured their products in our other guides as well, and it comes as no surprise that we have awarded their Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz) as the best overall RAM for Core i7-13700K. After all, the RAM gives you the best of both worlds: high performance and no instability.

First, Let’s talk about high performance. The Trident Z5 RGB runs out of the box at 4800 MHz, just like every other DDR5 memory. But, once you head over to the BIOS settings and enable the XMP 3.0 profile, the RAM will immediately jump up to a whopping 6000 MHz frequency. With a capacity of 32 GB, 6000 MHz of DDR5 RAM is the perfect transfer rate for an i7-13700K.

However, the transfer rate is not the only measure of high performance; timing latency matters equally. The Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz) has a latency of CL36-36-36-96. The consecutive 36 latency also indicates that the RAM is probably using a Samsung memory chip. Overall, having a CAS latency of 36 clocks is good. It’s not the best, but it is definitely not the worst, and you will never run into any performance issues with this latency.

Remember how we said that the Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz) ensures no instability? Well, that’s because the RAM will be consuming 1.35V as it runs at 6000 MHz, which is not so high that it will face stability issues. For perspective, without the XMP 3.0 profile, the RAM will need 1.1V. So, at about 22% more power consumption, you get 25% high transfer rates, which seems like a good deal.

In terms of thermal efficiency, the Trident Z5 uses an aluminum heat spreader to take care of the heat. Additionally, you can get the RAM in two colors, matte black and metallic silver, and both colors feature an all-black brushed aluminum plate that seamlessly blends into the body. To top it all off, a translucent RBG light bar on the RAM stick adds to the beautiful aesthetics.

If you want all the RGB lights in your PC to sync up and display the same effects, then depending on your motherboard, you can use MSI Mystic Light Sync, ASRock Polychrome Sync, ASUS AURA Sync, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0.

What We Liked

There is so much to like about the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz) that we can’t highlight one particular thing. Everything about the memory is just the best for an i7-13700K. Whether it is the 6000 MHz transfer rate, the price, or the voltage, the RAM hits the bullseye in every department.

What We Disliked

There isn’t anything bad about the Trident Z5 RGB that is worth mentioning. While the memory is expensive, it also gives you good performance figures and other bells and whistles to compensate for it.

Verdict

With that said, if you want the hands-down best RAM for Core i7-13700K and you don’t have any particular constraints, then the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (6000 MHz) should be your memory of choice. It offers everything you would expect from the best RAM: high transfer rates, good latency, RGB, and a reasonable price.

G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (6600 MHz)

 

Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32 GB (2×16 GB) | Frequency: 6600 MHz | Latency: CL34 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Voltage: 1.40V

We promise you G.Skill did not sponsor this guide. It’s just that their RAM works quite well with the Core i7-13700K. So, for the best performance RAM category, the winner is again G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB. But, this time, the variant is the 6600 MHz one. This Trident Z5 offers everything the 6000 MHz one offers but with bumped-up performance figures.

When we say bumped-up, we mean really high-performance figures, which makes sense because this RAM is aimed at those who are looking for nothing but sheer performance. So, the Trident Z5 RGB can run at a staggering 6600 MHz frequency with the XMP 3.0 profile enabled. With a capacity of 32 GB, the Trident Z5 packs enough raw power that you will never run low on memory.

Similarly, it doesn’t disappoint in the timing latency either. If you think the above 6000 MHz variant had good latency figures, then you’ll be surprised to know that this Trident Z5 RGB has a timing latency of CL34-40-40-105, which is quite good. With a CAS latency of 34 clocks, the Trident Z5 RGB ensures the utmost performance without the need for manual overclocking.

With great performance comes great power consumption, and this Trident Z5 RGB has an input voltage requirement of 1.40V to get to the 6600 MHz frequency. If you think the 6000 MHz variant offers a good power-to-frequency ratio, then this variant will blow you away. Because once you enable the XMP 3.0 profile, you will get a 37.5% higher transfer rate (4800 MHz to 6600 MHz) with just about 27% more power consumption (1.1V to 1.4V).

Since the Trident Z5 RGB (6600 MHz) shares its fundamentals with the 6000 MHz variant we have talked about above; it comes with the same aluminum heat spreader and beautiful looks. You can get the memory in two colors, metallic silver and matte black, and both colors feature a distinct brushed all-black aluminum strip that sits on the body.

As the name suggests, a gorgeous RGB light bar on the top can be set to display a plethora of effects. To customize it, all you need to do is open your motherboard’s software, like Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0, ASRock Polychrome Sync, ASUS AURA Sync, or MSI Mystic Light Sync, and get creative.

What We Liked

The best thing about the Trident Z5 RGB (6600 MHz) is that it does not compromise performance. It goes above and beyond to ensure high and stable transfer rates while also maintaining an incredibly low timing latency.

What We Disliked

As you would expect, it is an expensive memory to purchase. So, if you’re on a tight budget, then the Trident Z5 RGB is not something you should consider.

Verdict

With that said, if you can afford it and you want the high performance that it offers, then the Trident Z5 RGB (6600 MHz) is undoubtedly the best RAM for Core i7-13700K. The RAM is a complete package; it runs at a 6600 MHz frequency, has a low CAS latency of 36 clocks, and comes with other bells and whistles like RGB.

Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5

Best White RAM For Core i7-13700K

Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32 GB (2×16 GB) | Frequency: 6000 MHz | Latency: CL36 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Voltage: 1.35V

Pros

• Good 6000 MHz frequency.
• Gorgeous looks and RGB.

Cons

• Expensive.

Get It Now

If you’re going with a white-themed gaming PC, then you need the best white RAM to go along with your white CPU cooler and chassis, and for that, our recommendation is the Corsair Vengeance RGB. The Vengeance RGB strikes the perfect balance between solid performance and gorgeous looks, giving you the best of both worlds.

When we say solid performance, we mean it can get up to 6000 MHz without any manual overclocking, which is basically the sweet spot for a powerful CPU like the Core i7-13700K. Additionally, since the RAM is a kit of 2×16 GB, its total memory capacity of 32 GB is more than enough for all AAA games.

To further promise good performance, Corsair has tuned the Vengeance RGB chips to work at respectable timing latency. While the latency isn’t extremely low that you would be surprised over how they achieved it, it’s also not bad that you would face any issues. Overall, with a timing latency of CL36-36-36-76 where the CAS latency is 36 clocks, the Vengeance RGB solidifies its position as high-performance DDR5 RAM.

Just like the timing latency, the input voltage of the Corsair Vengeance RGB is also only average. Once you enable the XMP 3.0 profile, the voltage increases to 1.35V from 1.1V, and the frequency increases to 6000 MHz from 4800 MHz. For perspective, that’s 25% better frequency at the cost of about 22% more power consumption, which is good enough to ensure smooth and stable operations.

If you don’t like manually overclocking the configuration each time you want higher performance or more efficiency, then you can the Corsair iCUE software and save your custom XMP profiles. This way, you can switch back and forth between different configurations quickly.

Corsair has also used a high-quality aluminum heat spreader to make sure that the RAM does not suffer from thermal issues and offers stable high performance. Focusing on aesthetics, the Vengeance RGB is no doubt one of the best-looking white RAM in existence. It features a distinct dual-tone finish with a huge Vengeance logo at the center.

The cherry on top is that the RAM stick has an RGB light bar that goes from one end to another. You can use the iCUE software to customize the RGB effects and sync them up with the rest of your rig.

What We Liked

The best thing about the Corsair Vengeance RGB is that while it looks beautiful, it’s not just about the looks. It also has a high 6000 MHz frequency and a good CL36 timing latency, all of which add to its high performance.

What We Disliked

Everything comes at a price, and the price of the Corsair Vengeance RGB is going to hit your pockets hard. While the RAM is nowhere cheap, its looks can steal your heart, and you might end up purchasing it just for the aesthetics alone.

Verdict

All this considered, the Corsair Vengeance RGB is a phenomenal DDR5 memory. Yes, it is an expensive memory. But it also offers high performance and beautiful looks to make up for it. So, if it matches your use case, then the Vengeance RGB should be your choice as it is the best RAM for Core i7-13700K.

Corsair Vengeance DDR5

Best Value RAM For Core i7-13700K

Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32 GB (2×16 GB) | Frequency: 5600 MHz | Latency: CL36 | RGB Lighting: No | Voltage: 1.25V

Pros

• Bang for the buck.
• Has the overclocking potential to achieve 6000 MHz.
• Low-profile form factor with a 35mm height.

Cons

• No RGB.

Get It Now

Not everyone is after high-end performance or gorgeous looks; some people want to save a few bucks and get the components that offer the most value. If you’re one of those people and you’re after the best value RAM for Core i7-13700K, then you should go with the Corsair Vengeance. For the money, the RAM offers good but not extreme performance with plenty of overclocking capabilities.

You get a 5600 MHz frequency by just enabling the XMP 3.0 profile, which is okay for an i7-13700K, and you should get plenty of frames out of it. But the best part about the Corsair Vengeance’s performance is that you can overclock it to reach 6000 MHz without stability issues. Overall, whether you’re running it at 5600 MHz or overclocked 6000 MHz, combined with the 32 GB capacity, the RAM packs adequate performance.

Similarly, the timing latency is also good enough to complement the i7-13700K’s high performance. With a CAS latency of 36 clocks, the timing latency of the Corsair Vengeance is 36-36-36-76. Again, it isn’t an extremely low latency, but it is also not a high one either. With that said, the Corsair Vengeance packs ample performance in terms of both transfer rate and timing latency.

Remember how we mentioned that the RAM has good overclocking potential? Well, that’s because it only needs 1.25V to run at 5600 MHz. Since the input voltage is relatively low, you can tune it up to get a higher frequency if you want, and the memory is unlikely to crash or cause problems.

Just like other Corsair DDR5 RAM, you can also save your manual overclocking configurations as custom XMP profiles and ditch the headache of tuning the input voltage and the timing latency each time you want better performance or efficiency.

Since the RAM is set to consume 1.25V with the XMP 3.0 enabled, it will not generate much heat. Nevertheless, Corsair has incorporated an aluminum heat spreader to ensure stable performance figures under loads by eliminating any chance of thermal throttling.

One more benefit of going with the Corsair Vengeance is that it has a low-profile, compact form factor. So, if you have a tight space and you’re building your rig in a compact case, or if you’ve used an enormous cooler for the i7-13700K, then you can use this RAM as it has a height of just 35mm.

Related Read: Best Low-Profile CPU Coolers

By now, you might have noticed that the Corsair Vengeance does not compromise on the essential features. It packs adequate performance and gives you the option to manually overclock it if you want more power from it. Additionally, it comes with other good features like a low-profile form factor and the ability to add custom XMP profiles. So, to cut costs, the RAM does not offer any RGB or non-essential features. The RAM comes in two colors, white and black, and while both colors have a mature design, they don’t offer RGB.

What We Liked

The best thing about the Corsair Vengeance is definitely its price. The RAM costs less than most DDR5 RAM and still packs enough power to go along with a processor as good as the i7-13700K.

What We Disliked

We can’t complain about anything because of how much value Corsair Vengeance provides. Yes, it does not offer RGB. But you can’t expect everything from it since it also costs less.

Verdict

Overall, the Corsair Vengeance is a no-brainer if you’re on a budget and still want a DDR5 RAM that offers ample performance. Even though the 5600 MHz frequency should give you good FPS in all games, you can still take it all the way up to 6000 MHz if you want extreme performance. So, all things considered, the Corsair Vengeance is the best value RAM for Core i7-13700K.

Check our guide on the BEST Budget PC Cases for more budget-friendly components.

Corsair Vengeance RGB RT DDR4

Best DDR4 RAM For Core i7-13700K

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32 GB (2×16 GB) | Frequency: 3600 MHz | Latency: CL16 | RGB Lighting: Yes | Voltage: 1.35V

Pros

• Good CL16 timing latency.
• Affordable.
• Beautiful RGB.

Cons

• No significant disadvantage.

Get It Now

Last but not least, we have the Corsair Vengeance RGB RT. While it is highly recommended that you go with DDR5 RAM to truly complement your i7-13700K’s sheer performance, if you already have a DDR4 motherboard or if you’re not interested in upgrading to DDR5, then the Vengeance RGB RT is your best bet at getting good performance.

For a DDR4 RAM, it offers really good performance numbers. The RAM will run at 3200 MHz frequency out of the box, and it will climb up to 3600 MHz with the XMP 2.0 profile enabled. You might think that 3600 MHz is low for an i7-13700K. But, since it is a DDR4 memory, it is actually quite good. It should be kept in mind that DDR5 is far superior to DDR4, and neither one of them should be compared with the other in mind. So, 32 gigs of DDR4 RAM running at 3600 MHz should give you enough performance to get you through the day.

When we go over the Corsair Vengeance RGB RT’s timing latency figure, it becomes clear why we chose this RAM to pair up with an i7-13600K. With a CAS latency of 16 clocks, its 16-20-20-38 timing latency is surprisingly impressive. So, despite being a generation older, the Vengeance RGB RT is still a promising memory that holds enough power to run all the latest games at good FPS.

DDR5 RAM is better than DDR4 in all aspects, and that includes input voltage. While DDR5 RAM has a standard input voltage of 1.1V, DDR4 is about 9% higher at 1.2V. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that the Vengeance RGB RT needs 1.35V to run at 3600 MHz. For perspective, out of the box, it consumes 1.1V to run at 3200 MHz. So, you get 12.5% higher performance and 12.5% higher power consumption with the XMP 2.0 profile enabled.

To cool down the memory chips, Corsair has used an anodized aluminum heat spreader that protects the RAM from thermal issues. The RAM features a dual-tone finish with two looks; black and gunmetal or black and white. Each finish has its own gamer-ish, aggressive characteristics. Furthermore, there is also a Vengeance logo at the center which adds to its aggressive look. Overall, the RAM has good aesthetics, which are only made better with the panoramic RGB translucent light bar at the top. Like other RGB components from Corsair, you can use their iCUE software to display any lighting effect you want.

What We Liked

The Corsair Vengeance RGB RT has many good things about it. First of all, it is an exceptionally low timing latency. As far as DDR4 memory goes, having a 3600 MHz frequency is also quite good. But, when we put together its good frequency along with its low timing latency, then it makes sense why you would pair it with an i7-13700K.

What We Disliked

While there isn’t anything to dislike about the Corsair Vengeance RGB RT. It is, after all, a DDR4 RAM, and while it offers a solid, powerful punch, you are still better off with DDR5 memory.

Verdict

With that said, if you’re sure you want DDR4 memory, then your best option is the Corsair Vengeance RGB RT. It is a complete package that offers high transfer rates, low timing latency, and beautiful RGB. On top of that, it also costs less, so you’re bound to save a few bucks with it. Overall, the Corsair Vengeance RGB RT is undoubtedly the best DDR4 RAM for Core i7-13700K.

Which RAM Should You Go For With i7-13700K: DDR4 or DDR5?

Let’s by going over the spec sheet of the Core i7-13700K.

The processor packs 16 cores, where 8 of them are Efficiency Cores, and the other 8 are Performance Cores. Here, the Performance Cores have a turbo frequency of 5.30 GHz, and the Efficiency Cores have a turbo frequency of 4.20 GHz.

In a nutshell, the Core i7-13700K is a beast, and if you want the best performance out of it, you need to pair it with equally high-end components, including the best RAM.

If you can’t decide whether you want DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, we highly recommend you go through our BEST Motherboards For Intel Core i7-13700K guide. This way, once you select a motherboard that fits your budget and suits your use case, you will know which RAM you need.

But still, to make things easier, let’s go over some of the most important differences between DDR4 and DDR5. Since we have already covered an in-depth comparison of the two in a separate guide, we will be going over them briefly.

Let’s begin with the performance difference. Memory transfer rate matters a lot in measuring a RAM’s performance, and DDR5 RAM completely obliterates the previous-gen DDR4 RAM in this department. For instance, out of the box, a 32 GB DDR5 RAM kit will be clocking at 4800 MHz without even enabling the XMP profile. For perspective, 4800 MHz is where most DDR4 memory tops with manual overclocking. 

Additionally, most DDR5 manufacturers configure the XMP 3.0 profile in the BIOS to achieve anywhere between 5200 MHz and 6600 MHz, and if you move towards manual overclocking with your custom input voltage and timing latency configuration, then you’re looking at north of 7600 MHz frequency figures.

Not only that, but DDR5 RAM also supports triple the memory capacity of DDR4 RAM. While a single DDR4 RAM stick can only hold up to 16 GB, DDR5 can go as high as 64 GB. It’s true that for an i7-13700K, you don’t have to go for 7000+ MHz frequency with 64 gigs of DDR5 RAM, but still, it’s impressive to see how far ahead the DDR5 technology is in comparison with DDR4. 

You might remember that moving from DDR3 to DDR4, the standard input voltage dropped from a staggering 1.5V to 1.2V. The trend follows as we move to DDR5 because the standard input voltage of DDR5 RAM is just 1.1V, which only adds to the DDR5 memory’s amazing improvements. Even though after enabling the XMP 3.0 profile, the input voltage will climb up to anywhere between 1.25V and 1.4V depending on the configuration, the lower standard input voltage gives both the manufacturers and the consumers more room for overclocking.

So, without any doubt, for a CPU as powerful as the i7-13700K, your selected RAM should be DDR5. But, if you already have a DDR4 motherboard, or you don’t want to move to DDR5 just yet, then a powerful DDR4 RAM should also give you enough power to get you through the day.

How We Selected These RAM

From pricing to RGB and everything in between, there are lots of factors that we considered when selecting the best RAM for Core i7-13700K. So, in this section, we will briefly tell you about each of them. This way, you will know what to consider when buying RAM for any PC build.

For a thorough walkthrough of our selection methodology, be sure to check our guide on How We Test RAM in 2023.

Budget and Affordability

The Core i7-13700K is anything but a budget PC, and consequently, an entire PC that is built around a processor as powerful and expensive as the i7-13700K is not going to come cheap. But that doesn’t mean that you should go with RAM, which offers no value for money. After all, your wallet isn’t bottomless.

So, the RAM we selected needs to offer good value for money, at least to some extent. It’s true that the more performance you chase, the more you’re going to spend, but expensive doesn’t necessarily mean overpriced, and that’s what we are after. 

Transfer Rate and Timing Latency

The performance is undoubtedly the most important factor when considering the best RAM for Core i7-13700K, and that includes both the transfer rate and the timing latency. So, our selected RAM should maintain the right balance between the two to offer high-performance figures.

Talking about the transfer rate, you must have noticed that each RAM comes with a number with MHz as the unit; that frequency tells us the transfer rate. So, if a RAM is capable of running at 6000 MHz, it means that it can transfer 6000 million transfers per second. As you would guess, the higher the frequency, the better the RAM is at performance. 

Similarly, timing latency also tells us about the performance of RAM. It is written as a series of four numbers, each separated by a dash (-). These four numbers tell us how much the RAM will wait for during different operations, and the lower the RAM has to wait, the better it performs.

In short, we selected the RAM that offers high transfer rates while maintaining low timing latency. For example, the best overall RAM for Core i7-13700K, the G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB, has a transfer rate of 6000 MHz and a timing latency of CL36-36-36-96, both of which are incredibly good, making the Trident Z5 RGB a solid DDR5 RAM for the i7-13700K.

Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency

You might not know, but power consumption plays a pivotal role in determining the performance and overall efficiency of the RAM. Yes, DDR5 RAM comparatively needs less input voltage than DDR4. But, it doesn’t mean that these RAM will stay at 1.1V to output the high-end performance figures we expect.

For example, every DDR5 RAM is going to consume more than 1.1V once you enable the XMP 3.0 profile to get higher clock speeds. But what’s important is that it strikes the right balance between performance and power consumption.

So, our selected RAM should offer the best possible performance while maintaining power efficiency. This way, the RAM packs more overclocking potential, and you can take it to higher clock speeds without any stability issues.

As a result of high input voltage, the RAM is going to generate more heat, and heat is the kryptonite of high performance. To counter that, our selected RAM should be equipped with a high-quality aluminum heat spreader to ensure efficient heat dissipation. On the topic of thermal efficiency, you should also go through our guide on the 6 BEST CPU Coolers For i7-13700K.

Build Quality and Aesthetics

When selecting the best RAM for Core i7-13700K, we had to pick the ones that came with the best build quality possible. Because, in the longer run, build quality matters a lot. No one wants their expensive RAM to break down in a matter of months.

That’s why the RAM we picked is built on high-quality PCB with top-tier components to ensure longevity. Not only that, but the heat spreader should also eliminate any chances of dust or humidity build-up, which can hurt the memory chips over time.

Additionally, looks can also convince you to go for a particular RAM, which is especially the case if you’re going for a themed PC build, like an all-white rig, for which we have selected the Corsair Vengeance RGB. However, it should be kept in mind that looks alone can’t make or break RAM; the other factors we have discussed are much more essential.

Compatibility

Even though we are talking about compatibility, in the end, it’s one of the most important factors when selecting RAM. Every RAM we picked must be the best for Core i7-13700K. Whether it’s the best value RAM or the best DDR4 RAM, it should offer enough performance to go along with a CPU as powerful as the i7-13700K.

Similarly, when we talk about compatibility, it’s important to consider physical compatibility as well. By physical, we mean that the RAM should manage to fit into the case without any issues. This is especially crucial when your PC is encased in a compact chassis or when you’re using a massive cooler for the i7-13700K. In such cases, it’s best to use a low-profile RAM like the Corsair Vengeance, which has a height of just 35mm.

Related Read: Can You Mix RAM Brands, Sticks, & Types?

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That’s why our reliable and authentic content has been featured many times by several tech brands like Gigabyte, MSI, ASUS, and DeepCool. On top of that, for our hardware experts to review, manufacturers like Noctua, Thermaltake, and Xigmatek send us their latest products.

As a result of our decade-long devotion to the tech world, we have built a place of trust in the eyes of our consumers. Whether you are planning on building, upgrading, or modifying your gaming rig, Tech4Gamers will guide you about what’s the best component for you in your budget. Every product we select goes through follows strict criteria, and that’s why the RAM we have selected in this guide are the Best RAM for Core i7-13700K.