Best
RAM for Intel Core i7-12700K
Windows Central
2021
The Core i7-12700K is one of Intel’s 12th Gen “Alder Lake” desktop processors, with high-end performance for those who are into heavy multitasking, gaming, or specialized work. The new CPUs offer support for both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, which means you can choose to save some money with the older standard or go with the latest and greatest for more speed at a higher cost. However, since the best DDR5 RAM is as rare as the best graphics cards, you might not have much of a choice if you’re upgrading or building a new PC right now. In any case, this collection of DDR4 and DDR5 RAM will suit the Core i7-12700K.
Upgrade to DDR5:
GeIL Polaris RGB Sync 32GB
Editor’s choice
GeIL’s Polaris RGB Sync DDR5 RAM was some of the first to hit the market, and it impressed us with its clean look, RGB highlights, and huge performance improvements over DDR4. This kit has dual 16GB DDR5-4800MHz sticks for 32GB total, and it comes with a lifetime warranty to protect your investment. Be sure your motherboard supports DDR5 RAM before buying.
Affordable DDR5:
Crucial 32GB
Staff pick
DDR5 is quite expensive. This kit with two 16GB sticks (32GB total) doesn’t come cheap, but it does come cheaper compared to the competition. It brings a 4800MHz clock, lifetime warranty, and plain styling without heat spreader ideal for builds that are more for work than for show. Be sure your PC supports DDR5 RAM before buying.
Fancy DDR4 RAM:
G.SKILL Trident Z RGB 16GB
G.SKILL makes some undeniably beautiful RAM, complete with RGB lighting and metal heat spreader. This particular DDR4 kit includes two 8GB sticks for 16GB total. It brings DDR4-3600MHz speeds and CL18 latency for excellent performance on top of the good looks. Be sure your motherboard supports DDR4 RAM before buying.
Best DDR4 RAM:
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz C16
Corsair’s Vengeance DDR4 RAM is trusted by countless PC owners for a good reason; it’s incredibly reliable. Not only is it reasonably quick, but also budget-friendly, allowing you to up your capacity without breaking the bank. Be sure your motherboard supports DDR4 RAM before buying.
Best value DDR4:
Patriot Viper 4 16GB
This kit includes dual 8GB DDR4-3200 sticks with XMP profile for overclocking. It’s super affordable and it looks great thanks to a red metal heat spreader along the top. If you’re looking to build on the cheap, this is a great way to go. Make sure your motherboard supports DDR4 before buying.
Vengeance in DDR5:
Corsair Vengeance 32GB
Corsair’s Vengeance RAM is some of the most popular out there, and it’s now available in DDR5. This kit has two 16GB sticks for 32GB total of DDR5-5200MHz with CL38 timing. Its black shroud is perfect for anyone who prefers to not have their PC light up like a beacon, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Be sure your PC supports DDR5 before buying.
Building a PC around the Core i7-12700K
Intel introduced a new socket requirement for its 12th Gen Core desktop CPUs. The new LGA 1700 socket is a different dimension, meaning older motherboards will not work if you’re only looking to upgrade. This means you’ll also have to choose whether you want a board with DDR4 or DDR5 RAM support.
The fact that DDR5 RAM is essentially impossible to find right now might make that decision a lot easier. Our collection of the best motherboards for the Core i7-12700K has a bunch of great options to help you get started.
If you choose to stick with DDR4 RAM to save some money, G.SKILL’s Trident Z RGB is never a bad choice if you like all your PC parts to have some lighting. And if you’d like to keep things within a tighter budget, Corsair’s Vengeance LPX is trusted by countless PC enthusiasts. And for those who do want to go with the latest DDR5 standard, GeIL’s Polaris RGB Sync RAM has a clean look, RGB lighting, and huge performance gains over DDR4.
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