Best RAM For I7 12700K (DDR5 And DDR4 Picks)

Since Intel have introduced their newest line of 12th gen processors, they’ve had a meteoric rise in popularity. And the processors themselves have been straightaway compared with AMD’s Ryzen 5000 chips. Furthermore, these processors built on the new Alder Lake architecture have even enticed seasoned AMD users to replace their existing processors with one of these chips, in particular the Core i7-12700K. Speaking of the Core i7-12700K, there has been much debate over which RAM can keep the processor running at its maximum potential.

With so many options now in the market and the dilemma of choosing a DDR4 or DDR5, as the i7-12700K supports both, a PC gamer or user could go a lot of different ways. The choice between the DDR4 and DDR5 is probably the biggest obstacle one has to face while choosing the best RAM. Reason being that even though DDR5 is 14-20% faster than DDR4 and consumes less power to boot, it still costs an arm and a leg.

Whereas, DDR4 technology is slower but has been in circulation for some time now making it more reliable and not to mention cheaper. These differences really make buying RAM a daunting task. However, we’re here to make that decision much easier with our list of the 10 best RAMs for the Intel Core i7-12700K which include the best DDR4 and DDR5 RAMs in the market today.

So, make sure to stay tuned till the end and view all our options to find the RAM that best suits you.

Quick Shopping Tips

Before we take you shopping for RAMs though, you need to know some essential defining features of RAMs that’ll help you narrow down the type and features you want from your RAM. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into the first feature.

Capacity: Even the most novice RAM purchasers know how important RAM capacity is and how important it is to buy RAM of a capacity that fits the requirements of your processor and motherboard. The experienced PC gamers know that with how graphics heavy normal games have become, 16 GB RAM is the bare minimum. However, some games even require a 32 GB RAM if you want to run and play them at 4K or even 1080p. Even office workers who are rigorous multitaskers need at least 16 GB of RAM to handle all their multitasking needs without waiting for the RAM to respond. Thus, the capacity of RAM that suits you best is purely based on the requirements of the work you do.

Frequency: Whether it’s a DDR4 or DDR5, frequency plays a huge part in the actual value of a RAM. But what is frequency and how does it affect the performance of RAM? Well, in layman terms, frequency is the speed at which data transfer between the RAM and CPU occurs. Also known as clock speed, it is measured in MHZ and is a big factor in determining the actual quality of a RAM. Frequency is also the major factor that differentiates DDR4s and DDR5s. How? Well, the fastest DDR4s are between 3200-3600 MHZ whereas the fastest DDR5s are between 5600-6000 MHZ, although at a significantly higher price tag. Now looking at these two different ranges of values you must be thinking, there’s a huge difference in speed between the two and you would be correct. However, for some PC gamers, after a point are not able to distinguish the faster frequencies from the slower ones which is why most opt to buy cheaper DDR4s compared to the more expensive but faster DDR5s.

Timings: Another important factor that effectively determines the speed at which data is transferred is the latency timings of a processor. Most RAM buyers are familiar with latency timings and their impact on the overall speed of the processor but if you’re not then let us explain it to you as simply as possible. Latency timings are the lag or time it takes for a RAM to transfer data to the CPU. The lower the latency timings of a RAM, the less time it takes for data transfer to occur and vice versa. Thus, to conclude, to find the best RAM possible you should always look for the one with the slowest timings as it will be the quickest and most accurate. However, another thing to look for in RAMs is the ability to change latency timings in the settings to set it to what you prefer because those RAMs are worth their weight in gold.

Dual Channel or Single Channel: Whether a RAM is dual-channel or single channel doesn’t affect the performance of a RAM too much after a certain point which is why this particular feature is placed at the bottom of the list. The simple idea is that most RAMs only contain a single 64-bit channel for data transfer between themselves and the CPU. On the other hand, some of the more rare RAMs contain a dual channel for data transfer which effectively doubles the speed at which data is transferred as it’s using two paths instead of one. However, like we said before only the PC experts with a keen eye can pick up this boost in speed and the number of channels of a RAM don’t matter much in the greater scheme of things. Still, buying a dual channel RAM is a pretty big bonus in terms of speed.

List of 10 Best RAM for i7-12700K in 2023

Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4

Best DDR4 Ram for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the first RAM on this list is a CORSAIR RAM, specifically the CORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4, because of how popular the brand is. CORSAIR has been one of the leading RAM manufacturers in the world for some time now and have been consistently churning out the best performing RAMs on the market. And spoiler alert, there will be more than one CORSAIR RAM on this list so buckle up.

But talking about the CORSAIR Vengeance LPX, this specific piece of hardware was made for gamers and extensive multi-taskers due to its 3000 MHZ frequency and exceptional latency timings of 16-18-18-36. On top of that, its power consumption is comparable to the newest DDR5s due to the onboard voltage regulation. Furthermore, CORSAIR has a habit of hand sorting their memory chips which in addition to reliable performance also provides increased stability and compatibility. Even overclocking isn’t an issue anymore due to its built-in XMP 2.0 support which allows easy automatic overclocking. All in all, if you’re searching for versatility and reliability then this is the perfect RAM for you.

Pros:

Hand sorted and tightly screened memory chips mean consistent high frequency performance.
Built-in Intel XMP 2.0 support.
Special compatibility with Intel Z690 motherboards.

Cons:

The RAM kit does not initially run at 3000 MHZ and has to be manually set to that speed in the BIOS.

Patriot Viper 4 Series DDR4 16GB

Best Value DDR4 for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

Patriot’s Viper series has been consistently the best option for reliable and cheap RAM for some time now. And nothing’s changed with the newest release of the Viper 4 DDR4-3200. With one of the lowest latency timings(CL16) on the block, a fully tested frequency of 3200 MHZ and it’s incredibly affordable price, the Patriot Viper 4 is by far the best budget RAM on this list. Furthermore, it consists of a solid modern style aluminum spreader that’s basically a sheet of aluminum to cool down the ICs and PCB and dissipate all heat towards the PC cooler.

One thing to note though is that you may have to manually input the latency timings listed on the description for the smoothest performance possible. To sum up, It may not be the flashiest RAM on the market but in terms of functionality, it is second to none. And if you’re a gamer, it will allow you to play the most demanding games for hours on end.

Pros:

IC performance has been hand tested to make sure it’s running at the rated value.
Intel XMP 2.0 ready.
Custom Aluminum heat spreader that effectively dissipates all heat towards the PC cooler.

Cons:

Users may have to manually input timings to run the RAM kit at the advertised value.

Crucial RAM 32GB DDR5 4800MHz

Best Budget DDR5 for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

The next couple of entries on the list are some high performing DDR5s that have earned their place as one of the highest quality RAMs available today. The first of these is the no nonsense Crucial DDR5-4800 with its stupidly fast frequency of 4800 MHZ and amazingly low latency timings of 40-39-39. This specific kit is nothing special when it comes to design and might be the plainest RAM on the list but that’s certainly not a measure of its performance. However, seeing how popular it is makes us think people rather enjoy its minimalistic design. Another big reason for its popularity though is the fact that it keeps power consumption at a minimum as it just requires 1.1v to function at full potential.

A particularly unique feature of Crucial DDR5-4800 is the fact that instead of using a single 64-bit channel for data transfer, it uses two 32-bit channels which uses parallel transmission of data which effectively makes it faster than a single 64-bit channel. Moreover, it’s also a great option in terms of price.

Pros:

Power consumption is at a minimum with a 1.1v voltage level.
Minimalistic design.
Frequency is 1.5x more than a DDR4.

Cons:

No heat sink.

TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta DDR5 32GB

Best TEAMGROUP RAM for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

If it’s RGB lights you want, RGB lights are what you shall have! This simple statements can be used to describe the beautifully designed 180 degree ultra-wide RGB lighting on the TEAMFORCE 32 GB T-Force DDR5. Not only is it absolutely beautiful in terms of design but with blazing speeds of 5200 MHZ and a 32 GB capacity, it’s one of the best performing RAMs on the list. Made for specific compatibility with Intel Z690 motherboards and Intel 12th gen processors, this beast of a RAM will accentuate the performance of your Intel Core i7-12700K greatly.

With a PCB made for overclocking and built-in support for XMP 3.0, overclocking is no longer a concern and allows you to reach speeds of even 5600 MHZ. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about your RAM heating up as well, as the modern style aluminum heat spreader has it covered and dissipates all heat created in the ICs and PCB towards the PC cooler for effective control of temperature within the PC. Only thing PC users don’t agree with is the absurd price but we believe that sometimes you have to pay for performance.

Pros:

Increasingly compatible with Intel Z690 motherboards.
120 degrees ultra-wide RGB lighting.
Supports XMP 3.0 for one click overclocking.

Cons:

Highly expensive.

Crucial Ballistix 3200 MHz DDR4

Best Crucial RAM for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

The Crucial Ballistix DDR4-3600 is our personal favorite in terms of design even though it doesn’t possess any bright or vibrant RGB lights. Why? Well, that’s simple because it looks like a claymore mine, which is one of the most unique designs we’ve ever seen in RAM and one that fits perfectly with its name. Another reason for naming it Ballistix is the fact that it figuratively fires off bullets with how fast the DDR4 runs, at a frequency of 3200 MHZ.

Even the 16 GB capacity coupled with the super low latency timings of 16-18-18-36 is perfect for seasoned gamers willing to play Battle Royale style games. Due to it containing built-in XMP 2.0 profiles with simple one click setup, overclocking is no longer a problem and allows the RAM to reach speeds of 3600-4000 MHZ in ideal circumstances. The people at Crucial even thought of how to fit it in the smallest builds and thus kept module height at a minimum so that it could fit into any PC case. So, if you’re looking to take your gaming to the next level by running more demanding games, this Crucial RAM kit is a must!

Pros:

Modern Aluminum heat spreader for proper dissipation of heat.
Incredibly beautiful design.
Contains Intel XMP 2.0 support for automatic overclocking.

Cons:

Some users have received single rank RAM kits even though the Ballistix is advertised as a dual rank memory.

XPG Lancer DDR5 5200MHz 32GB

Best DDR5 for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

XPG by ADATA was made solely to provide high profile gamers and streamers with the equipment they need to excel in the gaming world. And the same applies to their RAMs. Therefore, XPG have come up with one of the most high performing RAMs on the market today with their XPG Lancer DDR5-5200. Yup just like the name suggests, this specific RAM kit can run at speeds of about 5200 MHZ which on its own should be enticing enough for any and all gamers. But that’s not all the RAM kit offers. Further features include, fantastically low latency timings when compared to other DDR5s, a large capacity of 32 GB which allows it to run the most graphics heavy games and efficient power consumption with a voltage level of just 1.25v.

Another rare commodity not found in most other first wave DDR5s is an on-die error correction code which provides that extra bit of stability and reliability. Thus, if you’ve decided on buying a high profile 12th gen processor like the Core i7-12700K you shouldn’t settle for a lesser RAM which is exactly what you’re not going to get with the XPG Lancer DDR5.

Pros:

Contains on-die ECC which is a rare commodity in first wave DDR5s.
Incredibly low latency timings.
Created specifically for Intel 12th gen processors.

Cons:

Quite expensive compared to other DDR5s.

CORSAIR Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5

Best Overall RAM for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

We told you didn’t we that CORSAIR would be making a return in this list. Well, allow us to uphold our promise by introducing you to the CORSAIR Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5. Even though the CORSAIR Dominator doesn’t need any description as its popularity speaks for itself, we’ll still oblige you with one. Widely considered the best RAM for Core i7-12700K and all other Intel 12th gen processors, this specific RAM kit consists of a base frequency of 5200 MHZ and a capacity of 32 GB which already makes it better performing than most of the other RAMs available these days.

It isn’t lacking in the design department either with its 12 simple but bright LEDs that display RGB lights. As a bonus, using their signature ICUE software CORSAIR allows you to fully customize these lights to a range of different colors and patterns as well. That’s not all the ICUE software does though, it also allows the user to create up to 5 of their own custom XMP profiles so that they can improve its already stellar latency timings for easier and more improved overclocking.

This overclocking can increase the frequency of the RAM kit to up to 6000 MHZ which is absolutely insane! So if you didn’t know the reason why so many people opt for CORSAIR RAMs you do now and keeping all of the above features in mind you would be wise to opt for the CORSAIR Dominator Platinum yourself too.

Pros:

Consists of simple but sleek looking 12 LEDs that display RGB lights that will look perfect in the classiest of PC builds.
CORSAIR’s signature ICUE software allows the user to extensively customize the RGB lights to a range of different colors and patterns.
The ICUE software also allows the user to create up to 5 custom XMP 3.0 profiles for enhanced overclocking.

Cons:

Low quality heat sink.

G.Skill RipJaws V Series 16GB DDR4

Best G.Skill RAM for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

Next up is a RAM kit from an underrated and our personal favorite RAM manufacturer G.Skill, the RipJaws V 16 GB DDR4. G.Skill have quietly been making the consistently best performing RAMs for some time now without getting the recognition they deserve. Same goes for the RipJaws V DDR4 which is a technical marvel when it comes to DDR4s. Built specifically to fulfill the needs of gamers, this RAM kit consists of a 3200 MHZ frequency, one of the lowest latency timings you’ll see of 16-18-18-38 and exceptional power consumption for a DDR4 with a voltage level of just 1.35v.

We here pride ourselves on providing you with the best performing RAMs that are also unique in their own way and the RipJaws V is exactly that as it possesses a dual 64-bit channel for data transfer which is a rare sight in DDR4 RAMs. Moreover, with a module height of just 42mm, the RAM kit is suitable for almost all CPU heat sinks and can be fixed in the smallest PC builds. One thing we think it’s lacking though are RGB lights which are a regular feature of G.Skill RAM kits. Even still, it’s one of the fastest DDR4 RAMs you’ll find in the world these days and that’s saying something.

Pros:

Exceptional latency timings.
Consists of a dual channel for data transfer.
With a module height of just 42mm, the RAM kit is suitable for most CPU heat sinks

Cons:

No RGB lights.

Patriot Viper Gaming RGB Series DDR4

Best Gaming RAM for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

Model: PVR416G413C9K | Capacity: 2 x 8 GB | Data Rate: DDR4-3200 | Voltage: 1.4v | Warranty: 4 years

Patriot has built some absolutely gorgeous looking RGB lit RAM kits in its illustrious history and the Viper Gaming RGB DDR4 is one of them. Even we wanted to finish up our list with a bang hence why we saved the best for last with this specific gaming RAM kit. Talking about it’s features, other than the impeccable 3200 MHZ frequency, the RAM kit also contains built-in XMP 2.0 profiles with easy one touch setting to allow easier and enhanced overclocking which can take frequency up to 4133 MHZ.

That’s more than any other RAM we’ve seen or heard of. Thus, it further proves due to its superior overclocking potential it was made to run high profile and demanding games. Power consumption is a slight problem though but if you can afford the bills then the advantages of using this specific DDR4 kit are uncountable. Even in terms of design, the Viper Gaming DDR4 consists of 5 aesthetically designed RGB LEDs that make it an invaluable addition to any type of PC build.

Pros:

5 Beautifully designed RGB LEDs that give the kit an aesthetic look.
Successful overclocking allows the kit to be run at speeds of up to 4133 MHZ.
Built-in XMP 2.0 profiles.

Cons:

Power consumption is higher than most DDR4s.

Corsair Vengeance DDR5 32GB 4800MHz

Best 4800 MHZ RAM for i7-12700K

(image credit: Amazon)

Specifications:

We can’t possibly end this list without including another CORSAIR RAM because that’s the only way we can give you the perfect send off. Before we chose this last entry on our list we thought to ourselves, what matters more to expert PC users, fancy RGB lighting and wicked designs or accentuated performance and superior overclocking potential, and in the end we chose performance over style with the CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5-4800.

One of the most reliable RAM kits in the world, the CORSAIR Vengeance DDR4 runs at blazing speeds of 4800 MHZ which has been extensively tested by the people at CORSAIR. Furthermore, CORSAIR takes great care to hand sort and tightly screen each memory chip so that it consistently runs at peak performance without any interruptions.

Its extremely low power consumption helps with that as well even when the RAM is overclocking. The cherry on top though is CORSAIR’s patented ICUE software which accompanies this RAM and enables the user to create his/her own custom XMP profiles for more efficient and improved overclocking. All in all, if it’s reliability and speed you’re after, you can’t get much better than the CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5-4800.

Pros:

Extremely low power consumption with a voltage of just 1.1v.
Tightly screened ICs which means consistent high frequency performance.
Accompanied by signature CORSAIR ICUE software which allows you to build custom XMP profiles to unlock full overclocking potential.

Cons:

Lacks RGB lights.

Conclusion

So there you have it folks, that was our list of the best RAMs for Intel Core i7-12700K. We hope you enjoyed our picks and found that they were worthy of your attention. We further hope that you’ve found your perfect RAM from off this list as well because these are some absolutely brilliant options if we do say so ourselves.

Most of all we hope you gained some extra knowledge about RAMs and understand your requirements better which will inevitably lead to you making a more informed decision in the future. However, if you still have some questions, please refer to our FAQ section down below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Intel’s eagerly awaited line of 12th gen processors including the Core i7-12700K can support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. However, there is a small catch, both these RAM technologies cannot be used together so if you’ve decided to use DDR5 memory then you must replace your existing DDR4 kit with your newest DDR5 kit.

This begs the question though: Which type of RAM is more suitable for Core i7-12700K? Well, there’s been a heated debate for some time on which type of RAM technology is superior.

You would think DDR5 being the faster, newer and less power consuming technology would be better, but PC users hesitate to buy them due to their massive price tag. Whereas the DDR4 is much cheaper but is 14-20% slower than most DDR5 kits available today.

Any of the RAMs listed above would be a welcome addition in any PC build and for the Core i7-12700K processor but if we had to pick one we’d pick the Patriot Viper 4 DDR4-3200. Mainly because it offers most of the features you would expect from a high profile RAM but with an incredibly low price tag which is frankly astounding.

Thus, with a frequency of 3200 MHZ, low latency timings of 16-18-18-36 and relatively easier overclocking due to built-in XMP 2.0 support, the Patriot Viper DDR4-3200 is our choice for the best RAM for the i7-12700K.

We’ve probably said numerous times throughout the article how reliable and popular CORSAIR is as a brand and RAM manufacturer. However, which CORSAIR RAM is the best out of the three we’ve included in the list? In our opinion, the CORSAIR Dominator Platinum DDR5 is without a doubt the best CORSAIR in the market today. It has absolutely everything a PC enthusiast needs.

Simple but sleek looking RGB LEDs that are fully customizable through CORSAIR’s ICUE software, the ability to make your own custom XMP 3.0 profiles for enhanced overclocking again via the signature ICUE software and an astoundingly low rate of power consumption. Therefore, all of these features and more make it our favorite CORSAIR RAM kit for i7-12700K.

Related Article: How to Choose a RAM

Quick Shopping Tips

List of 10 Best RAM for i7-12700K in 2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

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