Intel's last-gen Core i5-13600K is a mainstream desktop processor (CPU) for gamers and productivity masters, and its ability to work with both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM opens up a larger number of compatible builds.
There may now be 14th Gen Intel Core desktop chips on the market, but the performance difference is so small that many savvy builders are sticking with the older (and cheaper) hardware.
In any case, matching your Core i5-13600K with the right RAM can make a big performance difference, and I've rounded up here some speedy options within various price ranges to help you get the perfect hardware.
Best DDR5
G.Skill Trident is the RAM I use in my own gaming PC, and it's never let me down. The Trident Z5 RGB kit with two 16GB DDR5-6000 modules only costs about $100 but offers stellar performance with CL36 timing, customizable RGB lighting, and a sleek aluminum heat spreader surrounding the memory. If you're aiming for style and speed, this is the way to go.
Super performance
Corsair's Vengeance RGB RAM combines stellar performance with an attractive design. A light strip along the top of the module can be customized, and the stick is wrapped in an attractive metal heat spreader. With Intel XMP support, 6400MHz speeds, and CL32 timings, landing two 16GB sticks for about $120 makes a lot of sense for enthusiasts.
Low latency DDR5
G.Skill's Ripjaws S5 DDR5-5600 RAM has CL28 timings for lower latency, with Intel XMP support for overclocking. The RAM has a sleek aluminum heat spreader covering the internals, and the lack of RGB lighting will suit plenty of builds. You can usually pick up a kit with two 16GB modules for about $100.
Best DDR4 RAM
Corsair's Vengeance DDR4 RAM is trusted by countless PC owners for a good reason; it's incredibly reliable. It's also incredibly affordable. This is the best bang for your buck if you're wanting to use DDR4 instead of DDR5. You can pick up two 8GB modules for about $44 at Best Buy.
Understated look
Corsair's DDR5-5600MHz Vengeance RAM is a great choice if you prefer a build without too much RGB lighting. The two 16GB sticks have a CL36 timing and are compatible with Intel XMP for overclocking. They're available in Black or White colors, with the former coming in at about $114 for 32GB.
16GB DDR5 setup
Not everyone needs 32GB of RAM in their PC, and this two-pack of 8GB DDR5-5600 modules from Kingston FURY Beast gets the job done. It has CL40 timings and Intel XMP support, making it perfect for Intel builds. It's great for builds without RGB, and the total for 16GB comes out to about $72.
Choosing the best RAM for Intel's Core i5-13600K
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Picking the absolute best RAM for any processor requires one to understand what that CPU supports. Intel's 13th Gen processors, including the Intel Core i5-13600K, support DDR4 RAM up to speeds of 3200MT/s or DDR5 RAM at up to 5600MT/s, though using XMP can overclock RAM modules with even faster results.
If you're looking to future-proof your build, I recommend going with DDR5 RAM. That might mean a motherboard upgrade, so be prepared to spend a bit more. Our guide to the best motherboards for Intel Core i5-13600K can help. You can also stick with DDR4 RAM, and in that case, something like Corsair's Vengeance LPX will get the job done for about $44.
Turning back to DDR5 RAM, I recommend G.Skill's Trident Z5 RGB or Corsair's Vengeance RGB RAM. Both are high-performance options with RGB lighting, and both come with Intel XMP 3.0 support for easy overclocking. G.Skill's RAM starts at about $100 for 32GB, while Corsair's RAM costs about $120 for 32GB.
Despite reliability issues with 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, plenty of Core i5-13600K chips are still working fine and need some quality memory. Former Senior Editor Rich Edmonds said in his Core i5-13600K review:
"All that makes the Core i5-13600K an easy recommendation for PC enthusiasts and anyone looking for a new custom or pre-built desktop computer. It’s the more affordable option, is flexible for RAM options, and it’s simply more performant whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or need it for office productivity."
Do I need to worry about Intel XMP?
Intel XMP 3.0 — which stands for Extreme Memory Profiles — is a bit of tech that comes baked into motherboards to boost memory clock speeds. While the Core i5-13600K can theoretically handle DDR4 speeds up to 3200MT/s and DDR5 speeds up to 5600MT/s, XMP allows your PC to easily push speeds into an overclocked range.
It's similar to AMD's EXPO tech, and it's important to note anytime you buy RAM that's higher than the set maximum for the CPU. All memory in this guide supports XMP 3.0, so just be sure the motherboard you're using also has support.
