Intel's Core i7-13700K launched in 2022 and remains a common option for desktop PCs despite the release of its Core i7-14700K predecessor. The 13th Gen Intel chip supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, and it can lean into Intel's XMP overclocking to boost memory speeds beyond the stock support.
That means you can push RAM beyond DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200 for improved performance, and I've taken that into consideration with these picks. Here's the best RAM out there for the 16-core and 24-thread Core i7-13700K.
Top DDR5 pick
I've been using G.Skill Trident RAM in my builds for years, and I've never had a problem. The DDR5-6400MHz kit I've chosen here has CL32 timings, putting it in the sweet spot for the Core i7-13700K. The two 16GB modules have RGB lighting along the top and a sleek aluminum heat spreader to boost performance. You can usually pick up the 32GB kit for about $110.
Premium DDR5
Corsair's Dominator Platinum RGB RAM might come at a higher cost — about $176 for two 16GB modules — but it's the right choice for enthusiast builds. The DDR5-6400 RAM has C32 timings, a sleek metal heatspreader that isn't too bulky, and customizable RGB lighting along the top. Yes, it supports XMP 3.0 for easy overclocking.
Best DDR4 RAM
Corsair's Vengeance RGB Pro RAM is a great pick for enthusiasts sticking with a DDR4 system. Two 16GB DDR4-3600MHz modules with CL18 timings cost about $90, allowing you to get some high-performance memory with customizable RGB lighting and metal heatspreader for less than a DDR5 equivalent.
Affordable DDR4 RAM
You don't have to spend a lot on quality RAM, especially if you have a DDR4 system. Corsair's Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200MHz RAM with CL16 timings only costs about $42 for two 8GB modules. It's reliable, it performs well, and it's trusted by countless PC gamers to deliver what they need on the cheap.
16GB DDR5
Those looking to save some dough by skipping RGB lighting and a full 32GB of RAM in their build should check out Kingston FURY Beast. The DDR5-5600MHz RAM has CL40 timings and comes in two 8GB sticks, all for about $72. It comes with XMP support for overclocking, just like all the other options in this list.
Understated DDR5
Want some fast DDR5 RAM without spending extra on RGB lighting? G.Skill's Ripjaws S5 remains a popular option for high-performance builds thanks to DDR5-6400MHz performance with CL32 timings. Two 16GB modules costs about $103, making it a great pick for builds without a ton of lighting.
Choosing the best RAM for your Intel Core i7-13700K
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Intel's Core i7-13700K is a common CPU for modern builds, but it hasn't been without some controversy. While it seems like Intel has a handle on instability issues with 13th and 14th Gen desktop chips, many people are turning to AMD Ryzen to avoid any potential failures.
Nevertheless, the Core i7-13700K is in plenty of builds, and it needs some quality DDR4 or DDR5 RAM to operate properly. In our Core i7-13700K review by former Windows Central Senior Editor Rich Edmonds, he said it's "excellent for everything from gaming to heavy creative workloads."
My top choices for DDR5 systems are either G.Skill's Trident Z5 RGB or Corsair's Dominator Platinum RGB. The former is some of the most stylish RAM on the market, and it's what I use in my builds. With DDR5-6400 performance and CL32 timings, spending about $110 on two 16GB modules really isn't too bad. If you have more to spend, you can pick up two 16GB modules of Dominator Platinum RGB RAM for about $176.
Those still operating a DDR4 system should check out Corsair's Vengeance RGB Pro, especially if stylized lighting is on the menu. Two 16GB modules of DDR4-3600MHz RAM with CL18 timings costs about $90.
Do I need to worry about Intel XMP for overclocking?
Intel's Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP) is what allows memory connected to your system to push beyond the processor's stock limitations.
The Core i7-13700K can technically support either DDR4-3200MHz or DDR5-5600MHz RAM, but XMP allows it to work with the higher speeds that I've recommended here. It's a lot like AMD's EXPO tech, and you want to be sure that you're buying RAM that supports the right brand.
All of the RAM that I've included in this collection supports Intel XMP, so as long as your motherboard does the same you shouldn't have any problems. Be sure to check out the best motherboards for Intel Core i7-13700K if you need to expand your upgrade.
