Best RAM For i9 12900K in 2024 | Tested by Professionals

The core i9 12900K came out over one and a half years ago, back in November 2021. But this 16-Cores 24-Threads top dog Alder Lake CPU is still one of the leading choices to put together a high-performance build.

The motherboard and RAM option is diversified as they support DDR5 and DDR4 in full swing. In this article, we particularly talked about the best RAM you can pair with this behemoth of a processor.

The G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 CL36 & Team Xtreem ARGB DDR4 3600Mhz CL18 is our top pick to get started with the i9 12900K. That’s not it, though.

We have touched on additional viable options that are worth consideration. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Best RAM For i9 12900K

In light of selecting the best RAM for the Core i9 12900K, we divided it into two sections — DDR5 & DDR4. Once you carefully review the list, I can guarantee you’ll make a wise decision with no regrets.

Here’s a quick glance at the best RAM for i9 12900K:

Best DDR5 RAM For i9 12900K

DDR5 RAM is now having a great supply chain, so the availability is lofty, and the price dip is significant. Instead of throwing all at your face, we picked only the best in each category out of a lake full of DDR5 memories.

Best Overall DDR5 RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB

Key Specifications

Model: F5-6000J3636F16GA2-TZ5RK | Speed: 6000Mhz | CAS Latency: 36 | Timings: 36-33-33-73 (2T) | Voltage: 1.4 | Capacity: 32GB (2×16)

Why We Chose It

In the market, shopping for a great set of RAM kits, the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6000 caught our attention due to its impressive JEDEC memory specs and the company’s previous track record.

And guess what? G.Skill didn’t let us down; rather, our confidence solidified once we rummaged through every last detail of the Z5 RGB DDR5 6000 memory.

Kicking things off by pairing the 6000Mhz memory with the core i9 12900K, we got the highest result compared to other kits we tested beforehand. In the AIDA64 Cache & Memory bandwidth test and 7-zip compression, 12900K yielded the best result. Needless to say, this kit played super nice with XMP 3.0. No hiccups!

Under the hood, the Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6000 memory sports Samsung ICs, more specifically, high-end Samsung B-die. Our chosen RAM ships with 16GB memory capacity in a single-rank arrangement.

Speaking of high-end IC, we could get the memory to run at 6200Mhz easily, retaining CL36. After that, our sample straight-up hit the wall. We feel like it could go a bit further with the newer generation 13th gen Intel Core CPUs due to the much improved IMC.

All these technical goodness aside, the Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6000Mhz memory has a standard and catchy exterior design with a sharp edge at the top of the heat sink. The finish on it is found in matte black and in silver. Not to mention, it has bright RGB lighting as well. A treat for the eye!

Such a quality memory should cost an organ, right? Wrong!

With vastly improved supply and dropped cost of DDR5 memory, this kit can be found little over $110. So, there’s literally no reason to skip this classic gem. And we are proud to choose this RAM.

Who Should Buy This?

Literally, anyone who wants the best performance out of 12900K at a great price with a pinch of RGB bling should go for the G.Skill Trident Z RGB DDR5 6000Mhz CL36 memory.

Verdict

Highest-end performance, solid stability with XMP 3.0 profile, overclocking capability, and a compelling price point establish the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6000Mhz CL36 as the best overall RAM for i9 12900K.

Best Premium DDR5 RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB

Key Specifications

Model: CMT32GX5M2X6000C36 | Speed: 6000Mhz | CAS Latency: 36 | Timings: 36-38-76-96 | Voltage: 1.25 | Capacity: 32GB (2×16)

Why We Chose It

When you are ready to spend top dollars on performance, Corsair Dominator Platinum memory is your best bet. We used to say this in the previous generations of Dominator series RAMs from Corsair. And this statement still holds its value after what we’ve seen in our lab.

With the identical rugged yet elegant exterior design from the DDR4 generation, matte black finish, and bright Capellix RGB it’s nothing short of magnificent. Personally, I think I’ll never be tired of this design. It hits the marks just right.

Touching on the performance front, it is as good as you can expect when coupled with the core i9 12900K. Effortless XMP 3.0, top-of-the-line performance in memory-intensive applications, superior stability, and performance gains in games, it checks all the boxes.

That said, when we tried to push it further than its advertised specs, it didn’t let us down. We achieved 6400Mhz on the clocks and 32-38-42-76 on the timings at 1.4V. That interprets impressive performance gain.

Aesthetically, however, with the iCUE software, we had fun playing with all the RGB effects. Synchronized with the music playing on the system was a fine touch. Most importantly, with this Dominator kit, we didn’t run into any crashing issues thus far while managing the lighting effect with iCUE.

What Could Be Improved

Our biggest gripe, I know people out there will have similar concerns, is the height of the heat spreader. The 2.2 inches-tall heat sink will get in the way of numerous CPU coolers. So that’s an area where we think some adjustments would’ve been nice.

Who Should Buy This?

For someone with a no-compromise in performance mindset and money factor out of the way, the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB series DDR5 memory is a fantastic choice. In our opinion, no remorse should get in the way of buying such a kit.

So if you are one of them, ready to spend whatever it takes for the absolute best performance and aesthetics, go for Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 6000 for your i9 12900K.

Verdict

Splendid performance, classy and rich outlook, best RGB effects to alleviate the overall build, the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 6000Mhz is our pick for the best premium RAM.

Best Value DDR5 RAM: Team T-Create Classic 10L DDR5

Key Specifications

Model: CTCCD532G5600HC46DC01 | Speed: 6000Mhz | CAS Latency: 46 | Timings: 46-46-46-90 | Voltage: 1.10 | Capacity: 32GB (2×16)

Why We Chose It

In our lab, we often get staggered in analyzing the value proposition of some selected components. The Team T-Create Classic 10L DDR5 5600 CL46 is one of them. Let me tell you why.

In pursuit of an entry-level system memory solution with JEDEC specification, the T-Create Classic DDR5 memory caught us off guard. Especially after realizing it offers much more than its price.

Internally, it boasts high-quality Hynix-made ICs. Great thermal pads to cool off the memory chips. Porous heat sink design that is low profile with an excellent thermal solution.

While testing with the i9 12900K, it all went smoothly. We tried to push both of our T-Create DDR5 kits a bit further. To our surprise, we achieved 6000Mhz; no problem. The timings, however, were a bit looser than we’d hoped.

Who Should Buy This?

The Team T-Create Classic 10 DDR5 5600Mhz memory is the perfect gateway for buyers who are tight on the budget yet nurture the desire to achieve an impressive performance.

Verdict

Head-turning performance in a classic package with high-quality components at an astonishing price point earns the best value RAM award for the Team T-Create Classic 10L DDR5 5600Mhz memory to be paired with 12900K.

Honorable Mention

The Corsair Vengeance DDR5 6000Mhz is an alternative that you should keep an eye out in case T-Create DDR5 isn’t available. Or if the price goes up, there’s no harm going for this Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM.

Best DDR4 RAM For i9 12900K

Going for the correct DDR4 memory for the i9 12900K can mitigate the performance difference comparing DDR5 platform quite a lot. At the same time, you can save some bucks on RAM and motherboard.

Best Overall DDR4 RAM: Team T-Force Xtreem ARGB

Key Specifications

Model: TF10D432G3600HC18JDC01 | Speed: 3600 MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35 | Capacity: 32 GB (2×16)

Why We Chose It

The Xtreem ARGB memory from Team Group counteracts the notion of paying a high price for great components.

In our eyes, it’s a magnificent component to peep at when installed in a rig. The humble bloom of addressable RGB light through the blue and purple tone translucent heat spreader cover is a feast for the eyes. Though on the back, the black heat spreader is exposed. Finally, the Xtreem branding on the shiny horizontal band creates a stunning outlook.

But is all glitters gold?

To be fair, yes. Team Group did not deceive with the looks. The Xtreem ARGB DDR4 3600Mhz memory comes with Samsung B-die. We were able to clock this bad boy at 4000Mhz CL19 while rocking 1.4V.

On another test, our kit reached CL14 while operating at 3600Mhz. Pairing this RAM with i9 12900K on a DDR4 Z690 motherboard was an absolute win. We lost minimal performance in games and applications compared to DDR5 memories but saved a ton of cash to invest in a better GPU, PSU, monitor, or storage.

What Could be Improved

The back of the memory should’ve been wrapped with the same translucent cover. This is not a dealbreaker in a dual-channel motherboard, but it looks incomplete and interprets a lack of appreciation for a stunning design on a quad-channel motherboard. Also, Team Group should pay special attention to availability.

Who Should Buy This?

Almost everyone who seeks a reasonably priced, high-capacity memory with outstanding performance should opt for this Xtreem ARGB DDR4 memory. It performs on par with more expensive memories, if not better, for the price paid.

Verdict

All round performance, a blend of modern ARGB, and the quintessential look of the Team Xtreem ARGB DDR4 3600Mhz CL18 make it the best overall DDR4 RAM to couple with the i9 12900K.

Honorable Mention

For a high capacity do it all memory, the Kingston Fury Beast RGB DDR4 3600Mhz is a worthy alternative. It poses little to no issue on any DDR4 chipset. These kits may be even cheaper after some rebates and coupons are applied.

Best Premium DDR4 RAM: G.Skill Trident Z Royal

Key Specifications

Model: F4-4000C17D-16GTRS | Speed: 4000 MHz | CAS Latency: 17 | Timings: 17-18-18-38 | Voltage: 1.35 | Capacity: 32 GB (2x 16)

Why We Chose It

G.Skill did justice to the term Royal with the most fancy-schmancy design on the Trident Z Royal series memory kits. The shimmering mirror finish on the aluminum heat spreader, along with a diamond cut pattern, infuses a crystalline structure to mesmerize the spectators.

According to G.Skill, “Meticulously crafted to display just the right amount of light refraction”.

Just like the ornamented appearance, it performs like a Royal one. We performed multiple testing on the G.Skill Trident Z Royal DDR4 4000 CL17 kit. It came out guns blazing, with the 12900K outperforming every other DDR4 RAM we tested.

As a matter of fact, we could effortlessly obtain CL14 timing while sitting on 4000Mhz with our Trident Z Royal memory. After communicating with other reviewers, we are quite sure that the highest-binned Samsung B-die memories made their way into the Trident Z Royal series.

What Could Be Improved

Apart from mind-boggling design and performance, pricing gets in the way of the G.Skill Trident Z Royal series. The money anyone spends on these kits can easily get away with high-end DDR5 RAM.

In the context of 2023, we expect a healthy price cut for these memories.

Who Should Buy This?

PC builders with ample money to dump on a fancy set of RAMs, collectors, and enthusiasts can choose the Trident Z Royal DDR4 memory.

Verdict

The G.Skill Trident Z Royal has proven itself in terms of build quality, unique but luscious design, and performance as the best premium DDR4 RAM to couple with the i9 12900K.

Best Value DDR4 RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series

Key Specifications

Model: F4-3600C18D-32GVK | Speed: 3600 MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35 | Capacity: 32 GB (2x 16)

Why We Chose It

While looking out for a budget RAM to pair with the i9 12900K yet maintain a respectable performance threshold, the G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4 3600Mhz CL18 saved our back. It comes just under $60/$70 with a high frequency, memory capacity, and tight timing.

Peeking at the inside, the G.Skill Ripjaws V 3600Mhz CL18 has 16GB memory in a single-rank package at 1.35V. We discovered Samsung and Hynix IC variants in G.Skill Ripjaws V series RAM.

As for performance, our 3600Mhz Ripjaws kit ran flawlessly. It’s important to mention Samsung variants occurred to offer more overclocking headroom than the Hynix ones.

What Could Be Improved

Memory die dissimilarity is a problem we encountered, and many others as well. Mixing and matching RAMs with Samsung and Hynix IC resulted in a black screen in our 12900K test rig despite having the exact timing and frequency. G.Skill should clearly put this information on the box. This could save a lot of troubleshooting time and hassle.

Who Should Buy This?

Anyone with a knack for more RAM capacity at a discounted price should go for the G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4 series. Also, people who require an increased amount of memory  with a reasonable data transfer rate can choose this RAM. Spend the saved money on other components.

Verdict

Big money performance in a low profile package and price earns the best value DDR4 RAM award for G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4 3600Mhz. We can recommend this memory for every 12900K without a second thought.

Why Does Our List of Best RAM for i9 12900K Matter?

As PC enthusiasts, testing out different components is a pleasure and privilege. But not everyone has this advantage, so selecting a component on their own is often intimidating unless, of course, they are technologically sound.

We took this as an opportunity to guide you by providing our insights about components and hardware. This RAM buying guide is no exception.

See, we ran multiple applications and games that leverage memory frequency, latency, and bandwidth. Another critical part that steers our decision is every memory’s price, availability, and compatibility.

Lastly, our product choices are unbiased at the very core. We source our own products with no involvement from manufacturers or third-party sellers. So if you see two or more products from a single manufacturer, don’t get the wrong idea.

Also, we are eager to hear from you. Which one do you think is a great RAM for i9, 12900K?

Let us know in the comments.