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By: Henz Llarves | Date Posted: January 28, 2023
Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs are now available, and they’re loaded with a lot of computing power. It’s wonderful news for professionals and gamers, as these CPUs will allow for increased productivity and smoother gameplay. The Intel Core i7-12700K is one that lies in the middle of the pack.
Similar to the other Alder Lake CPUs, the Core i7-12700K comes with a new hybrid architecture, which combines a mix of larger performance cores (P-cores) paired with smaller efficiency cores (E-cores). This new hybrid design has a number of benefits for professionals and gamers, as this new architecture enables the CPU to utilize the performance cores when needed while minimizing power consumption in normal tasks. It’s also equipped with a 12MB Cache that guarantees speedy calculations and a smooth multitasking experience. In addition, Alder Lake CPUs support the latest technologies, such as PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.
The Core i7-12700K brings major improvements for gamers and professionals who care about performance and productivity. So, building a PC around the Core i7-12700K is a smart choice to make. However, in order to take advantage of its full power, you need to pair it with the right components, and RAM is an important component when it comes to performance. So, let’s look at the best RAM kits you can pair with the Core i7-12700K.
This list comes with a mix of DDR4 and DDR5 memory options so that you can choose the right RAM according to your needs.
 | Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 3200MHz 16GB CL14 |
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 | Crucial Ballistix 3600MHz 16GB CL16 |
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 | TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem ARGB 3600MHz 16GB CL14 |
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 | Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200MHz 16GB CL16 |
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 | G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 5600MHz 32GB CL36 |
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 | CORSAIR Vengeance 5200MHz 32GB CL40 |
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 | XPG Lancer 5200MHz 32GB CL38 |
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 | GeIL Polaris RGB 4800MHz CL40 |
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The Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO is one of the top-of-the-line DDR4 RAMs for gamers, who need dependable memory that can handle intensive gaming and multitasking.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO DDR4 RAM delivers high speed, low latency, power efficiency, and stable performance. This particular RAM comes with a 16GB memory capacity, but there is also a 32GB if required. The rated speed is 3200MHz, fast enough for gaming and video editing. The CAS latency is 14, which means there’s a fast response time for quick transfer speed and minimal lag while playing intensive video games.
The custom-performance PCB provides the highest signal quality for maximum stability, while carefully screened ICs ensure long-term reliability even when pushed to the limit over extended periods of time. It also comes with a pre-installed Intel XMP 2.0 profile, to help users easily configure their BIOS settings and get optimal performance from the memory module.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO DDR4 RAM is equipped with 10 ultra-bright LED lights per module for dynamic lighting effects across your system, including the option to match colors or synchronize lighting with other CORSAIR products, such as CPU coolers and keyboards. It’s easy to control through iCUE software that offers complete customization of all compatible devices so everything matches your individual style and preferences.
This RAM has been tested rigorously for reliability and compatibility so you won’t have to worry about facing any issues when using it on your system. The Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO is a great gaming ram that is worth considering pairing with the Core i7-12700K.
This memory is perfect for the most demanding gamers. With its high speed and low latency, it can keep up with your game – whatever you’re playing. Also, it is available in multiple colors and has memory capacity to match your system build or style. The heat spreader design also ensures long-term reliability by withstanding the toughest conditions, guaranteed.
Looking at the specification, this Crucial Ballistix comes with a 3600MHz speed which is higher enough for modern games to run without any issues. It has a 16GB capacity and it’s clocked at CL16 latency. And yes, the aluminum heat spreader keeps things cool under pressure, while adding a touch of style to your gaming rig. Also, since it supports XMP 2.0, overclocking can be done quickly by simply loading up a profile.
No matter what kind of games you love to play on a PC, this memory has all that it takes to deliver an enhanced gaming experience. You know, Crucial RAMs have been in use in computers all over the world for more than two decades. And, now they have been trusted by gamers and enthusiasts. So, combining this DDR4 RAM with a Core i7-12700K processor would be a smart move.
This T-Force Xtreem features both high memory frequency and low latency for the best performance on Core i7-12700K processors. It runs on 3600MHz speed that provides high bandwidth as well as CL14 latency which ensures smooth gaming and heavy work.
The T-Force Xtreem is built with a premium 10-layer PCB that increases stability and durability, effectively preventing damage from overclocking or other accidents. The carefully chosen IC chip also ensures smooth operation and long-term stability. Add to this is the support for automatic overclocking using the XMP 2.0 technology.
The T-Force Xtreem carries a stylish full-mirror reflection design that gives it a stylish look as well as the ability to permeate light. It lets you build an exciting gaming rig and gorgeous desktop. Its excellent speed, low latency, and unique look make the T-Force Xtreem one of the best choices for gamers and creative professionals with a high demand for computer performance.
This RAM is suitable for any type of PC including compact and low-profile desktop builds. It features a high clock speed of 3200MHz speed. Also, it delivers exceptional latency (CL16) and power efficiency for lower voltage requirements than traditional desktop memory kits.
The Corsair Vengeance LPX is built with premium components and tested to exacting standards, and delivers superlative performance whether you’re gunning for high clock speeds or tuning timings to achieve a responsive system. The hand-sorted memory chips and intense tuning of the memory circuitry ensure that you’re getting reliable performance with stability and compatibility.
It also features a high-performance PCB that is designed to deliver superior overclocking performance, with support for XMP 2.0 giving you trouble-free automatic overclocking. And, it’s built with Corsair’s legendary quality and reliability so you can smash those benchmarks and take your system to the edge.
The solid aluminum heat spreader is also worth mentioning. It’s a big sheet of aluminum that effectively aids in cooling down your system during a heavy-duty session. Overall, it’s a RAM worth spending your money on if you’re in search of something reliable, versatile, and compatible with compact builds.
For our first DDR5 recommendation, we have here the Trident Z5 RGB RAM by G.Skill, which of course features a new level of memory performance.
The Trident Z5 RGB brings unprecedented levels of performance to DDR5 memory modules, allowing faster speeds and lower latency. The Trident Z5 RGB features hand-screened ICs specially selected by G.Skill engineers based on their high-quality construction for high overclocking performance, reliability, and compatibility with 12th gen Alder Lake CPUs, which include the Core i7-12700K.
Working at a higher frequency than DDR4, G.Skill has managed to bring the Trident Z5 RGB clocking in at an impressive 5600MHz with CL36-36-36-76 latency and working on Intel’s latest Z690 chipset architecture which features native support for DDR5 memory (with Alder Lake CPUs). The XMP 3.0 support allows for an easy setup and automatic overclocking.
In terms of cooling, the Trident Z5 RGB features a dual-heatsink design to ensure optimal thermal dissipation that consists of a metal heat spreader and a translucent RGB light bar – a new all-in-one LED light bar that can be controlled alongside third-party software for a fully customizable lighting experience.
So, if you are considering getting into DDR5 memory with your new Core i7-12700K, then the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB is RAM that I would highly recommend.
CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5 memory is one of the first DDR5 RAMs that is highly compatible with Small Form Factor PCs. It’s a 32GB kit of 2x16GB DDR5 memory with a low-profile heatsink.
This CORSAIR Vengeance features a high frequency of 5200MHz providing great overall performance in a variety of applications. CL40 latency and 32GB capacity round out the major features with supported Intel XMP 3.0 profiles for easy overclocking. As modern CPUs such as the Core i7-12700K features many cores, DDR5’s unrivaled speed assures that your high-end CPU receives data quickly, allowing for quicker processing, buffering, and rendering than ever before. Also, the Onboard Voltage Regulation makes overclocking easier, more finely-tuned, and more stable through CORSAIR iCUE software.
In terms of the build and cooling, this RAM is built with a PCB that guarantees signal quality and a solid aluminum heat spreader that quickly dissipates heat away from your memory. The design looks good with modern system setups for a sleek look and feel.
The CORSAIR Vengeance 5200MHz 32GB CL40 RAM is a great DDR5 memory for gamers and enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their Intel Core i7-12700K CPU.
The XPG Lancer DDR5 RAM features a 5200MHz speed that is almost double the capacity of a typical DDR4 ram. It is clocked at CL38-38-38 and offers an on-die ECC (Error Correcting Code) for better stability and reliability. The XPG Lancer DDR5 is equipped with an aluminum heat spreader that is topped off with an aggressive design to suit any gaming rig. It has a very high speed of 5200MHz.
The XPG Lancer also comes with an extreme memory profile (XMP 3.0) for both AMD and Intel processors. Just turn your system on and enable the XMP profile; it will automatically adjust to the high-performance settings. The XPG Lancer DDR5 is not only fast but also offers a high capacity of 32GB that enables you to take full command over your gaming experience.
When it comes to speed, reliability, capacity, and appearance, the XPG Lancer checks every box. Overall, this particular XPG Lancer DDR5 RAM is a great component to pair with any PC build powered by the Core i7-12700K.
GeIL is one of the first manufacturers to announce and show their upcoming DDR5 memory, the Polaris RGB. Compared to other DDR5 RAMs that are mentioned above, this one is more budget-friendly. This DDR5 RAM really impressed me with how many features it offers at its price point.
This GeIL Polaris RGB features a 4800MHz OC speed and a CL40 latency, this provides a lot of bandwidth for the 12700K compared to the previous generation DDR4 RAMs. It also supports speeds of up to DDR5-7200 through overclocking. It also has a pretty decent heatsink design and RGB lighting.
The single-channel memory kit comes in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB sizes, while the dual-channel memory kit is available in 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB configurations. So, it provides a lot of headroom when it comes to capacity and performance.
GeIL’s memory kit does come with a fancy heat spreader and flashy RGB lighting. This LED can be controlled via software or via motherboard BIOS directly.
GeIL has been around for a while now and its products are known for being budget-friendly without sacrificing quality or reliability. This DDR5 RAM from GeIL checks all the right boxes, and will definitely work well with the Core i7-12700K processor.
Getting a RAM will depend on several factors such as:
Are you considering a DDR4 or DDR5? Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake CPUs are compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 RAMs. However, they are completely different platforms and standards. This means that DDR4 RAM will not work in a computer with a DDR5 motherboard. So, it’s important to choose which platform you are following before getting one.
Your Budget – This is actually very important when choosing a new RAM because there are different types of RAMs in terms of price, performance, and quality. You will need to define which one matches best with your needs and how much money you want to spend on this PC component.
We’ve tested the Core i7-12700K performance with both DDR5 and the previous generation DDR4 memory. And we’ve found that there is no significant increase in performance, especially when gaming. While it is nice to have faster speed in some cases, most potential buyers won’t sacrifice their money for such an upgrade when they can get a better-performing system at lower prices. As a result, we guessed that most Alder Lake owners will just stick with DDR4 memory now as it comes with a better price-to-performance ratio.
However, if you want to future-proof your build or you already brought a DDR5 motherboard for your Core i7-12700K, then there is no reason why not to get DDR5 especially if you have money for it.
This article provides you with all the information you need on which type of memory is best for your computer. Whether it’s a new build or an upgrade, we’ll help you find the perfect module that will fit seamlessly into your system. We’ve compiled a list of DDR5 and DDR4 memory sticks that should work well with this CPU. Each one has its own set of unique features, so it’s important that you evaluate each one in order to determine which type of memory is best for your computer.
With all of this information in mind, you should have everything you need at your disposal in order to make the right decision when buying new RAM. If you still need help, please leave a comment and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
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