The Intel Core i9-13900K is the most powerful processor of the 13th generation. As such, it's one you may want to install in your machine. It performs incredibly well, whether you're playing the latest games or running compute-intensive applications. So you need to combine it with other components that excel just as much.
This obviously includes memory.
It's not always easy to choose the memory you need, as many factors come into play. Latency, frequency, and capacity are just some of the factors you'll need to consider, not to mention aesthetics. Intel 13th generation processors adds to this complexity by making you choose between DDR4 and DDR5. This isn't a problem if you've already bought your motherboard, as it determines which memory generation you'll have to use, but if you haven't yet, take the time to consider the various options.
You can find the full specifications for the Core i9-13900K on Intel’s website, but the important details as far as memory support is concerned are the following:
| Max Memory Size | 192 GB |
|---|---|
| Memory Types | Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s - Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s |
| Max # of Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s |
Which means you have a choice to make right from the outset between DDR5 and DDR4.
DDR5 is the latest memory generation, and in many cases that reason alone is enough to make it the best choice, simply because it's likely to be reused in one of your next PCs. AMD, for its part, has already abandoned DDR4 for DDR5 with the Ryzen 7000 series. An article dedicated to DDR5 vs DDR4 is available if you'd like to find out more.
Of course, if you already have a DDR4 motherboard compatible with 13th-generation processors, you may not achieve the performance or capacity you could with DDR5, but you can always switch to a DDR5 platform later on. We'll look at DDR4 memory recommendations for your 13900K later.
It all depends on how you plan to use your configuration. A gamer looking to play the latest titles at maximum settings won't have the same needs as a videographer shooting in 8K.
Apart from special cases, most users will limit themselves to 32GB or 64GB of DDR5 to get the most out of their Intel processor. In most cases, this will enable you to perform your most complex tasks or play your games without having to resort to a swap file. If your budget allows you to opt for a 64GB kit, you'll be able to cope with whatever the future brings. If not, a quality 32GB kit will help you get the most out of your new processor.
DOMINATOR TITANIUM is the latest memory from CORSAIR. It offers the frequencies, latencies, and capabilities you'd expect, all with an impressive design. The top bar can be removed and replaced by non-RGB versions, or if you're looking for a unique look you can 3D print your own.
You can also take full advantage of the memory as it is, especially as the iCUE software lets you configure the RGB LEDs to your liking for impressive effects. We recommend you opt for the 64GB kit, consisting of a pair of 32GB sticks, with an operating frequency of 6,600MT/s and a CAS latency of 32, to get the best of both worlds.
If you're on a tight budget following the purchase of your new processor, motherboard, and graphics card, you may be left with less than you'd hoped for when it comes to the all-important DRAM component. Don't worry, we've got a solution for that, too. Of course, we'd all like to have huge amounts of memory at our disposal, but now's a good time to find fast but affordable memory, like this VENGEANCE DDR5 kit.
It's a 32GB DDR5 memory kit with a throughput of 6,000MT/s and a CAS latency of just 30. Of course, the absence of RGB LEDs may disappoint you, but you have to restrict some functions. Nevertheless, this kit offers what matters most: excellent performance and, thanks to XMP 3.0 support, it's easy to configure.
The VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 memory range is available in smaller capacities than this, but if you're looking to push the boundaries while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic, you can't get much more impressive than this. The kit consists of 4x 48GB modules with a CAS latency of 38 and an operating frequency of 5,200MT/s.
If your needs are more modest, kits are also available in 48GB (2x 24GB) and 96GB (2x 48GB). As always, check your motherboard's website and Memory QVL to make sure it supports these relatively new capacities.
If you have a DDR4 motherboard for your new 13900K, this VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL memory kit offers phenomenal value for money, allowing you to save some cash for a future upgrade. Given that DDR4 is a technology that has already been discontinued by AMD, it makes sense to keep an eye on value for money.
You get 32GB (2x 16GB) of DDR4 at 3,200MT/s with a CAS latency of 16. You also get a large number of RGB LEDs and the iCUE software to tame them. These are compact modules, which shouldn't limit compatibility problems with your CPU cooling system. XMP 2.0 support means that setting up the modules is as simple as a quick jump into UEFI/BIOS and activating it.
PRODUCTS IN ARTICLE
