Introduction
When conjuring up a plan to build a gaming PC, there are certain component combinations that need to be considered carefully in order to get the most fluid performance possible. A lot of the attention is often drawn towards the CPU and GPU, or CPU and motherboard, but selecting the perfect memory for your processor will have a major impact on the speed of your system.
For a CPU such as Intel’s vastly popular Core i5 13600K, its important to pick up a memory solution that can keep up with the power of your CPU, as this will provide responsive loading times and better legs when trying to be productive. There are a wide range of RAM kits that can provide the efficiency and speed required for a mid-range gaming PC, but which kits are the superior choice in this scenario?
Suggested Article: Best RAM for the Intel Core i7 13700K
In this buyers guide, we’ll be discussing our picks for the best RAM kits to pair up with the Intel Core i5 13600K, along with our advice on the key factors to consider when picking the perfect memory for your gaming PC.
Our Recommendations
1. Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4
👑 The best budget RAM for i5 13600K.
Introduction
First up, we have an affordable and reliable option from Corsair with the Vengeance LPX DDR4. As the most budget-friendly series within Corsair’s range of RAM, making it a great choice for consumers looking to assemble a gaming rig that is incredibly cost effective. With this specific kit offering 16GB capacity and CL18 CAS latency, it’s fast enough to run most games at 1080p, with some legs at 1440p in select titles to boot.
Whilst combining this memory with the i5 13600K won’t lead to optimal gaming performance, it is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy shorter loading times in a range of titles, as well as to dabble in some editing or streaming tasks. In terms of design, the heatsinks are kept fairly simplistic to reduce costs, but the notched DIMM sticks still offer some visual appeal when slotted into a gaming PC.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 |
|---|---|
| RAM Generation | DDR4 |
| Speed | 3600MHz |
| CAS Latency | CL18 |
| Capacity | 16GB (2x8GB) |
| Colour | Black |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Very affordable: To put it simply, this RAM is one the cheapest kits available that works well with the i5 13600K. For almost half the price of other DDR4 RAM on the market, users can get their hands on responsive 1080p gameplay, making it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget.
Strong DDR4 performance: With transfer speeds of 3600MHz and a CL18 latency, this RAM is one of the fastest 16GB DRR4 kits available. This provides a solid balance between price and performance.
Things We Don’t Like
16GB capacity: Whilst 16GB of memory is a suitable amount to play most modern titles, it walks a fine line when it comes to modern game requirements. As a result, this kit has a relatively short lifespan.
Only for budget systems: Adding onto the previous point, this budget-friendly option does come with performance limitations, which means it will struggle to keep up with the i5 13600K when pushed to the limit.
Summary
For i5 13600K users with a restricted budget, the Corsair Vengeance LPX is one of the cheapest RAM kits available that can still handle the demands of a modern gaming PC. Whilst the 16GB capacity and reduced speeds with DDR4 does come with some performance setbacks, it will be snappy enough to cope with an array of titles at 1080p.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Performance: 3.8/5
Value for Money: 4.3/5
Pros
- Great value for money
- Ideal for budget systems
- Sophisticated appearance
Cons
- Will struggle with demanding games
- Lack of longevity
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 on:
2. G.Skill Trident Z Royal
👑 The best looking RAM for i5 13600K.
Introduction
On the other end of the scale, we have the G.Skill Trident Z Royal, a stunning RAM kit which adds a regal tint to any build that uses it, whilst also offering substantial gaming performance. Whilst this 32GB DDR4 memory offers improved speeds in comparison to the previous entry featured in this roundup, the enhanced aesthetics is what makes this kit a more luxurious choice for budget and mid-range systems.
Acting as the crown jewel to any gaming PC, the crystallised look along the top of the DIMM slots comes with underlying RGB lighting, allowing them to shine bright like a diamond. Available in either silver or gold, gamers looking to include some bling within their setup should look no further than the Trident Z Royal.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | G.Skill Trident Z Royal |
|---|---|
| RAM Generation | DDR4 |
| Speed | 3600MHz |
| CAS Latency | CL16 |
| Capacity | 32GB (2x16GB) |
| Colour | Silver, Gold |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Regal appearance: With DIMM slots that portray a diamond encrusted look, this memory is a strong option for those wanting to show off every aspect of their gaming PC. Along with the shimmer provided by the RGB accents, the silver or gold heatsinks are a great way to spruce up a budget-friendly system.
Strong DDR4 option: Though the main selling point for this kit is definitely its visual appeal, the G.Skill Trident Z Royal still offers solid performance in a range of titles thanks to its 32GB capacity and low latency.
Things We Don’t Like
Expensive design: To gain the privilege of picking up this noble design, builders should be willing to pay an excess sum for a kit that has less performance than you’d expect for the price.
Limited use-case: We’re always happy to see a manufacturer take a risk by producing a design that sits outside the conventions for modern gaming PCs. However, these designs will always split opinions, making it less appealing to the masses.
Summary
As the name suggests, the G.Skill Trident Z Royal is all about bringing a sense of nobility and fashionable design to a gaming setup. Whilst the appearance is slightly unconventional, the 32GB capacity and 3600MHz speeds result in performance that is more common for DDR4 memory to possess.
Features: 4.2/5
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for Money: 3.8/5
Pros
- Premium aesthetic
- 32GB capacity
- Performs well in most systems
Cons
- Not great value for money
- Design is not for everyone
Where to Buy
Buy the G.Skill Trident Z Royal on:
[adrotate banner=”9″]3. Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RC
👑 The best RAM for i5 13600K workstations.
Introduction
Moving back to a more reserved design now with Thermaltake’s TOUGHRAM RC, a RAM kit that puts the focus on performance instead of looks. As the first DDR5 option, this RAM offers significantly higher speeds than its DDR4 counterparts. With transfer speeds up to 4800MHz, this memory will have no issues running even the most demanding titles and productivity applications.
Along with a 32GB capacity and higher speeds that are ideal for productivity tasks, the no-nonsense design on the heatsinks makes this an ideal choice within a stealthier gaming rig or workstation. The lack of RGB makes kit less appealing to gamers, but for those looking to keep things professional while on a tighter budget, this is an ideal pick.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RC |
|---|---|
| RAM Generation | DDR5 |
| Speed | 4800MHz |
| CAS Latency | CL40 |
| Capacity | 32GB (2x16GB) |
| Colour | Black |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Affordable DDR5 memory: Whilst DDR5 RAM in general is becoming more accessible, the lack of bells and whistles on this design means consumers can enjoy a more responsive system for a price that isn’t too far off the best DDR4 kits on the market.
Ideal for workstations: With the sophisticated appearance and ability to reduce waiting times in even the most demanding of work-centric applications, the TOUGHRAM RC is an ideal choice for builders using their system in an office environment.
Things We Don’t Like
Won’t appeal to gamers: As this kit lacks RGB lighting and any sort of abstract design on the housing, this RAM will look fairly lacklustre alongside other gaming-themed components. As a result, this design isn’t an appealing choice for gaming-oriented build.
Better DDR5 kits available: The speeds on this kit will be a significant improvement on most DDR4 memory, all for a price that isn’t too far beyond the budget of most i5 13600K users. However, there are plenty of DDR5 kits that will offer better performance, making it worth a browse before committing to this option.
Summary
Overall, the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RC allows i5 13600K users to access the benefits of DDR5 memory without having a pay to much compared to DDR4 kits, making it decent value for money. Whilst the more reserved appearance is better suited to workstations and stealth-oriented builds, the improved performance means that gamers and non-gamers alike should take note.
Features: 4/5
Design: 3.8/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- Cheap DDR5 kit
- Professional design
- Great for workstations
Cons
- Not ideal for gaming PCs
- Better DDR5 options
Where to Buy
Buy the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RC on:
4. Kingston FURY Beast
👑 The best DDR5 RAM for i5 13600K.
Introduction
Last but by no means least, we have the Kingston FURY Beast. As another DDR5 kit with a 32GB capacity, this RAM offers high-quality performance that will allow most systems to run an array of games at their best, no matter what settings are enabled. Combining the 5600MHz transfer speeds with the i5 13600K results in high-speed performance that will be sufficient to handle the daily needs of most gamers without experiencing technical issues.
Though the lack of RGB somewhat hinders this kit’s appeal to gamers, the intricate shapes and detailing on the heatsink mean this design won’t look out of place in either a gaming-oriented rig or workstation. In addition, this design is available in either black or white, allowing consumers to choose a colour-scheme that will match the rest of their build.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Kingston FURY Beast |
|---|---|
| RAM Generation | DDR5 |
| Speed | 5600MHz |
| CAS Latency | CL36 |
| Capacity | 32GB (2x16GB) |
| Colour | Black, White |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Fast DDR5 memory: For anyone using the i5 13600K in a mid-range or high-end gaming PC, the improved speeds available on this kit will be very beneficial when running demanding titles at 1440p or 4K settings, as well as for tasks such as video editing.
Versatile design: In terms of appearance, this RAM strikes a good balance between abstract and subtle, making it a worthy inclusion in both gaming and work-based systems. But where it is most suited to is a stealth-oriented gaming PC.
Things We Don’t Like
Lack of RGB: For many gamers, the one aspect in which this kit is lacking is in the RGB department. We’re inclined to agree, as a splash of colour would add some extra flair to make this design truly stand out.
Higher price point: Like many other DDR5 kits, this RAM has dropped significantly in price over the past few months. However, it is still quite the jump from DDR4, so only gamers who are willing to spend more on their RAM should consider this option.
Summary
Gamers building a more powerful system around the i5 13600K which strives for solid performance at 1440p or 4K, then the Kingston FURY Beast is one of the best options available. With the improved speeds that come along with DDR5 memory and a well-balanced aesthetic, this kit will easily fit into most builds without any issues.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Great for 1440p & 4K gaming
- Design works in most systems
- Strong in productivity scenarios
Cons
- No RGB lighting
- More expensive than DDR4
Where to Buy
Buy the Kingston FURY Beast on:
[adrotate banner=”12″]Is the Core i5 13600K Good for Gaming?
In short, yes. The Intel Core i5 13600K is arguably one of the best processors on the market, especially when you start looking at value for money. Whilst a lot of Intel’s 13th-Gen CPUs perform well in gaming-based scenarios, the i5 13600K is arguably the best design at performing above its paygrade. Because of this, the i5 13600K is an ideal pick for gamers building a mid-range or budget-friendly system, as it provides stellar performance at both 1080p and 1440p, whilst offering a glimpse of promise in 4K settings.
Along with strong performance capabilities, this CPU offers lots of versatility to builders on a budget, allowing for greater freedom when selecting parts to go alongside it. Unlike their AMD Ryzen 7000 counterparts, Intel 13th-gen CPUs are compatible with both current and pervious generation platforms, making it easier to upgrade or find components to use with this processor.
Does Intel 13th Gen Support DDR4 and DDR5 Memory?
Fortunately for i5 13600K users, both DDR4 and DDR5 memory can be used with all Intel 13th-gen CPUs, allowing gamers to pick the memory that is best suited to their budget. This is a major benefit compared to AMD’s latest generation of processors, as the AM5 platform requires DDR5 memory to operate. Not only does this restrict the components that are compatible with each AMD processor, but it also means consumers are forced to pay more when putting a build together.
Whilst the slow decrease in price has made the DDR5 requirements less problematic, the flexibility of Intel’s processors is a clear advantage for users on a tighter budget. Also, the inclusion of cross-compatibility between Intel 12th and 13th-gen CPUs makes upgrading from the previous generation very affordable, as gamers only have to switch out their CPU, instead of having to replace their CPU, motherboard, and RAM all at once.
Why You Can Trust Us
As you scroll through the recommendations for this buyers guide, you might be wondering why you can our thoughts and opinions on this subject. Allow us to explain. Our team is made up of PC hardware and gaming experts that regularly test a range of products to see how they perform under different gaming and general usage scenarios. After benchmarking and using a product for an extended period of time, we’ll then configure a general overview of our thoughts regarding the product in question. These opinions are then portrayed to our audience through our YouTube videos and written content.
If you are interested in finding out more about our evaluation methods, as well as further details on our editorial promise, head to the about us section.
How We Tested the Best RAM for Intel Core i5 13600K
In order to test and evaluate the best RAM to pair with Intel’s Core i5 13600K, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Speed & Latency
- Capacity & form factor
- Compatibility
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Conclusion
Best RAM for Intel Core i5 13600K: Kingston FURY Beast
After comparing all of the RAM kits featured in this list, the option that stands out as the best memory to accompany the Intel Core i5 13600K is the Kingston FURY Beast. Along with the excellent speeds provided with this 32GB DDR5 memory, the versatile design means this RAM will easily slot into most systems. It may require a slightly larger investment than DDR4, but the reductions in recent has made the jump in price worth it.
Buy the Kingston FURY Beast on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DDR5 RAM Better than DDR4?
In terms of performance, DDR5 memory is better than DDR4 thanks to the increased speed allowing more tasks to be completed in quick at one time. However, this memory is more expensive, which brings the value of DDR5 into question.
Is 16GB RAM Enough for Gaming?
Yes. Currently, 16GB RAM kits are enough to support the demands of the latest titles. Despite this, we’d recommend grabbing a 32GB kit, as this will guarantee that your system will support the latest game releases for your to come.
How Much Should I Spend on RAM?
For a gaming PC equipped with an i5 13600K processor, we’d recommend spending roughly $50-$100, as there should be plenty of options within this price range to support your gaming needs.
Should I Be Worried About CAS Latency?
Not really. Whilst lower CAS latency is always preferred because it reduces time it takes for RAM to process data, increasing the transfer speeds will have a greater impact on gaming performance.
