Best RAM for i9 11900K

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While Intel’s latest flagship consumer CPU, the Core i9-11900K is a beast, its performance is not much better than the last-gen 10900K. However, the 11900K still checks all the boxes in terms of performance, and it comes with eight cores and sixteen threads, too. And if you’re building a new PC around this chip, you’ll want the best RAM for the i9 11900K. RAM that is fast, so nothing slower than 3200MHz, Ram with low CAS Latency, and you’ll want a kit with at least two sticks to take advantage of dual-channel.

Those are the three major factors to consider with RAM, so to make things as easy for you as possible, we’ve selected some of the best RAM for i9 11900K that will allow you to make the most out of this CPU. Let’s not waste any more time and check out the options.

Best RAM for Intel Core i9-11900K

1. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB 4000MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 4,000MHz | CAS Latency: 19 | Timings: 19-23-23-45 (2T) | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 51mm/2″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Attractive design with bright RGB lights
  • Decent build quality with effective heat shredders
  • Can peak over 4,000MHz upon OC

Drawbacks

  • Tall in hieght

Corsair’s Vengeance RGB Pro kit hits the nail on the head for a lot of users, and if you want the best performance possible, it’s probably the best RAM for i9 11900K. This kit comes with two DIMM sticks of 8GB each, and they run at an impressive 4000MHz. Now, as if this wasn’t enough, you’re also looking at C19 timings, which is rather good for a kit at this speed.

On the outside, you’ve got an all-black heatsink that looks really good, but a thing to note is that it does get rather tall. If you’ve got a massive heatsink for your CPU, you might want to consider whether or not these will fit. On the top, you have strips that have addressable RGB LEDs, ten in each stick to be exact. These modules can be controlled from Corsair’s iCUE software, which is rather easy to use. You can sync them with other Corsair products, too.

A thing we love is that Corsair has a rather tight screening process for their ICs, and if you want a kit that’s definitely great for overclocking, they’ve got you covered. The Vengeance RGB Pro is a great choice because it performs better than most kits out there while looking rather nice and not costing an insane amount either.

2. G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32GB 3600MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 43mm/1.69″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Offers C16 latency at 3,600MHz, ideal for Intel chips
  • Attractive design with vivid RGB lights
  • Effective heat shredders

Drawbacks

  • Build quality could be better
  • Expensive

G.Skill’s Trident Z Neo series kit is one of the best-sellers by the brand, and there are quite a few reasons for it. But the main one is the fact that the kit gets you excellent performance, especially for overclocking, at a price that many would consider reasonable.

The kit comes with two 16GB DIMMs, that run at 3600MHz. While this could be considered “just enough” for many if you’re talking about Intel chips, G.Skill go one step further – you get C16 timings at 1.35V. That means that the kit will let you overclock your CPU and make the most of it even if you’re not going to overclock the RAM kit itself.

Aside from performance, you’re looking at a reasonably low profile heatsink that does a great job of keeping the sticks cool. The black and white design is nice in and of itself, but of course, G.Skill does get you RGB LEDs to add a bit of flair to the kit. What we aren’t huge fans of is the fact that you need G.Skill’s own proprietary software to control the lights – integration with motherboard manufacturers would’ve been nice.

All things considered, the Trident Z Neo 32GB kit is a great choice for the Core i9-11900K, and a solid pick if you don’t want to spend too much on unnecessary features, too.

3. Crucial Ballistix 32GB 3200MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,200MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-18-18-38 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 39.17mm/1.54″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Automated XMP 2.0 Support
  • Great latency and timings
  • Multiple color options

Drawbacks

  • Design may be a bit plain for some

Crucial’sBallistix kit has always been the go-to budget RAM option, even in the days of non-RGB, DDR3 memory. That reputation still stands, which is why the Ballistix 32GB kit is our recommendation if you want high capacity but don’t want to spend too much on looks and insane high frequencies.

The 32GB kit comes with two sticks at 3200MHz. True, this might not be the best RAM for i9 11900K if you’re going to be overclocking the CPU, but on the other hand, we did mention this is a budget kit. You have XMP 2.0 support for automatic overclocking, as well as C16 timings, which is pretty decent considering the price. Yes, it might not get you the absolute best in terms of performance, but it is absolutely sufficient.

The design is all about being understated. We’re talking about an all-black aluminum heatsink with nothing but the Ballistix logo on the side and top, and that’s it. You do also get it in red or white, though, so if you want to match your build, that’s certainly an option. To add to this, the heatsink is pretty low profile, so you can fit just about any air cooler you’d like above it, and you will probably have no issues with clearance. A great choice in terms of value, overall.

4. G.Skill Trident Z Royal 32GB 4000MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 4,000MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.40V | Height: 39.17mm/1.54″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Optimized for Gaming performance
  • Attractive diamond-style modules
  • Aluminum heat spreaders are good at heat dissipation

Drawbacks

  • Pricey

If you’re all about the bling and want your RAM kit to look twice as good as it performs, G.Skill’s Trident Z Royal is the perfect kit for you. Yes, this is an expensive kit, but you get both the looks and the performance, so we do believe it’s worth checking out.

Looks first, of course, the kit comes with an all-silver heatsink on the sides, which doesn’t only look great, but also does a great job of keeping the modules cool. At the top is where the magic happens, though, because you’ve got crystal-like RGB lights, which G.Skill themselves refer to as a “crystalline light bar”. It sounds fancy, but it does a great job at scattering the RGB lights to make them look really pretty and they’ll reflect on whatever surrounds the DIMM sticks.

But it’s not all about looks – you’re looking at two 16GB sticks that run at 4000MHz, and to add to this, at C18 timings. Whether you’re overclocking or not, there’s no denying that the Trident Z Royal is an absolute beast of a kit to have. It’s going to allow you to push your CPU real hard, and it’s going to look royally (pun intended) good while at it.

5. G.SkillRipjaws V 32GB 3600MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 42mm/1.65″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Fast performance with intel chips
  • Great timings
  • Attractive all-matte black design with no RGB lights

Drawbacks

  • Visual design may be too aggressive for some

G.Skills’ Ripjaws V kits are known for their excellent performance, as well as the overall value they get you. At a low price, you get a kit with matched modules that looks nice and simple and performs admirably. So, should you get it for an i9 11900K? Yes, absolutely, and we’re about to show you why.

On the outside, the kits look simple. Too simple, we might say, and even a bit outdated. There’s merely a couple of G.Skill logos at the top and sides, and the Ripjaws V logo on the sides, too. But otherwise, it’s just an all-black heatsink that is here for function, rather than looks. Unfortunately, this also means that you don’t get RGB lights or any other flashy thing you might like, which for some might be a dealbreaker.

In terms of performance, though, you’re looking at dual 16GB sticks that run at 3600MHz. They’re also sitting at C16 timings, which at this price, is more than you’ll get with pretty much any other kit. Of course, some might suggest overclocking to either get a better frequency or tighter timings. But this is a value kit, and we’d doubt you’ll get too far. If you’re looking to save a bit (or you just don’t need extreme performance), by all means, go for it.

6. Thermaltake TOUHGRAM RGB 16GB 4400MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 4,400MHz | CAS Latency: 19 | Timings: 19-25-25-45 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 48.2mm/1.89″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Good timings and latency for 4400MHz modules
  • Great build quality
  • Vibrant RGB lighting

Drawbacks

  • Pricey

If you aren’t opposed to spending a bit more on your RAM kit, as far as it gets you performance (and looks), Thermaltake’s TOUGHRAM modules should be right up your alley. The design is rather simple, yet looks great, and the performance you’ll get from these kits is actually really, really good.

Many will say this is the best RAM for i9 11900K – and it’s easy to see why, with the two 8GB DIMMs coming in at a rather insane 4400MHz. This is, for many, more than you’d need, but if you’re going to push your CPU hard and overclock it, fast RAM will go a long way towards getting good results. To make things even better, you’ve got C19 timings, which is pretty neat when you consider the frequency.

But it’s not just the performance you’re getting from the TOUGHRAM kits. The design is so simple, yet so effective, that it’s going to make the kits a talking point for your PC in an instant. The RGB LEDs inside are addressable, with 10 LEDs in each module. You can opt to control them with Thermaltake’s own software, or you could opt for using the controller on your motherboard. They even go one step further – you can sync it with Razer Chroma, and it works with Alexa, too! Even though yes, this isn’t the cheapest RAM, you do get a lot for your money.

7. Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB 3200MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,200MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-20-20-38 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 33mm/1.32″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • XMP 2.0 supported with above-average OC abilities
  • Pretty subtle design with effective heat shredders
  • No RGB lights, ideal for people with clean builds

Drawbacks

  • On the pricey side

If there’s one thing that perfectly describes Corsair’s Vengeance LPX kits, it’s the fact that you just can’t go wrong with them. They’re excellent when it comes to performance, they’re low profile enough to not cause any issues, and they are priced really, really well.

When it comes to performance, this kit gets you two DIMM sticks of 16GB, at 3200MHz. The thing is, you get C16 timings, which is great and does mean that upping the voltage slightly will get you better results. Yes, we recommend trying to overclock, because Corsair puts these through a tight screening process that makes sure they have quite a lot of overclocking headroom. Even the PCB is selected for that, too. You do get XMP 2.0 support, though, so if you don’t want to bother, you don’t have to overclock.

In terms of design, you’re looking at a really subtle one. They do come in a few colors, but it’s all a single color affair with nothing but the Vengeance LPX logo at the side, and a Corsair logo at the top. A lot of people do like this, though, as well as the fact that this is a low-profile heatsink. It’s just 34mm, so no issues with compact builds and massive air coolers.

And the icing on the cake? Limited lifetime warranty, which is excellent. If you want performance and durability, at a good price, the Vengeance LPX kits are pretty much impossible to beat. Well, unless you want RGB, that is.

8. Patriot Viper Steel Series 32GB 3600MHz

Specifications

Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 4,400MHz | CAS Latency: 19 | Timings: 19-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 44.45mm/1.75″ | Warranty: Lifetime

Benefits

  • Reasonably priced for 32GB
  • Fast performance and rigid build quality
  • Features sophisticated-looking heat shredders that keep the temps on the down-low

Drawbacks

  • Some stability issues reported at higher speeds

Not everyone is a fan of RGB and flashy lights – some people would just like a build with subtle aesthetics and good performance. If this sounds like you, the Viper Steel Series kits from Patriot are a great choice. For a rather reasonable price, you get high-performance kits that are made to blend in with subtle builds that don’t need lights.

The capacity is 32GB, and you’re looking at a frequency of 3600MHz, which is respectable, to say the least. What’s neat is the C19 timings – these are rather tight and will allow you to get a lot out of your CPU if you’re overclocking. And to add to this, if you were to move from that 1.35V voltage, you can probably get even tighter timings out of them. Keep in mind that overclocking does void warranty, so take this with a huge grain of salt.

On the outside, as we mentioned a few times, the RAM kit is all about subtlety. You’re getting silver aluminum heatsinks that are all about function, and a snake (convenient) logo on the side to indicate the Viper series. Overall, the Viper Steel Series kit might not win any awards, but if you don’t want to spend too much, and looks take a back seat to performance, this is the RAM kit to go for.

­­­Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, if you’re going to get a high-end CPU, and overclock it, it’s definitely worth getting higher-end RAM with low latency and a high frequency. Yes, it might be a bit pricey, but you’re going to maximize performance, and that’s worth it. 

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