Even though Intel CPUs aren’t all that picky as far as RAM goes, having fast memory is always beneficial if you want to make the most of your system. Below we have some of the best RAM for Intel 10th gen CPUs that you can find.
We made sure to include something for everyone – both RGB and non-RGB, faster and slower options, as well as various capacities. To sweeten the pot even further, we’ll also touch upon the few different specifications and why you should be careful about them.
G.Skill Trident Z Neo 16GB 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 43mm/1.69″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Optimized for Intel-based computers
- Stunning design with customizable RGB lights
- Above-average performance when overclocked
Drawbacks
- A bit pricey
G.Skill is a well-established player in the memory game, and their Trident series of memory is some of the best RAM you can get on the market. Their latest option is the Trident Z Neo, a kit that comes in various capacities (the one we’ve chosen is 2x8GB), and with various frequencies, too (the one we’re looking at currently is the 3600MHz model).
If you’re building a gaming or work rig based on Intel’s new CPUs, 16GB of RAM should have you well taken care of. It’s also worth mentioning this is a 2x8GB kit, which means you’re taking advantage of dual-channel memory. With a voltage of 1.35V, you can expect the timings here to be 16-19-19-39. While this might not be particularly impressive, note that you’re looking at a 3600MHz kit, which is rather fast and pretty easy to overclock, too.
To add to the performance itself, you’re also looking at a memory kit that has customizable RGB lights, which is a nice addition depending on your case’s aesthetics. It’s an excellent kit overall.
Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 51mm/2″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Good latency and timings
- Metallic exterior with premium build quality
- Customizable RGB lights
- Built-in temperature sensors
Drawbacks
- On the tall side in terms of height
Many enthusiasts love Corsair’s memory kits, and the Vengeance RGB Pro gives you a lot of reasons to do so. From the tight timings and high frequencies to the screening process that goes on during manufacturing, you’re looking at a memory kit that’s going to perform better than you expect, for quite some time.
To begin with, you’ve got a kit with two 8GB sticks, so a total of 16GB of memory, and in dual channel. This checks all the boxes for a modern gaming rig, and so does the fact that this kit runs at 3600MHz. It’s really fast. The timings are rather nice at 18-22-22-42, especially when you consider the speed and all the additional extras that come with the kit.
What additional extras? Well, the RGB lights, for example, which you can control via Corsair’s CUE software, or the custom PCB that’s tailored for performance. There’s also the fact that you have temperature sensors to report the kit’s temperature to your system, which might come in handy when you’re trying to achieve a stable overclock. If you want a simple-looking kit with a bit of RGB, this black 16GB kit should be perfect.
G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32GB 3200MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (4x8GB) | Speed: 3,200MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-18-18-38 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 45mm/1.77″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Vivid RGB lights
- Excellent performance
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Drawbacks
- Expensive
Even though today you have the brand-new Trident Z Neo kit, it’s worth discussing its predecessor – the Trident Z RGB kit. It is now with a slightly lower price, which means you can get a high speed, high capacity kit at a reasonable price.
This specific model comes with two 16GB modules, which means that you not only make use of dual-channel, but you also have 32GB of RAM, which should have you set in terms of futureproofing, too. It’s more than most modern games require, but you can never have too much, right?
What’s particularly nice about the kit are the timings. This is a 3200MHz kit, which is still more than enough for an Intel build, but you’re getting 16-18-18-38 timings at a 1.35V voltage. This is pretty nice, and you’re looking at reliable performance and excellent speeds.
To add to this, you also have pretty efficient heatsinks, as well as RGB lights that you can customize if looks are important to you. Note that the heatsinks aren’t exactly low profile, so you might have some problems if you’re looking to use a bulky CPU cooler.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 64GB 3200MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 64GB (2x32GB) | Speed: 3,200MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-20-20-38 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 33mm/1.32″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Compact design offers the flexibility to install in any compatible motherboard
- Good performance in both gaming and non-gaming tasks
- Clean matte-black exterior with a solid build quality
Drawbacks
- Only consists of a single module
- The timing isn’t impressive
This is the ideal high-capacity RAM for intel 10th gen CPU PC builds. It comes with two 32GB sticks, which gives you a total capacity of 64GB, in dual channel, and they run at 3200MHz. This is more than plenty for 10th generation Intel CPUs. The timings are rather reasonable at 16-20-20-38, even though admittedly, they could’ve been a tad better. Considering the price, however, we’re not complaining.
There’s also the fact that both modules come with rather beefy heatsinks that don’t extend too much in terms of height. If you’ve got a larger CPU cooler that has clearance issues, this might be the kit to go for as it’s considerably low profile.
There’s no denying that not everyone is a fan of flashy lights in their system, and many would rather go for an all-black, subdued look that doesn’t attract too much attention. If this is the case with you, you’ll love Corsair’s Vengeance LPX kit.
Last but not least, these kits have all been tested for performance and compatibility, which means that you’ll get the performance Corsair promises and no less. Each module is individually tested for overclocking capabilities, so you should have no problems there either. It’s overall a great 64GB Kit.
G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 42mm/1.65″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Flawless performance
- Above-average overclocking abilities
- Affordable
- Optimized for gaming performance
Drawbacks
- The exterior isn’t very attractive
While some might argue that it’s the Trident series that takes the title for G.Skill’s best memory, you shouldn’t forget their other incredibly popular lineup – the Ripjaws, and more specifically, the Ripjaws V we’re taking a look at at the moment. This is a pretty wallet-friendly kit that comes with excellent performance and a subdued black design with no flashy lights (that’s what keeps the price low).
The performance is excellent. This is a 16GB kit with two 8GB modules, so you get dual-channel memory, and they run at 3600MHz. Experienced system builders will notice that this is much higher than what is required with a modern Intel build, but faster memory can’t hurt, can it? The timings are pretty nice, and you’re looking at 18-22-22-42. In and of itself, this isn’t too impressive, but at this price? Yes, it’s great.
Last but not least, the black heatsinks do keep the modules themselves cool, and while they aren’t the lowest profile heatsinks we’ve seen, they shouldn’t cause too much of an issue with beefier air coolers. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, this kit is an excellent way to do so.
Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 51mm/2″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Premium build with vibrant RGB lights
- Solid performance and overlocking abilities
- Dual-rank modules for faster performance
Drawbacks
- Expensive as it is 32GB
- Tall in terms of height
If 16GB is just not enough for you, and you want a higher capacity kit that will still look nice and perform admirably? Look no further than the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB kit, a kit that comes with four 8GB modules, has decent timings, and has well-designed lights and excellent heatsinks.
To begin with, as we mentioned, you’re looking at 32GB of memory. But while you do get four modules, this is a kit that’s meant to work in dual channel. The advertised speeds are 3600MHz, which is quite higher than what most Intel builds require, but that’s not all. Corsair has been known to push their memory quite a bit, so you might be able to get a bit more with overclocking.
Last but not least, the multi-zone lighting with 10 LEDs per module just looks stunning. It works with MSI’s Mystic Light, Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion, and even ASUS’s Aura Sync, and is very well implemented. The modules look nice, and the synchronization capabilities are great, too.
If you want to get four sticks instead of two and get yourself sorted in terms of futureproofing, this 32GB kit could very well be the one to go for.
Patriot Viper Steel 16GB 4400MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 4,400MHz | CAS Latency: 15 | Timings: 15-15-15-36 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 44.45mm/1.75″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Fairly inexpensive for its speed
- Can peak at above 4,400MHz
- Effective heat shredders keep the module cool
Drawbacks
- Stability problems at speeds closer to 4400MHz
Patriot has been making some nice memory lately, and their Steel Series modules are kits for people who would want to get the best there is in terms of performance, without any additional fuss like RGB. And if this sounds like you, this kit just might hit home.
To begin with, you’re looking at two 8GB sticks for a total of 16GB. This might sound like a regular kit, but this is where it gets interesting – the sticks run at an impressive 4400Mhz. This is a lot, and if you’re running any kind of hardware or software that can make use of it, it’s going to make a massive difference. Then there are the timings, too. You wouldn’t expect them to be any good at this frequency, right? Wrong, with XMP 2.0 overclocking, you can get 15-15-15-36 timings, which is better than many lower frequency kits.
Last but not least, even though there’s no RGB, you still get a decent-sized heatsink that will keep the memory cool, and it looks nice, too. It’s a silver and black combination, which means it will fit in just about any color theme you have in mind.
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB 3000MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 3,000MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-18-18-38 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 32mm/1.26″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Low-profile design offers flexibility to easily fit into all kinds of motherboards
- A great budget option
- Reliable and also comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Can be overclocked to peak at above 3,000MHz
Drawbacks
- Not much overhead room
TEAMGROUP may not be the first brand that springs to mind when you’re looking at memory. However, they have high-quality kits that work very well and are pretty reliable, the Vulcan Z being one of them. And the best thing about it? It comes at a fraction of the price of the competition.
The Vulcan Z is a dual-channel kit that comes with two 8GB sticks for a total of 16GB of memory. The speed is 3000MHz, which is pretty respectable for an Intel build since you don’t need anything too high here. The timings are decent, too, and you’re looking at CL16-18-18-38, which isn’t bad, at a voltage of 1.35V. Every chip that TEAMGROUP sells goes through a testing process, and this ensures you don’t have any stability issues or other problems.
We would’ve liked to see RGB at this price, but TEAMGROUP has decided to go for an understated look instead, and just add a good heatsink that will cool the memory, and will blend in just about any rig. If this sounds like something you can work with, the T-Force Vulcan Z kit is a great choice for any Intel system.
How do you choose the best RAM for Intel 10th gen CPUs?
While there are a few key factors to keep an eye out for, there’s one thing we should get out of the way first. If you have the option, always go with a dual channel. Most, if not all modern motherboards support dual-channel memory, and it makes a massive difference in everything from day-to-day tasks, to gaming performance. With that out of the way, let’s discuss frequencies and timings.
Higher frequencies are usually better
When it comes to the frequency, AMD’s newer CPUs seem to demand high-performance memory, and we wouldn’t suggest going for anything less than 3600MHz. However, Intel is a lot more reasonable in this regard, and getting a lower frequency kit won’t limit you that much in terms of performance.
In any case, if you can afford it, by all means, go for a 3600MHz kit. It seems to be the sweet spot with DDR4, and today you can get plenty of kits that have excellent prices, tight timings, and a few extra things like RGB lights and temperature sensors.
Lower latency is better
On the other hand, when looking at the RAM timings, or latency, lower is always better. Lower latency means that the memory itself requires less time to access the next bit of memory that’s required. However, lower latencies, or tighter timings, are something that you’ll often pay for, and quite a bit we might add.
When it comes to a 3600MHz kit, your goal should be to have a CAS timing of 16. Corsair’s Vengeance PRO RGB kit has such a timing, for example, and so does the G.Skill Trident Z Neo. If you have anything less than 16, you’re looking at high-performance memory, but it’s going to cost you quite a bit. You could find lower latency on memory kits that run at slightly lower frequencies, such as 3200MHz, but you’re still making somewhat of a compromise here.
Do you need RGB?
It is up to you, but systems with RGB RAM modules do tend to be much more visually appealing. You should decide whether or not you need it, because if you don’t, you could save quite a bit by going for a conventional heatsink without lighting. It’s all a matter of personal preference. Additionally, if you plan to sell your PC in the future you should go for RGB Ram sticks as this will help the resale value.
