Buying Guide
The Best RAM for the Intel Core i9-13900K
Six DDR5 kits for the Core i9-13900K compared on speed, CAS latency, capacity and voltage on Z790 boards.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Intel 13th Gen chips run fast DDR5 more readily than AM5, especially on Z790 boards. XMP kits set this up in one step.
We compared six DDR5 kits for the 13900K. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Timing
TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL347200MT/s at CL34.
Best for: Z790 boards that support 7200MT/s.
Check price for TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL34 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL38FURY Renegade 7200 offers 7200MT/s at CL38 with XMP, for Intel boards that support high memory speeds.
Best for: Buyers who want 7200mt/s rating for intel builds tuned for speed.
Check price for Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL38 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Crucial Pro 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6400 CL32Crucial Pro 6400 offers 6400MT/s at CL32 with both EXPO and XMP profiles, in a plain black finish.
Best for: Buyers who want both amd expo and intel xmp profiles.
Check price for Crucial Pro 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Safest Speed
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6400 CL326400MT/s CL32 with XMP.
Best for: Boards without a 7200MT/s listing.
Check price for Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
CORSAIR Vengeance 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30Vengeance 64GB offers 6000MT/s at CL30 across two 32GB sticks.
Best for: Buyers who want tight cl30 timings.
Check price for CORSAIR Vengeance 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best 64GB
TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6400 CL3064GB at 6400MT/s CL30.
Best for: Creative work.
Check price for TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6400 CL30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Timing1 of 6
TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL34
The Delta RGB 7200 kit offers 7200MT/s at CL34 with XMP, the fastest pairing of speed and timing here.
Best for
- Z790 boards that support 7200MT/s.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: xMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings.
Why we like it
Its CL34 CAS latency ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the Vengeance 64GB (CL30) and ahead of the FURY Renegade 7200 (CL38). It matches the FURY Renegade 7200 on rated speed (7200MT/s). On capacity it ties with the FURY Renegade 7200, the Crucial Pro 6400 and the FURY Renegade RGB at 32GB (2 sticks).
It also offers SK Hynix A-die memory and XMP 3.0 tuning for Intel 600 and 700 series boards. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots.
RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. It was priced above the FURY Renegade 7200 and below the FURY Renegade RGB at the time of writing.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL34
- Rated speed
- 7200MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Profiles
- XMP
- RGB
- Yes
- Memory type
- DDR5
Pros
- 7200MT/s rating for Intel builds tuned for speed
- SK Hynix A-die memory
- XMP 3.0 tuning for Intel 600 and 700 series boards
- CAS latency of CL34, ahead of the FURY Renegade 7200
Cons
- XMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings
- Costs more than the Crucial Pro 6400 at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 6
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL38
FURY Renegade 7200 offers 7200MT/s at CL38 with XMP, for Intel boards that support high memory speeds.
Best for
- Buyers who want 7200mt/s rating for intel builds tuned for speed.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: xMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings.
Why we like it
Its CL38 CAS latency is the loosest in this group; the Vengeance 64GB leads at CL30. It matches the Delta RGB 7200 on rated speed (7200MT/s). On capacity it ties with the Delta RGB 7200, the Crucial Pro 6400 and the FURY Renegade RGB at 32GB (2 sticks).
You also get Kingston's infrared RGB syncing. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots.
RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. It was priced above the Crucial Pro 6400 and below the Delta RGB 7200 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL38
- Rated speed
- 7200MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Profiles
- XMP
- RGB
- Yes
- Memory type
- DDR5
Pros
- 7200MT/s rating for Intel builds tuned for speed
- Kingston's infrared RGB syncing
- Intel XMP 3.0 tuning
Cons
- XMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings
- CAS latency trails the Vengeance 64GB (CL30)
- Costs more than the Crucial Pro 6400 at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on CAS latency, where the Vengeance 64GB offers CL30.
Solid Alternative3 of 6
Crucial Pro 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6400 CL32
Crucial Pro 6400 offers 6400MT/s at CL32 with both EXPO and XMP profiles, in a plain black finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want both amd expo and intel xmp profiles.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: cAS latency of CL32, behind the Vengeance 64GB (CL30).
Why we like it
It matches the FURY Renegade RGB on CAS latency (CL32). It matches the FURY Renegade RGB and the Delta RGB 64GB on rated speed (6400MT/s). On capacity it ties with the Delta RGB 7200, the FURY Renegade 7200 and the FURY Renegade RGB at 32GB (2 sticks).
You get EXPO and XMP profiles here, which sets it apart from the Vengeance 64GB and its XMP profiles. It also comes with Micron memory from Crucial's parent company. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed.
It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the FURY Renegade 7200 was closest.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL32
- Rated speed
- 6400MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Profiles
- EXPO and XMP
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Colour
- Black
Pros
- Both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP profiles
- Micron memory from Crucial's parent company
- Plain black heatspreader
- CAS latency of CL32, ahead of the Delta RGB 7200
Cons
- CAS latency of CL32, behind the Vengeance 64GB (CL30)
The catch
What it gives up: CAS latency of CL32, behind the Vengeance 64GB (CL30); by contrast, the Vengeance 64GB offers CL30.
Safest Speed4 of 6
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6400 CL32
FURY Renegade RGB offers 6400MT/s at CL32 with an XMP profile, tuned for Intel boards.
Best for
- Boards without a 7200MT/s listing.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: xMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings.
Why we like it
It matches the Crucial Pro 6400 on CAS latency (CL32). It matches the Crucial Pro 6400 and the Delta RGB 64GB on rated speed (6400MT/s). On capacity it ties with the Delta RGB 7200, the FURY Renegade 7200 and the Crucial Pro 6400 at 32GB (2 sticks).
It also offers Kingston's infrared RGB syncing. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots.
RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. When we checked, only the Delta RGB 7200 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Delta RGB 64GB cost more.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL32
- Rated speed
- 6400MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Profiles
- XMP
- RGB
- Yes
- Memory type
- DDR5
Pros
- Kingston's infrared RGB syncing
- Intel XMP 3.0 tuning
- CAS latency of CL32, ahead of the Delta RGB 7200
- Rated speed of 6400MT/s, ahead of the Vengeance 64GB
Cons
- XMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings
- Capacity trails the Vengeance 64GB (64GB (2 sticks))
- Costs more than the Crucial Pro 6400 at the time of writing
The catch
Capacity is its weakest area, and the Vengeance 64GB covers it better at 64GB (2 sticks).
Worth Considering5 of 6
CORSAIR Vengeance 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
Vengeance 64GB offers 6000MT/s at CL30 across two 32GB sticks.
Best for
- Buyers who want tight cl30 timings.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: xMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings.
Why we like it
It matches the Delta RGB 64GB on CAS latency (CL30). Its 6000MT/s rated speed is the slowest in this group; the Delta RGB 7200 leads at 7200MT/s. On capacity it ties with the Delta RGB 64GB at 64GB (2 sticks).
It also comes with iCUE compatibility for monitoring. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots. Only the Delta RGB 64GB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL30
- Rated speed
- 6000MT/s
- Capacity
- 64GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage
- 1.4V
- Profiles
- XMP
- Memory type
- DDR5
Pros
- Tight CL30 timings
- 6000MT/s, the usual sweet spot for AM5
- 64GB for heavy multitasking and creative work
- ICUE compatibility for monitoring
Cons
- XMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings
- Rated speed trails the Delta RGB 7200 (7200MT/s)
- Costs more than the Crucial Pro 6400 at the time of writing
Best 64GB6 of 6
TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6400 CL30
Delta RGB 64GB offers 6400MT/s at CL30 with XMP, the tightest timings among the 64GB kits here.
Best for
- Creative work.
Skip if
- Pass on it if xMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On CAS latency it ties with the Vengeance 64GB at CL30. On rated speed it ties with the Crucial Pro 6400 and the FURY Renegade RGB at 6400MT/s. It matches the Vengeance 64GB on capacity (64GB (2 sticks)).
It also offers Micron M-die memory. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots.
RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. Its price falls between the FURY Renegade RGB and the Vengeance 64GB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL30
- Rated speed
- 6400MT/s
- Capacity
- 64GB (2 sticks)
- Profiles
- XMP
- RGB
- Yes
- Memory type
- DDR5
Pros
- Tight CL30 timings
- 64GB for heavy multitasking and creative work
- Micron M-die memory
- Rated speed of 6400MT/s, ahead of the Vengeance 64GB
Cons
- XMP profile only, so AM5 boards may need manual timings
- Costs more than the Crucial Pro 6400 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared six kits on CAS latency, rated speed, capacity and profiles as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 6 picks leave out RGB.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Delta RGB 7200 to the Delta RGB 64GB, state CAS latency, rated speed and capacity and share DDR5 memory type.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Crucial Pro 6400 and the Vengeance 64GB give no RGB.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Crucial Pro 6400 ($500 to $1000) to the Vengeance 64GB ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in an RAM for Core i9-13900K
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
CAS latency across these picks
Across these 6 picks CAS latency spans CL38 (the FURY Renegade 7200) to CL30 (the Vengeance 64GB). The Delta RGB 64GB comes second at CL30, in the same price tier as the Vengeance 64GB.
How much rated speed you need
The Delta RGB 7200 tops rated speed at 7200MT/s and the Vengeance 64GB sits lowest at 6000MT/s; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the FURY Renegade 7200 is the runner-up at 7200MT/s.
A laptop memory module installed in its SO-DIMM slot Capacity
The Vengeance 64GB tops capacity at 64GB (2 sticks) and the FURY Renegade RGB sits lowest at 32GB (2 sticks); 2 picks share the top figure. The Delta RGB 64GB comes second at 64GB (2 sticks), in the same price tier as the Vengeance 64GB.
RGB
The Delta RGB 7200, the FURY Renegade 7200, the FURY Renegade RGB and the Delta RGB 64GB have it.
Extras that separate them
The Crucial Pro 6400: a plain black heatspreader. The Vengeance 64GB: iCUE compatibility for monitoring. The Delta RGB 64GB: Micron M-die memory.
How to Choose an RAM for Core i9-13900K
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Z790 boards that support 7200MT/s | Delta RGB 7200 | 7200MT/s at CL34 |
| Boards without a 7200MT/s listing | FURY Renegade RGB | 6400MT/s CL32 with XMP |
| Creative work | Delta RGB 64GB | 64GB at 6400MT/s CL30 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Vengeance 64GB leads on CAS latency at CL30, ahead of the Delta RGB 64GB at CL30.
| Kit | CAS latency | Rated speed | Capacity | Profiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta RGB 7200 | CL34 | 7200MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | XMP |
| FURY Renegade 7200 | CL38 | 7200MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | XMP |
| Crucial Pro 6400 | CL32 | 6400MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | EXPO and XMP |
| FURY Renegade RGB | CL32 | 6400MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | XMP |
| Vengeance 64GB | CL30 | 6000MT/s | 64GB (2 sticks) | XMP |
| Delta RGB 64GB | CL30 | 6400MT/s | 64GB (2 sticks) | XMP |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Crucial Pro 6400 was the lowest-priced pick ($500 to $1000) and the Vengeance 64GB the highest ($1000 to $1500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Kits |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | Crucial Pro 6400, FURY Renegade 7200, Delta RGB 7200, FURY Renegade RGB |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Delta RGB 64GB, Vengeance 64GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Vengeance 64GB add over the Crucial Pro 6400?
The spec sheets show CAS latency (CL30 against CL32) and capacity (64GB (2 sticks) against 32GB (2 sticks)) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Crucial Pro 6400 still leads on rated speed (6400MT/s). On our last price check the Crucial Pro 6400 was in the $500 to $1000 tier and the Vengeance 64GB in the $1000 to $1500 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if CAS latency and capacity decide your purchase.
Why is the Delta RGB 7200 our Fastest Timing pick?
It carries the badge for 7200MT/s at CL34. The price of that: the Crucial Pro 6400, the cheapest pick, still beats it on CAS latency (CL32 against CL34). It makes sense for Z790 boards that support 7200MT/s.
Do the Delta RGB 7200 and the Crucial Pro 6400 differ on profiles?
The Delta RGB 7200, the FURY Renegade 7200, the FURY Renegade RGB, the Vengeance 64GB and the Delta RGB 64GB use XMP; the Crucial Pro 6400 uses EXPO and XMP.
What extras do the Delta RGB 7200 and the FURY Renegade 7200 include?
The Delta RGB 7200: SK Hynix A-die memory. The FURY Renegade 7200: Kingston's infrared RGB syncing. The Crucial Pro 6400: Micron memory from Crucial's parent company.
Who should choose the FURY Renegade RGB?
The FURY Renegade RGB carries our Safest Speed label for 6400MT/s CL32 with XMP. It ranks fourth of 6 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits boards without a 7200MT/s listing.
Bottom Line
Delta RGB 7200 CL34 suits boards that list 7200MT/s. FURY Renegade 6400 is the safer choice, and Delta RGB 64GB adds capacity.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Motherboards for the Intel Core i9-13900K
- Related guideThe Best DDR5 RAM Kits
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget RAM for Gaming PCs
- Similar guideThe Best RAM for the Intel Core i5-13600K
- ExplainerHow Much RAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerRAM Speed and Timings Explained
- Check compatibility: motherboardsWhat Is a Motherboard VRM and When Does It Matter?
- Similar guideThe Best DDR5 RAM for Intel
- Topic hubAll memory (ram) guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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