Check out the best RAM for your new 12th Gen Intel Core CPU
Best
RAM for Intel 12th Gen CPUs
Windows Central
2021
Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop processors (CPU) have arrived, bringing a new LGA 1700 socket for updated Z690 chipset motherboards. Many of these boards support new DDR5 RAM, though some stick with DDR4 support. Since you’re picking up a new motherboard, you’re probably also checking out the best RAM to use with your new 12th Gen Intel CPU. We’ve rounded up a bunch of the best DDR4 and DDR5 RAM right here.
Upgrade to DDR5:
GeIL Polaris RGB Sync 32GB
Editor’s choice
Fancy DDR4 RAM:
G.SKILL Trident Z RGB 16GB
Staff pick
Speedy DDR5 RAM:
XPG DDR5 32GB
A staple in many PCs:
Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB
Vengeance in DDR5:
Corsair Vengeance 32GB
Affordable DDR5:
Crucial 32GB
Building a new 12th Gen Intel PC
Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop CPUs have moved up to a new LGA 1700 socket, meaning these new chips will not work in your older motherboard. So far the only chipset out for these boards is Z690, and we’ve actually already rounded up some of the top options. Check out the best motherboards for Core i5-12600K, best motherboards for Core i7-12700K, and best motherboards for Core i9-12900K for an easy shopping experience.
We’re in sort of a transition period between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, and these Z690 motherboards will support one or the other; it should be specified clearly on the product page. This is due to DDR4 and DDR5 RAM being keyed differently. Attempting to jam them into the same slot will not work.
Why go with DDR5? To keep it simple, it’s faster and uses less power. Sounds great, so why would anyone want to continue using DDR4? DDR5 RAM costs significantly more, and it’s currently hard to find stock. You might also have some DDR4 RAM left over from your previous build, which saves you building costs. In any case, any of the above options will make a great fit in your new PC.
If we’re making a further suggestion, check out GeIL’s Polaris RGB DDR5 RAM once it’s back in stock. It’s fast, it looks great (with RGB lighting), it’s built well, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Just be sure your PC supports DDR5. If you’d like to keep things cheaper (and available) with DDR4 RAM, Corsair’s Vengeance Pro RGB is never a bad choice. It looks great in an RGB-infused build, it performs reliably, and it’s quite affordable compared to DDR5 options.
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Best motherboards for Intel Core i7-12700K 2021
The Core i7-12700K can make good use of the best motherboards with a Z690 chipset. Connect DDR5 RAM and the latest GPUs, and you’ve got one amazing gaming machine. Here are some of our favorite boards.
Don’t have TPM support? Try one of these motherboard modules.
If your PC somehow does not have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support through firmware and your UEFI BIOS, we’d recommend checking your motherboard manual for a TPM header. If you have one present, you can try to see if one of these will be compatible to get you ready for Windows 11.