Intel really hit a homerun when they released the 12th generation of Intel Core series and to be honest, I was not expecting the processors to be such a hit but these show that Intel is finally in the game and the performance we are getting is surprising, to say the least. With that said, there is a lot to love about this series, including the support for DDR5 because you really cannot overlook that.
So, if you do want to get your hands on something good and performance driven, this is what you should be going with. We recently covered the best RAM for i7 12700K and that made us realize that not everyone is in the market to get the highest-end processor.
That is why we are now going to focus on the best RAM for i5 12600K. If you are looking for a budget build that focuses more on gaming than anything else, then going for the i5 processor is a better option.
Reviewing the Best RAMs for i5 12600K
| Awards | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Editor’s Pick | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Black RAM For i5 12600K | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best Low Profile RAM For i5 12600K | Buy on Amazon | |
Best Budget RAM For i5 12600K | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best RGB RAM For i5 12600K | Buy on Amazon | |
| Best DDR4 RAM For i5 12600K | Buy on Amazon |
Honestly, finding good RAM kits for your i5 12600K is not something that is supposed to be difficult. The process is fairly simple and straightforward and the best thing is that you are not really going to have to struggle a lot to find the RAM that you want to go for. Let’s not waste more time and start looking at the best RAM offerings you can get your hands on.
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5-5200
Specifications:
- 32GB.
- 5200MHz DDR5.
- C38 Latency.
- 1,25V voltage.
It should not come as a surprise that Corsair as a brand is one of the leading companies when you are talking about RAM kits. Not just that, even if you are talking about gaming peripherals or other components, the company has had a rich history and a great legacy, for that matter. A company that commands respect is something that we are all looking forward to.
At this point, calling the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB anything less than class leading would be very, very disappointing. The Dominator series has always been the magnum opus for Corsair and even after so many years, it remains to be one of the best and industry leading series of memories.
The RAM kit we are looking at is no different and although it does cost a pretty penny, all of that actually comes with so much to look forward to and explore.
If you are looking for a RAM kit that gives you all the statistics such as temperature of the kits in real time, then this is something that you should be looking into. I do understand that this might not be for everyone but hey, it is a feature that we cannot really overlook and it actually is a nice one, so let’s not forget about it.
The RAM kit also brings custom XMP 3.0 profiles, which is always an excellent offering because if you do want a simple, one-click overclocking, this is the way to go forward and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed at all as the performance given is impressive, to say the least.
The RAM comes with all the optimizations and bells and whistles that we have come to expect from high-end RAM kits and this is no exception, either. You are getting top of the line performance and some great overclocking potential.
Honestly, I really do not think there is anything about this RAM kit that I did not like. However, I would like to mention that the RGB sync might not work with every motherboard out there. Therefore, it would be better that you check support if this is one thing that matters a lot to you.
Overall, the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB remains to be my favourite RAM kit for DDR5 motherboards. Not just that, it definitely is the best RAM for i5 12600K and getting your hands on this RAM will not result in any disappointment.
- fers real time temperature monitoring.
- Has custom Intel XMP 3.0 profiles.
- Loads of features.
- Excellent overclocking potential and performance.
- RGB syncing can be finicky.
XPG Lancer DDR5-5200
Specifications:
- 32GB.
- 5200MHz DDR5.
- C38 Latency.
- 1.35V voltage.
Every now and then, you go through a mood where you want to put your money on something that is discrete and does an excellent job at being that way. However, more than usual, it does not happen because everyone wants their hands on components that have flashy looks. Well, XPG is looking to change that with the RAM kit we are looking at.
On paper, you are looking at something that is a lot more similar than other RAM kits, but that does not mean that XPG Lancer is not a good RAM. As a matter of fact, it is the opposite as the RAM kit has all the features that one would want and if you genuinely looking for an experience, then buying this RAM for your i5 12600K is not a bad idea.
You are getting a RAM that provides you with stable overclocking, which is an excellent offering for those who want to get a bit better experience. Not just that, you are also getting access to on-die ECC correction, something that we have talked extensively about in one of our articles about DDR5 RAMs.
If you are looking to add a bit more flare to your build, the XPG Lancer does bring you customizable RGB lighting as well, so you can go ahead and get started. The best part is that in most cases, you are getting syncing options with various motherboards. So, you more or less have everything.
What are the downsides? Well, nothing major, to be honest. I did notice that the XMP profile was not working as stably as I would want it to but that is not something that will make a dent in the overall performance.
Overall, if you are in search for an excellent DDR5 RAM, the good news is that you can easily get your hands on the XPG Lancer, and the best part about this RAM is that it is not going to blow a hole in your pocket, either. The RAM has excellent performance for the price you are paying and the overall value is also great.
- The RAM does bring stable overclocking.
- You get on-die ECC.
- Customizable RGB lighting.
- Great value for money.
- XMP can be buggy.
Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5200
Specifications:
- 32GB.
- 5200MHz DDR5.
- C38 Latency.
- 1.25V Voltage.
One of the things that I absolutely love about Corsair is that they have a heap of options whenever you are talking about their components. It does not matter how much money you are willing to spend, I can tell you that there is always going to be something that is available and you will not really run into any issues, either. So, if you do want to get your hands on something, you should always look at them.
Now, the Corsair Vengeance has been a mainstay in Corsair’s arsenal for as long as one can remember, these RAM kits are made for those who are looking for good performance but without spending a lot of their money. Simply put, if you do not want to spend all your money on a RAM kit, this is for you.
With that said, just because it is a more affordable alternative does not mean that the performance you are getting is not good enough. The Corsair Vengeance actually manages to deliver really great overall performance.
Not just that, thanks to the fact that this is low profile memory, you are getting excellent overall compatibility with variety of configurations. The RAM also has a very monochromatic look, making it one of the best RAMs in the market as far as the neutrality is concerned.
As far as the downsides, I did not really notice much about this RAM kit that I did not like. Sure, I do wish that you could have an LED variant, too. But for now, you are going to be limited to this variant.
Overall, the Corsair Vengeance is an excellent RAM kit that you can get your hands on. Sure, it is very discrete and simple, too but hey, you are looking at a RAM that is not going to cost a lot of money but the performance on this RAM alone is just something that you should be looking into.
- A low-profile design.
- Discrete, solid design.
- Great performance.
- Good looks.
- No LED variation available.
Crucial DDR5-4800
Specifications:
- 32GB.
- 4800MHz DDR4.
- C40 Latency.
- 1.1V voltage.
I do understand that for a lot of people, going through for a nuisance of being on a budget is there and well, if you are one of those, don’t worry as the good thing about finding the best RAM for i5 12600K, there is enough for everyone and the options that are there are good. With that said, Crucial is known for delivering some excellent RAM kits and today, we are looking at another offering that you should be interested in.
As you can tell just by looking at the specifications of this RAM, the Crucial RAM is not built for those who are looking to push their computer through paces. However, that does not mean that it is not good at all. As a matter of fact, it actually is great overall for a lot of reasons.
For starters, this is among the most affordable DDR5 RAM kits available in the market. If you really find yourself on a budget and you want to look for something good and performance-oriented, then this is the RAM that you should be going for.
Despite the RAM not having any heatsink, I do have to give credit to Crucial for using a black PCB. I know it might not sound like a big thing but black PCBs are more expensive than green or blue ones, and the use of this PCB is good.
Moving further, you are getting a RAM that runs really well even when you are looking at a lower than average voltage. So, if you want a low-power RAM, this one makes up for an excellent offering that will not let you down at all.
As far as the downsides are concerned, I really cannot think of anything that I would hate about this RAM. However, I would like to mention that the plain design might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Overall, if you are in the market looking for an affordable entry to DDR5, the Crucial DDR5 might as well be one of the best RAM for you, so it is better not to overlook it.
- Excellent value for money.
- Solid build quality.
- Low profile.
- Low voltage.
- Black PCB.
- Very outdated design.
GeIL Polaris RGB Sync DDR5-5200
Specifications:
- 32GB.
- 5200MHZ DDR5.
- C34 Latency.
- 1.15V Voltage.
The last RAM kit that we are looking at is from GeIL. Now, I do understand that many people have not heard about this brand but hey, they have been in the market for some time and are known for delivering some excellent RAM kits that you can buy. If you are someone who is searching for a good RAM and you want a good overall experience, then getting your hands on this RAM is a wiser idea.
Now, in terms of the specifications that are outlandish or out of the world. However, that should not really be a concern for anyone who knows what they are looking at and what they are reading. By all means, the GeIL Polaris RGB Sync is an excellent RAM and well, we are not really going to curse this RAM for being anything less than that.
For starters, you are getting an amazing RAM that delivers fantastic overall performance and has speedy frequency, too. So, if performance is one thing that has been on your mind, then you do not have to worry as much because the performance is going to be excellent in every case, and that is the best part that you can look forward to.
Not just that, the XMP profiles on this RAM are also good, so if that is one of your concerns, you are in luck because the experience is as smooth as it can get.
Additionally, the RAM also does not draw a lot of power, so if you are worried about that, you should be happy that you are not getting that experience here.
Last but not the least, the RGB on this RAM is one of my favorites, to be honest. Finding a good RGB implementation is not as easy as it might seem but the GeIL Polaris RGB Sync does a fantastic job as to how the lighting looks, and yes, it does look good, and even. So, if there is a concern that you are not getting the type of RGB lighting you want, then there is nothing to worry about.
As far as the downsides, I honestly don’t think there is much to dislike about this RAM kit. However, I would highly advise you that if you want a RAM kit that is not as aggressive in terms of looks, then you might want to go for something else because the GeIL Polaris RGB Sync is one of the most aggressive RAM kits available and while I don’t mind that, some people do have concerns over this.
Simply put, the GeIL Polaris RGB Sync makes a strong case for one of the best RAM for i5 12600K. It surely is an amazing RAM and delivers top of the line performance in all cases. So, if you do want something that is overall better, then this RAM is the one that you should go for.
- Great looks.
- Amazing performance.
- Lower voltage.
- Lovely RGB implementation.
- The aggressive looks might not be for everyone.
G.Skill Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600
Specifications:
- 32GB.
- 3600MHz DDR4.
- C16 Latency
- 1.35V
We are finally on the last RAM that we are going to start exploring and this time around, we are going to start paying attention to a DDR4 RAM. For those who don’t know, Intel’s 12th generation supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM kits, so if you are looking to upgrade but don’t want to spend money on a new motherboard and a RAM kit at the same time, you can just change the motherboard and buy a cheaper RAM like a DDR4 memory.
Now, I do have to assure you that the G.Skill Trident Z RGB is an excellent RAM for any gaming PC. I have been using this RAM for my computer, as well and I have never really run into any issues as far as the performance is concerned. If you really are searching for something that is powerful and delivers absolutely amazing performance, this RAM is the one that you should go for.
With that said, the G.Skill Trident Z RGB does deliver excellent performance overall, and for a DDR4 RAM. You are getting an excellent 3600MHz frequency and I do understand that this might look small in comparison to the DDR5 RAM kits that we have been reviewing but hey, you cannot really hate the fact that this RAM is now a lot cheaper.
Not just that, you are also getting excellent timings on this RAM. Now, I do understand that for a lot of people they do not really care much about the timings or the latency in a RAM but if you genuinely want good performance and not a single worry, then this is the RAM that you should be going for.
By far, my favorite thing about this RAM kit is the RGB lights on it. For me, G.Skill is the company that managed to perfect the RGB implementation; it is bright, even, and vibrant. Best of all? It can be programmed through any motherboard software, so you never have to worry about performance issues.
Last but not the least, the overall build quality of this RAM is premium with a heavy aluminum heat spreader, ensuring that your RAM is not going to run into any issues.
Honestly, as far as the downsides go, I don’t think there is anything about this RAM that is going to trouble anyone. Sure, you will need 4 sticks to be sure that everything looks cohesive but aside from that, there is nothing that I can think is wrong with it.
Overall, the G.Skill Trident Z RGB is an amazing RAM and probably the best DDR4 RAM for i5 12600K. For those who are not looking to spend all their money on expensive DDR5 modules at the moment because yes, those RAM kits are expensive at the moment but will be cheaper in the coming months.
- One of the best looking RAM kits.
- Incredibly fast.
- Stable.
- Has a really nice overclocking potential.
- The RGB lighting is best in class.
- Affordable at discounted rates.
- 4 sticks needed for the perfect look.
Conclusion
I understand for anyone who is just shifting to the 12th generation of Intel processors, it might be a difficult process to get the right RAM. I remember being in the same position several times but hey, the good news is that this round up is here to help you get through.
If you do want to invest in the best RAM for i5 12600K, then you can look at all the RAM kits that we have listed here. You will be surprised to know how you have enough options to choose from and none of them are going to let you down, either.
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I have been gaming for almost 24 years with extensive knowledge of all platforms and the gaming industry, in general. With interests in literature, art, gaming, and PC hardware.