Best RAM for Intel 14th gen – our top DDR5 picks for performance

Upgrading to 14th gen? Check out our best RAM picks

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Are you looking for the best DDR5 RAM for Intel 14th gen? then look no further. Before you go ahead and check out our where to buy Intel 14th gen guide, it’s probably a good idea to check out some RAM which will sit nicely beside the latest generation of Intel processors. We’ve opted to cover a wide range of budgets here, focusing on DDR5 RAM to ensure your latest-gen rig is looking its best and future-proof to boot. We here at WePC have tested hundreds of CPU and RAM combinations, giving us the expertise and the knowledge to help you choose the best RAM for your Intel 14th-generation CPU.

We keep this article constantly up to date with all the latest advancements in the memory space. So as the 14th-generation release date has been and gone, our hardware team has been hard at work tracking down some of the best components to put alongside any new upgrade, whether it be an i5-14600K or i9-14900K. If you’ve got a DDR5 motherboard ready to go, then these RAM options are certainly worth your time right now. If you don’t have time to read the full article, we have chosen the best RAM for the 14th-generation CPU to be the G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series, as it’s blistering speed and striking looks secure it the top spot in our opinion.

G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series

G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series (Intel XMP 3.0) DDR5 RAM 48GB

Capacity

48GB(2x24GB)

Memory Technology

DDR5

Memory Speed

8000 MT/s

CAS Latency

CL40

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Pros

• 48GB RAM for intensive workloads
• Intel XMP 3.0 for easy overclocking
• Super fast 8000 MT/s memory speed
• Customizable RGB light bar

Cons

• Very expensive

Starting with our high-end option – with the fastest memory speed from our picks. It’s the G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series, which clocks in at 8000 MT/s to ensure your PC performance isn’t slowed down any time soon. It features a large 48GB of RAM, via two 24GB sticks, on the DDR5 platform. It truly is some of the best RAM on the market if you’re looking for top-notch performance which is hard to beat.

As part of DDR5, you also get Intel XMP 3.0 profile support, giving you a number of overclocking profiles to help you maximize performance. Particularly good if you want to maximize your gaming experience or any other intensive tasks such as streaming. At around $280, you certainly pay a premium, but this is backed up by the high-end specs to last you a number of years.

Kingston Technology Fury Beast RGB

Kingston Technology Fury Beast RGB 32GB DDR5

Capacity

32GB (2x16GB)

Memory Technology

DDR5

Memory Speed

6000 MT/s

CAS Latency

CL40

How We Review

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Pros

• 32GB of RAM more than enough
• Quick 6000 MT/s memory speed
• Bright RGB synced lighting
• Intel XMP 3.0-ready

Cons

• RGB software could be better

If you don’t quite have the cash to splash out on our high-end pick, or simply want something which isn’t so overkill, then the Kingston Technology Fury Beast RGB is what you’re after. Sitting comfortable at the more mid-range level, its 32GB of RAM is more than enough for most people – a solid upgrade from the likes of 16GB and especially 8GB. Again, this is designed for Intel builds in mind with Intel XMP 3.0 support for overclocking simple enough for a first-timer, with great on-die ECC stability to ensure you don’t push the limit too far.

This offers a fantastic choice if you want an upgrade alongside your new Intel 14th gen CPU. It even looks great too thanks to the patented Kingston FURY Infrared Sync which makes sure the sticks of RAM shine bright in unison with matching RGB lighting.

CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5

CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5 RAM 16GB

Capacity

16GB (2x8GB)

Memory Technology

DDR5

Memory Speed

5200 MHz

CAS Latency

CL40

How We Review

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Pros

• Excellent value for money
• 5200 MHz memory speed is great
• Compatible with Corsair iCUE
• Custom Intel XMP 3.0 profiles

Cons

• Less RAM at 16GB

If you want our top choice from a budget-orientated view, then CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5 RAM is just what you’re looking for. Corsair have long been a fan favorite for RAM, especially their Vengeance line-up, offering excellent value for money with respectable specs for your average user. 16GB of RAM is what you want to target these days for the likes of gaming, so this is a great option for anyone looking for DDR5 RAM right now.

While it doesn’t quite reach the same level of specs as our other options, it’s perfectly suitable for most, with a price tag which is much nicer on the bank account. The 5200MHz memory speed ensures you can keep up, even with multiple demanding tasks on the go to support your 14th gen CPU. As with our other picks, you also get custom Intel XMP 3.0 profiles to really push the performance of this great value pick.

How much RAM do I need for Intel 14th gen?

There’s no real set value on how much RAM you should have with your Intel 14th gen CPU. 8GB is perhaps the lowest acceptable amount for most people these days, but gamers or content creators should really be heading for 16GB or upwards. Since you’ll be on the latest Intel generation of hardware, it only makes sense to install at least 16GB of RAM to ensure you’re making the most of your hardware.

If you going to be gaming, streaming, or video editing, then you’ll likely have plenty of intensive programs open at once – especially if you tend to have a ton of browser tabs open too. This is where your RAM gets eaten up, so the more the merrier.

Do I need Intel XMP RAM with Intel 14th gen?

While you don’t need RAM optimized for use with an Intel 14th gen motherboard or 14th gen CPU, it does help create a more unified and efficient rig. That’s why we’ve recommended DDR5 RAM with Intel XMP 3.0 support to give you the most customization in terms of overclocking.

To contrast, some RAM is more designed for use with AMD motherboards – AMD Expo is their equivalent to Intel XMP, and you’ll see this mentioned around. Luckily, you’ll often find an Intel-focused equivalent for the same model of RAM, so make sure before you buy. Not the end of the world though, as both should be compatible.

Best RAM for Intel 14th gen FAQs

Should I use DDR5 or DDR4 RAM with Intel 14th gen?

If you’re going to be switching over to Intel 14th gen, we definitely recommend aiming for DDR5. While you can stick with DDR4, this is of course not the newest generation.

Is 8GB of RAM enough for Intel 14th gen?

While on the lower end of the scale these days, 8GB of RAM is serviceable for less demanding workloads. However, we definitely recommend 16GB or more, especially if you’re upgrading to the latest generation of Intel processors.