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The Core i5-10600K still is a capable gaming processor that packs a lot of gaming punch under its belt. So, if you own or plan to get a 10600K, which RAM should you pair the CPU with? Which is the best RAM for the 10600K? Well, the best memory for the Core i5-10600K should offer the best ratio between price and performance. In other words, it should be fast but not too expensive since we’re talking about a mid-range gaming CPU here.
While the memory can have a noticeable impact on 10600K’s gaming performance, CPU and cache overclock can net you as big a performance boost as faster memory. This is why we wouldn’t recommend top-tier memory for this CPU. Those RAM kits are too expensive, and you should invest that money in a better cooling system or a more powerful GPU instead. This is why our list of the best RAM for i5-10600K only includes mid-range kits that pack almost as powerful a punch as high-end options.
If you own this CPU, you might be interested in our lists of the best motherboards for i5-10600K and the best graphics cards for i5-10600K. If you want to find more about memory and its effect on the performance of Ryzen and Intel CPUs, check out our in-depth RAM vs CPU guide. It’s pretty handy. Okay, now let’s show you our picks.
1. Viper Steel Series: Best overall RAM for i5-10600K
Look, we cannot recommend ultra-expensive memory kits for the 10600K because the price difference can net you a better GPU, motherboard, or even a better CPU. And either of those will bring much more significant performance improvements than a faster RAM.
So, our best overall memory for the i5-10600K award goes to this fantastic performance RAM kit from Patriot. Running at 4400 MT/s and featuring timings of 19-19-19-39, this memory has impressive performance.
You could also try overclocking it over its XMP tested frequency and timings and get even faster memory for the price of a budget 16GB memory kit, which is a pretty great deal. You don’t have to buy anything faster or more expensive. Unless you really need RGB. If that’s the case, you could also check our article about the best RGB case fans. More RGB is always good.
Anyway, this fantastic 16GB memory kit should be fast enough for overclockers and advanced users. On the other hand, it should also be fast enough for users who want to reach the peak performance with the 10600K and need fast and quality memory that’s not too pricey.
2. TEAMGROUP T-Force Dark Z: Best value RAM for i5-10600K
The TEAMGROUP T-Force Dark Z is a fast memory kit that sells for a fantastic price. While the 18-22-22-42 primary timings could’ve been better, this is still an amazing 16GB memory kit for the price.
If you want tighter timings, look at our pick for the best overall RAM for the 10600K. But here, the price is what makes this deal great. This memory is as cheap as our budget recommendation while coming with looser timings and higher working frequency.
We recommend running this memory at the default 3600 MT/s clock while tweaking timings to around 19-19-19-39 or even 18-18-18-36. This way, you should get improved gaming performance (just a couple of percent) over our budget picks. It’ll cost less, but the monetary savings will make for the extra time you’ll invest in tweaking it.
3. G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series: Best RGB RAM for i5-10600K
G.Skill and its TridentZ RGB series is the best RGB RAM you can get on the market. The modules feature a slick design with the best-looking heatsinks around combined with lovely RGB LED arrays.
For the 10600K owners, we have a DDR4 3200 MT/s 16GB kit that features solid, 16-18-18-38 primary timings. This kit should provide excellent performance for a price that’s a bit higher than our budget recommendation.
You can overclock this memory and tweak timings until you’re satisfied with the results. Or, you can just install the sticks into your PC and forget about them.
4. Patriot Viper Steel Series: Best budget RAM for i5-10600K
This memory kit from Patriot is very affordable while providing excellent stock clocks, solid timings, and solid overclock potential.
The memory here runs at 3200 MT/s with base timings of 16-18-18-36. Not the tightest timings around, but still quite fast with huge amounts of bang-for-buck.
If you’re looking for budget RGB memory, check our RGB memory pick. That G.Skill TridentZ RGB kit works at 3200 MT/s and comes with 16-18-18-36 primary timings. The same as the budget pick, just with a bit higher price since you get an excellent RGB LED light show.
5. Patriot Viper Steel Series: Best budget 32GB RAM kit for i5-10600K
For 10600K owners who need 32GB of RAM, either for work or gaming, we have a pretty good and affordable choice. This 32GB kit features DDR4 @ 3200 MT/s combined with solid primary timings (16-18-18-36).
Overall, this is the best budget 32GB RAM kit for the Core i5-10600K. It costs as much as high-end 16GB memory kits while offering almost the same performance and double the capacity. Truly a great deal.
6. G.Skill Trident Z Neo Series: Best performance 32GB RAM kit for i5-10600K
When it comes to 32GB memory kits that also pack excellent performance, we’ve included a G.Skill RGB RAM kit that falls right into this category. The memory runs at 3600 MT/s and features 16-19-19-39 primary timings. These timings are great for the price and speed, and you should tweak them even lower if you have the time and patience.
The memory isn’t too expensive for a 32GB kit that also has the best RGB implementation on the market, which is another reason to get it. And yes, while the Trident Z Neo series is targeting AMD Ryzen CPUs, these kits will work perfectly with 10th gen Intel CPUs and Z490 motherboards.
7. HyperX Fury: Best 64GB RAM kit for i5-10600K
For those who need 64GB of memory, we have an excellent, value-oriented pick. This HyperX Fury 64GB 2666 MT/s memory kit targets professionals who also use their PCs for occasional gaming. This is the best 64GB RAM kit for the i5-10600K for everyone except users who want the absolute fastest 64GB memory kit and don’t care about the price.
The speed isn’t great, and timings definitely could’ve been better, but this is a pretty solid choice for the price. You get 64 gigabytes of relatively fast memory for the price of a 32GB performance kit (well, a bit more expensive than that but okay). Overall, a great choice for users who need lots of relatively fast memory.
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