Selecting the appropriate memory for your PC requires consideration of various factors. Only some types of memory are suitable for some PC builds. This article focuses on assisting you in choosing the ideal RAM for your Intel Core i9-10900F processor by exploring several crucial considerations.
As computer hardware experts, we acknowledge the significance of pairing your processor with the proper memory modules to attain the best possible performance and reliability. This article evaluates the available RAM options from a user experience standpoint while considering essential decision-making factors such as speed, capacity, compatibility, and price. We will also examine the advantages and disadvantages of each RAM recommendation we provide.
Our firsthand experience, quantitative measurements, and product knowledge equip us to help you make an informed decision regarding the best RAM for your Intel Core i9-10900F CPU. We will also address how the current RAM generation has evolved from previous ones, highlighting enhancements and modifications that may impact your overall experience.
In addition to our comprehensive analysis, we have included links to other helpful resources. Our objective is to offer you the most valuable information possible to assist you in making the best decision based on your requirements.
Best Stock-Speed DDR4 RAM for 10900F: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 2933 MHz
The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro (2933 MHz version) DDR4 RAM is a highly dependable option for users seeking a balanced performance upgrade to pair with their Intel Core i9 10900F CPU. With a 32 GB capacity in a 2-module kit, this RAM offers sufficient memory for intensive tasks like gaming, content creation, and video editing.
Find the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 2933 MHz RAM on Amazon (affiliate link).
This RAM boasts a clock speed of 2933 MHz and a latency of 11 ns (16-18-18-36 timings), enabling the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM to deliver swift and efficient performance. With that said, DDR4 is not as advanced as DDR5 RAM and does not offer the same level of performance in some instances. While DDR4 has improved performance compared to older versions, it is not as fast or efficient as the latest iterations of DDR5 RAM.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM is a valuable addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, complementing the Intel Core i9 10900F CPU. The modest voltage of 1.35 volts ensures that this RAM is energy-conscious and doesn't consume excessive power. The top-notch aluminum heatsinks offer superb thermal management and bestow the modules with a sleek and premium appearance while avoiding conflict with a CPU cooler. Furthermore, the Intel XMP 2.0 profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for Intel processors, delivering users a smooth and dependable experience.
The only downside to this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed, which is intensional since it's meant for people who want stock-speed RAM without the desire to overclock and want DDR4 instead of DDR5.
Read the full overview of the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB DDR4-2933 CL16 RAM
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Best Overclocking DDR4 RAM for 10900F: Corsair Vengeance LPX 3600 MHz
The Corsair Vengeance LPX (3600 MHz version) DDR4 RAM is a highly dependable option for users seeking a balanced performance upgrade to pair with their Intel Core i9 10900F CPU and those who want the ability to overclock their RAM to higher speeds. With a 32 GB capacity in a 2-module kit, this RAM offers sufficient memory for intensive tasks like gaming, content creation, and video editing.
Find the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3600 MHz RAM on Amazon (affiliate link).
This RAM boasts a clock speed of 3600 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (18-22-22-42 timings), enabling the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM to deliver swift and efficient performance. With that said, DDR4 is not as advanced as DDR5 RAM and does not offer the same level of performance in some instances. While DDR4 has improved performance compared to older versions, it is not as fast or efficient as the latest iterations of DDR5 RAM.
The Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM is a valuable addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, complementing the Intel Core i9 10900F CPU. The modest voltage of 1.35 volts ensures that this RAM is energy-conscious and doesn't consume excessive power. The top-notch aluminum heatsinks offer superb thermal management and bestow the modules with a sleek and premium appearance while avoiding conflict with a CPU cooler. Furthermore, the Intel XMP 2.0 profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for Intel processors, delivering users a smooth and dependable experience.
The only downside to this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed than DDR5, which is intensional since it's meant for people who want the less expensive DDR4 RAM.
Read the full overview of the Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB DDR4-3600 CL18 RAM.
Which RAM Is Compatible With the Core i9-10900F?
Memory Generation Supported by the 10900F
The Core i9 10900F CPU only supports DDR4 memory. Other generations of memory are incompatible.
The generation of memory (e.g., DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5) must match what is supported by your motherboard. Motherboards only support a single generation of memory.
To learn more about the difference between DDR5 and DDR4, check out our article: DDR4 vs. DDR5? Which You Should Buy.
Maximum Memory Speeds Supported by the 10900F
The maximum speed at which you can run PC memory depends on your CPU, motherboard, and the memory itself.
When using DDR4 memory, the Core i9 10900F CPU officially supports memory speeds up to 2933 MT/s. This maximum speed means that stock DDR4 performance will be maximized using DDR4-2933 memory.
When overclocking memory, such as with an XMP profile, you can exceed these stock speeds officially supported by CPUs. Motherboard specifications will indicate their supported overclocked-memory speeds. To be able to overclock DDR memory, your motherboard chipset needs to support memory overclocking.
Find which chipsets support overclocking in my article, Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i9-10900F CPU?.
RAM can also be underclocked to achieve compatibility. Underclocking can be used when you purchase memory that is faster than the maximum speed supported by the CPU or motherboard. However, precise underclocking also requires a motherboard that supports memory overclocking. Without this support, the memory may fall back to a slower speed than the maximum supported memory speed. To achieve the maximum memory speed without overclocking support, use the maximum speed supported by the motherboard and CPU.
By looking up a motherboard's specifications, you can verify whether it supports a particular speed. Additionally, the motherboard manufacturer's website will typically indicate which memory kits have been confirmed to be compatible.
| DDR3 | DDR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max UDIMM (Unbuffered) Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Bandwidth | 6400–17067 MB/s | 12800–25600 MB/s |
| Transfer Rate | 800–2133 MT/s | 1600–3200 MT/s |
| Base Frequency | 400–1067 MHz | 800–1600 MHz |
| Effective Frequency | 800–2133 MHz | 1600–3200 MHz |
| Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.2 V |
| On-die ECC | No | No |
10900F ECC Memory Support
Most gaming and general-purpose desktop setups do not use ECC memory.
Error correction code (ECC) memory is a more expensive form of memory typically used for critical server and workstation use cases. The purpose of ECC memory is to detect and correct when a single bit in memory gets flipped unintentionally.
ECC memory will not work unless the motherboard and CPU both support ECC.
The Core i9 10900F doesn't support ECC memory.
Before Buying RAM
Before purchasing memory, review your motherboard specification to verify which speeds are supported. For example, if a DDR4 motherboard stated that it supports "DDR4 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200 / 3000," that would mean that it could support DDR4-3400, DDR4-3333, and DDR4-3300 with memory overclocking, and DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3000 at stock speeds. Motherboard specifications also indicate the maximum capacity per stick of RAM (DIMM) and across all slots.
Learn More About the Intel Core i9-10900F
- Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i9-10900F CPU?
- Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i9-10900F
- Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i9-10900F
- Is the Core i9-10900F CPU Good for Gaming?
- Choosing the Best RAM for Intel's Core i9-10900F CPU
- Choosing the Best Motherboard for Intel's Core i9-10900F
- How Many Cores Do Intel Core i9-10900F CPUs Have?
- What Is the TDP of the Core i9-10900F CPU?
You can find detailed 10900F specifications on Intel's site.
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors: