Best RAM for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 CPU

Speed, Capacity, and Compatibility: Our Top Picks for the Best RAM to Pair with the Core Ultra 9 285.

Best RAM for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 CPU Brandon Jones / TechReviewer

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

Written by Brandon Jones

Best Stock-Speed DDR5 RAM for 285: Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5

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G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB
DDR Gen: DDR5
Capacity: 64 GB (2 x 32 GB)
Frequency: 6400 MHz
Latency: 10 ns (CL32)
Timings: 32-39-39-102

Based on our experience installing and testing RAM, we found that the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB (6400 MHz version) DDR5 RAM stands out as a superb option for users to pair with their Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285 and those who want the ability to overclock their RAM to higher speeds. This 64 GB kit, comprising two 32 GB modules, offers exceptional memory capacity, making it perfect for intensive applications such as gaming, content creation, and video editing.

Find the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6400 MHz RAM on Amazon

We found that this RAM model provides an impressive clock speed of 6400 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (32-39-39-102 timings). Based on our analysis, the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM delivers outstanding performance at high speeds. It is well-suited for tasks that necessitate rapid data processing. We have observed a significant improvement in the DDR5 version compared to its predecessors, mainly due to enhanced speeds and reduced latency. These enhancements place it as one of the top memory modules currently available.

We feel that the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM is essential to any high-performance gaming rig or workstation and works well with the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285. Its voltage of 1.40 volts is slightly higher but manageable for overclocking enthusiasts. We feel that the aluminum heatspreaders are aesthetically pleasing with RGB lighting and deliver exceptional thermal performance. Furthermore, the Intel XMP 3.0 profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for Intel processors, providing users with a smooth and dependable experience.

The only drawback of this RAM is its slightly premium price due to its high capacity and overclocking capabilities, but we feel it's worth it for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance and capacity.

Read the full overview of the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64 GB DDR5-6400 CL32 RAM.

Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5
DDR Gen: DDR5
Capacity: 32 GB (2 x 16 GB)
Frequency: 6400 MHz
Latency: 11.25 ns (CL36)
Timings: 36-48-48-104

Based on our extensive experience installing and testing RAM, we confidently recommend the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 (6400 MHz version) as an excellent choice for professionals and gamers. Our recommendation applies to those working with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285.

Find the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 6400 MHz RAM on Amazon

This Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM comes in a two-module kit with a 32 GB capacity, providing robust support for demanding tasks such as gaming, content creation, and video editing. Its clock speed is 6400 MHz and this model has a latency of 11.25 ns (36-48-48-104 timings), which we determined delivers fast and efficient performance. We have observed a significant improvement in the DDR5 version compared to its predecessors, mainly due to enhanced speeds and reduced latency. These enhancements place it as one of the top memory modules currently available.

The voltage of 1.35 volts is slightly higher than what we typically see in most DDR5 RAMs, but still within a reasonable range. We feel that the aluminum heatspreaders are aesthetically pleasing with dynamic RGB lighting and deliver exceptional thermal performance. The Intel XMP 3.0 profile ensures optimal compatibility with Intel processors.

Overall, we conclude Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 (6400 MHz version) is a must-have for any high-end gaming rig or workstation, working well with the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 285.

Best Overclocking DDR5 RAM for 285: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB

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Check another CPU:

Which RAM Is Compatible With the Core Ultra 9 285?

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Memory Generation Supported by the 285

The Core Ultra 9 processor 285 only supports DDR5 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 285

The maximum speed at which you can run PC memory depends on your CPU, motherboard, and the memory itself.

When using DDR5 memory, the Core Ultra 9 processor 285 officially supports memory speeds up to 6400 MT/s. This maximum speed means that stock DDR5 performance will be maximized using DDR5-6400 memory.

When overclocking memory, such as with an XMP profile, you can exceed these stock speeds officially supported by CPUs. We've found that motherboard specifications 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 Ultra 9 processor 285?.

RAM can also be underclocked to achieve compatibility, which can be a practical solution in certain situations. Underclocking is particularly useful when you have memory that operates at speeds faster than what your CPU or motherboard supports. However, to underclock with precision, your motherboard must support memory speed adjustments. Without such support, the memory may default to a slower speed than the maximum supported speed. We recommend using the maximum speed that both your motherboard and CPU support to achieve optimal memory performance without requiring overclocking support.

To confirm compatibility, you can check the motherboard's specifications. Additionally, we've found that motherboard manufacturers often list compatible memory kits on their websites, making it easier to verify support.

DDR Generations (Without Overclocking)
DDR3 DDR4 DDR5
Max UDIMM (Unbuffered) Capacity 16 GB 32 GB 128 GB
Bandwidth 6400–17067 MB/s 12800–25600 MB/s 38400–57600 MB/s
Transfer Rate 800–2133 MT/s 1600–3200 MT/s 4800–7200 MT/s
Base Frequency 400–1067 MHz 800–1600 MHz 2400–3600 MHz
Effective Frequency 800–2133 MHz 1600–3200 MHz 4800–7200 MHz
Voltage 1.5 V 1.2 V 1.1 V
On-die ECC No No Yes

285 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 Ultra 9 285 supports unbuffered ECC memory with a compatible motherboard.

While the 285 CPU technically supports ECC memory, it requires a server/workstation motherboard, such as the motherboards with the W880 chipset.

When desktop motherboards support ECC memory, it's typically limited to "unbuffered ECC" memory. Server motherboards may support "registered ECC" memory, which allows for additional memory modules.

Before Buying RAM

Before purchasing memory, we suggest that you 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 Ultra 9 285

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