Best Stock-Speed DDR4 RAM for 9700: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 2666 MHz
| DDR Gen: | DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Capacity: | 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) |
| Frequency: | 2666 MHz |
| Latency: | 12 ns (CL16) |
| Timings: | 16-18-18-35 |
Based on our experience installing and testing RAM, we found that the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro (2666 MHz version) DDR4 RAM is a highly dependable option for users seeking a balanced performance upgrade to pair with their Intel Core i7-9700 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 2666 MHz RAM on Amazon
We found that this RAM model has a clock speed of 2666 MHz and a latency of 12 ns (16-18-18-35 timings). Based on our analysis, the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM delivers swift and efficient performance. With that said, we thought it was worth noting that 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, we find it is not as fast or efficient as the latest iterations of DDR5 RAM.
We feel that the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM is a valuable addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, complementing the Intel Core i7-9700 CPU. The modest voltage of 1.20 volts ensures that this RAM is energy-conscious and doesn't consume excessive power. We saw that the aluminum heatsinks offer superb thermal management and bestow the modules with a sleek and premium appearance. Furthermore, the Intel XMP 2.0 profile guarantees that the RAM is fine-tuned for Intel processors, delivering users a smooth and dependable experience.
We determined that the only drawback of this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed, which is intentional 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 DDR4-2666 CL16 RAM
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Best Overclocking DDR4 RAM for 9700: Corsair Vengeance LPX 3600 MHz
| DDR Gen: | DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Capacity: | 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) |
| Frequency: | 3600 MHz |
| Latency: | 10 ns (CL18) |
| Timings: | 18-22-22-42 |
Based on our experience installing and testing RAM, we found that 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 i7-9700 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
We found that this RAM model boasts a clock speed of 3600 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (18-22-22-42 timings). Based on our analysis, the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM delivers swift and efficient performance. However, we thought it was worth noting that 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.
We feel that the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM is a valuable addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, complementing the Intel Core i7-9700 CPU. Its voltage of 1.35 volts is around average for most DDR4 RAM. We saw that the 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.
We determined that the only drawback of this RAM is that it has a lower clock speed than DDR5, which is intentional 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 i7-9700?
Memory Generation Supported by the 9700
The Core i7-9700 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 9700
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 i7-9700 CPU officially supports memory speeds up to 2666 MT/s. This maximum speed means that stock DDR4 performance will be maximized using DDR4-2666 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 i7-9700 CPU?.
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.
| 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 |
9700 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 i7 9700 doesn't support ECC memory.
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 i7-9700
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for Intel's Core i7-9700
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With Intel's Core i7-9700 CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for Intel's Core i7-9700
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for Intel's Core i7-9700
- RAM: Best RAM for the Intel Core i7-9700 CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Core i7-9700 CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Core i7-9700 CPU Good for Gaming?