Core i9 13900K DDR5 7200 MHz (+memory scaling) review - Final Words & Conclusion

Final Words 

Our initial comparison of DDR4 and DDR5 memory with Alder Lake revealed that a high-performing DDR4 kit running at 3600 MHz can effectively compete with DDR5 4800/5200 CL40. The same holds true for Raptor Lake Gen 13 Core Intel CPUs. Both combinations are considered the "sweet spot" in terms of price and performance. While it's true that higher frequency DDR5 memory may offer slightly better performance, the difference is minimal and not really worth the additional cost. The sweet spot for frequency and latency is at 3600 MHz with DDR4 and 4800 MHz with DDR5, as this offers the best balance of cost and performance. Overall, if you're looking for the best value for your money, a DDR4 kit running at 3600 MHz is the way to go. But ... when going DDR5 there is a more perceptible difference between 4800 MHz and 7200 MHz, roughly 3~4% in best-case scenarios, but the price difference will be significant. This also brought up the question of how important DDR5 memory is over DDR4 and memory frequency over latency; this is why we included DDR4 results. For gaming, the hit is bigger but still acceptable as long as you stick to, say, 3600 MHz with okay timings and latency. 

When we look at gaming with DDR5 memory and a high-end graphics card, we can see actual results scaling upwards in frequency and, most importantly, latency. However, solely at lower resolutions and CPU-bound games. There is little question that DDR5 is the way to go; we, however, prefer kits with lower latency as opposed to super high frequencies with higher latencies. Admittedly, the TeamGroup memory tested holds the best of both worlds with CL34 and 7200 MHz frequency.

Overclocking

We managed to push our sample kit, at native latencies, to 7,200MT/s using 1.4V. The increase over default frequency is less impressive than going from 4,800 to 6,000, as other than AIDA, regular benchmarks improved by, on average, maybe 1 per cent. 7,600MT/s is a nice sweet spot for this memory kit and is achievable; however, it is totally dependent on your PC setup and components. 7800 MHz and perhaps the 8000 MHz marker is also possible but requires a bit more tweaking and there's only so much time we can spend on these articles.

Concluding

We've covered a lot of information about RAM performance in this article, and from the charts and tests we've presented, it's clear that fast frequency / low latency RAM with XMP function tends to perform well. However, it's important to note that not all motherboards are capable of supporting high frequencies like 7200 MHz, so it's essential to verify that your motherboard is compatible before purchasing RAM. Additionally, it's always a good idea to update your BIOS to the latest version, as this can ensure the best compatibility with your RAM. Beyond raw performance, there are other factors to consider when purchasing RAM such as the design of the heat spreader, the type of ICs and PMICs used, and whether or not the RAM includes RGB lighting. The T-Force Delta RGB is a great example of this, as it commands a high price tag due to its impressive looks and speed. At $389.99, it's almost as expensive as a 13600K processor or as expensive as many popular motherboards. It's worth noting that DDR5 RAM of this class is still relatively new, and production is limited, so you'll have to pay a premium to obtain the most promising parts. This makes the T-Force Delta RGB quite expensive, and many people may be discouraged from purchasing it. However, if you're willing to pay the price, you can expect above-average XMP performance. Overall, if you're looking for a RAM kit that offers a little extra performance and looks great, the T-Force Delta RGB is a great choice, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of money for just a few percent extra performance.

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