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What is Dual Channel Memory?
Posted on July 9, 2021
What is Dual Channel Memory: Does It Offer Better Performance?
Dual-channel memory, sometimes referred to as multi-channel memory, is a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 chipset on a computer’s motherboard providing random access memory (RAM) with two dedicated data channels to enhance throughput. Typically, the channels permit data reading and writing to be executed on distinct channels.
Single Channel Vs. Dual Channel Memory
Basically, if you install a single stick of RAM in your PC, it will run in a single-channel configuration. On the flip side, installing two sticks of RAM means they will run in a dual-channel configuration. Depending on your PC’s motherboard and CPU specs, you could even run four sticks of memory in a quad-channel configuration.
The benefit of running two lower capacity memory sticks in dual configuration is that they will provide the equivalent capacity as a larger single memory stick while at the same time doubling the amount of available memory bandwidth.
Essentially, when you add the second stick of RAM, you create an extra parallel channel that is accessed simultaneously with the first RAM stick. The key concept is that the dual-channel configuration will generally improve your system’s performance by doubling the available memory bandwidth.
How Multi-channel RAM Works
Typically, RAM in the memory module communicates with other computer components through the CPU or processor’s memory controller via a bus. Memory controllers with multiple channels for communicating with the memory module allow faster data exchange since data can be sent via more than one channel.
Originally, the memory controller built with two channels (dual channel) combined two 64-bit buses into one 128-bit bus. The architecture was later referred to as the ganged model. Since the performance improvement was not enough, manufacturers discovered that two independent buses enhanced performance more. In modern processors, the unganged model is usually set by default to improve processing speeds.
Dual Kits May Be Less Expensive
Computer accessories frequently get upgrades, rendering low-capacity models less expensive. For example, during major sales, you may find a dual kit of RAM at a much lower cost than a single stick with equivalent capacity. For example, if you’re looking for a Ram capacity of 16GB, grabbing a dual kit of 2X8GB RAM could be cheaper than a single 16GB RAM with all other factors equal.
However, you need to consider your budget right now and how many slots your motherboard has. For example, if you can only afford 8GB of RAM today and your motherboard has only two DIMM slots, it makes more sense to purchase a single 8GB RAM stick rather than dual 4GB sticks. That way, if you would need to upgrade to 16GB of RAM in the future, all you’d do is purchase an extra 8GB stick of RAM instead of getting rid of the two 4GB memory sticks and buying an entirely new 16GB stick.
Dual Channels Offer More Aesthetics
Sometimes, you may choose a dual memory kit over a single stick for aesthetic purposes. Typically, a motherboard with four DIMM slots doesn’t look as clean with a single stick of RAM as it would with two or four RAM sticks. So, if the price is not a differentiator and all other factors remain constant, it would be better to go for a dual-channel memory if you value aesthetics.
Dual Channel Memory Is Great for Professional Applications
Professional applications such as design, editing, CPU-laden tasks, etc., often utilize multi-channel memory configurations since there is a bit more improvement in performance in multi-channel configurations. So, if you plan to use your computer for such tasks, choosing a multi-channel memory configuration would boost performance.
Additional Hardware Requirements for Dual Channel Memory
To take full advantage of multi-channel memory, your PC’s processor must have a memory controller compatible with the multi-channel architecture. Additionally, the motherboard must support the multi-channel architecture, and the RAM modules must match in as groups corresponding with the multi-channel architecture level. That means that a dual-channel will require pairs, and a quad-channel will require four modules, etc.
In most cases, motherboards that support multi-channel architectures will have color-coded memory slots to help you insert the matched modules correctly. Besides, many DRAM manufacturers sell memory in “kits” to make sure that the modules match in capacity, latency, speed, the size of columns and rows, and the number of chips and sides.
However, if you have four memory chips, all of them don’t have to be the same. You only need to install the memory modules in pairs, ensuring that the pairs are the same and installed in the correct memory slots. For example, you could have 2X4GB memory modules as a single pair and 2X8GB modules as the other pair in a quadruple configuration.
You should always buy RAM in kits compatible with your PC’s processor and motherboard if you intend to take maximum advantage of multi-channel memory. Although memory modules that don’t match may still work, they usually perform at the specifications of the slower module.
How To Know If Dual-channel is Active
When the dual-channel configuration is active on your device, your initial boot screen displaying the memory speed and capacity should indicate “Dual Channel Interleaved” or simply “Dual Channel” somewhere in the memory settings. Software programs such as CPU-Z can also discover and display this information.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to speed up your PC, multi-channel architecture can make it happen. However, you need to invest in compatible hardware to support the added speed. Techsperts LLC will go above and beyond to manage your entire IT infrastructure and recommend the right upgrades to enhance performance. If you’re looking to upgrade your computing systems, enhance cybersecurity, or migrate to the cloud, our experienced IT engineers are well-versed in everything technology-related.
We always collaborate with our esteemed clients every step of the way, whether we’re resolving issues or working on a project. You can rest assured that downtimes will rarely happen because we offer proactive monitoring and maintenance services to keep on top of things. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your New Jersey business.