How does dual channel memory work?

[willstay]

I searched the whole forum to get answer to my question but to no avail. Well my conscience tells me, to get any benifit from dual channel setup, it must work in similar fashion to how Hard Disk works in RAID 0.

To my surprise I found one link in intel where it says equal amount of memory in both banks sets up dual channel. For example, one stick 512MB in first bank, two sticks of 256MB in second bank gives dual channel setup.

Check header "Three DIMMs - Populated Symmetrically" in the following link -
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-011965.htm

 

[imported_Kensai]

Kinda like that. It's called "dual channel" for a reason.

The memory controller sends data over both channels.
Single channel = One channel = 64 bit
Dual channel = Two channels = 128 bit.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

There's no such thing as dual channel memory. DC is a function of the memory controller. It addresses each stick at the same time. It first came out maybe 3 years ago, and I don't think your current setup supports it. The gains are not huge, but I'll take it.

First you'd need a DC-supporting mobo. Then add 2 sticks of DDR. They should be the same size, but don't need to be the same perfomance. The pair will work at the lower performing level of the 2.

Memory manufacturers call it dual channel memory, but it's just hype. Any DDR will work in DC mode if the mem controller does it.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
There's no such thing as dual channel memory. DC is a function of the memory controller. It addresses each stick at the same time. It first came out maybe 3 years ago, and I don't think your current setup supports it. The gains are not huge, but I'll take it.

First you'd need a DC-supporting mobo. Then add 2 sticks of DDR. They should be the same size, but don't need to be the same perfomance. The pair will work at the lower performing level of the 2.

Memory manufacturers call it dual channel memory, but it's just hype. Any DDR will work in DC mode if the mem controller does it.

the p4s (i865/i875 chipset) benefit more than the athlon xps and a64s.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

well then, there ya go. check to see if your exact model mobo supports it, then follow the directions. 2 sticks good, 3 sticks bad. usually it's like slots 1 & 3, 2 & 4, etc.