
For instance, in the below figure, the RAM channels are colored black and blue. Desktop motherboards, on the other hand, have 4 channels and even 6 to 8 channels, so you need to put the RAM sticks in channels that are similarly color-coded. Laptops have only 2 memory slots so they are supposed to run in dual channel (if supported on the motherboard).

Here, I am using a SODIMM memory for my laptop which has 2-memory channels. In simple words, DIMM is basically longer memory sticks for desktop motherboards whereas SODIMM is a smaller memory stick for notebooks. To begin with, I am using an Acer E5-575G laptop which uses SODIMM memory sticks. Read: CRU Monitor Overclocking and How Do You Do It? How to choose RAM for dual-channel mode 2 x 4 GB sticks), the read-write speeds are about 25-30% higher. The results show that when in dual-channel mode (ie. To show the difference between single-channel and dual-channel, I did a benchmark with a single Crucial 8GB 2400 Mhz RAM and 2 x 4 GB 2400 Mhz RAM sticks. So switching to dual-channel will let you better utilize your CPU with the only bargain being the increased RAM stick. This eliminates the bottleneck between the CPU and RAM. Hence, the CPU has enough data to process every time and it doesn’t have to wait. This enabled the controller to route data simultaneously from 2 RAM sticks to the CPU. Later, we doubled up this wired route which is known as dual-channel architecture (you also have triple and quad-channel, let’s leave it for this article). This caused the CPU to wait and it is known as the bottleneck effect. So, the memory controller couldn’t route data simultaneously from 2 RAM sticks. Previously in the single-channel architecture, there was a single path to send data. Now, there is an intermediatory unit between the RAM and CPU known as the memory controller which guides the data to and fro. Whereas in the case of dual-channel memory, 2 vehicles can drive simultaneously which leads to an increased number of vehicles or more data being sent. When there is a single channel or a single road, the vehicles have to drive in a single line behind each other. If you are well aware of these concepts, you can move ahead to this portion.Ĭonsider the channels as roads from your RAM to the CPU.
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But before that, we will have to understand what is the dual-channel mode and how to ensure you install a RAM in dual-channel mode. Next, it’s pretty straightforward and you require an app called CPU-Z. Foremost, check on the manufacturer’s website that your motherboard supports dual-channel memory.
