It is regrettable that we have to admit that sometimes in the stores of computer equipment the buyer is not provided with comprehensive information on how to increase the speed of the acquired computer. This is partly understandable: for most tasks, the performance of modern components is more than enough. However, an unpleasant residue remains, because the computer can run faster. So, that is a dual-channel memory mode, almost never reported.
Let's analyze the development trends: single-core processors have been replaced by their multi-core counterparts; technology of dual bios (Dual Bios) is used more often; there is RAID for combining several hard drives into a single array; even two Ethernet network adapters are software integrated into one. This approach makes it relatively easy to increase productivity. RAM was also not forgotten, for which a dual-channel mode was proposed.
The term “bottleneck” in the computer field has appeared, in part, thanks to memory. With the growth of the processing power of the processors, it became clear that the ways that limit the total speed of the system are the speed of the RAM subsystem. The memory controller simply did not have time to timely process all the requests of the central processor for sending data, because of which the last part of the time was idle, waiting for the next portion of data from the memory banks. The solution was obvious - you need a dual-channel memory mode. For its implementation, a corresponding additional controller was added. As a result, it turned out that some of the memory slots were served by the first controller, and the other by the second. Then everything is simple: the two-channel mode illustrates the well-known experience with water poured from bottles. According to him, more water passes through two necks per unit of time than through one, the diameter of which is equal to the sum of the first two. The two-channel mode not only increased the throughput, but also significantly reduced the load on each controller (and this is heating, requirements for the element base, etc.). In modern central processing units, memory controllers are located on the same chip as the computing cores. For comparison: before the controller was located in the chipset chipset.
To use the dual-channel operating mode of the RAM, you must connect at least two memory modules to the motherboard . If there are only two connectors, as on budget solutions, then there are no difficulties: we insert modulo into each connector and get a performance increase (theoretically 2 times, in practice, from 20 to 70%). With more connectors, make the correct connection: the connectors do not differ in color in vain. To enable multi-channel mode, the modules must be connected to the connectors of the same color. It is also true that connecting to all connectors likewise includes multi-channel mode.
The main requirement for the correct operation of the two-channel mode is that the modules must be designed for the same frequency (1066, 1333, 1600), be of the same volume, of the same manufacturer and, preferably, of a series. Some processor manufacturers (Intel) allow the use of modules of different sizes, for example, 512 MB and 1 GB. In this case, a special Flex mode is activated, in which two 512 MB blocks work in Dual Chanel, and the “extra” 512 MB in single mode.
From all that has been said, a natural conclusion follows: when buying a computer, you need to purchase not one memory module, but two, the total amount of which is equal to the capacity of one capacious module. For example, if you decide to buy 4 GB, it is more rational to opt for 2x2 GB.