How to make dual-channel RAM mode. Random access memory
Modern computer technology allows you to increase your computer's performance several times. It is possible to increase the performance of the memory-processor subsystem for faster data processing. The faster this subsystem works, the faster applications open on the desktop and the better they provide user interaction, the faster the processor can select the necessary data and commands from random access memory.
As you know, the fastest computer memory is cache memory, which is located directly on the processor substrate. And here for the total size of RAM, the system logic maintains its frequency. Modern motherboards allow memory to work both with the usual performance for a given RAM, and with slightly increased performance. In this case, the chipset manufacturer makes memory slots that allow the RAM to operate in what is called dual-channel mode.
Dual channel mode as opposed to single channel allows memory placed in different slots on motherboard, work in parallel mode. True, not all memory works in this mode, but only those located in certain slots. These are usually 1 and 2, 3 and 4. But 1 with 3 and 2 with 4, despite the fact that they will be completely filled, will not be able to work in parallel. In this case, we are talking about chipsets with 4 slots. However, dual-channel mode can also be supported by motherboards whose chipsets have only 3 slots. For example, such chipsets are nVidia-nForce chipsets. In this case, one of the slots will be designed for normal single-channel mode, and the remaining two will be designed for dual-channel operation. It should be said that there are also three-channel and four-channel memory operating modes. However, the performance of three-channel modes, for example, is not always complimented.
To enable dual channel mode, we repeat once again, it is necessary that the chipset and, accordingly, the computer’s motherboard support it. As a rule, to turn it on, it is enough to fill the corresponding slots with DIMM RAM modules. In this case, the volumes of parallel memory modules, their type, and frequency must match. As a rule, the increase in memory performance depends on factors such as: memory type, memory timings and latencies, type of chipset and memory controller, and RAM operating frequency. 
Having carefully installed the modules in the required slots, adhering to the same type of memory in parallel slots, you should check whether the computer operates in dual-channel mode. Most in a simple way checks can be called installing the CPU-Z program, which will allow you to accurately determine on the RAM tab whether your computer is configured to operate in dual-channel mode. On the same tabs you can get complete information about the memory operation on your computer.
Another way to determine how the RAM is working is to simply see if there is a record when booting the computer during the POST system self-test procedure. DUALCHANAL opposite the system-defined type of RAM. However, not all computers display a self-test procedure when loading a personal computer, so the output in this case will be one of the programs that is determined by the hardware and system resources computer.
The speed of a personal computer directly depends on the correct selection and installation of all its components. Correct selection and installation of RAM memory modules is the most important key to the successful operation of your PC.
In the previous article we looked at . In this article we will look at the issues of selecting RAM and its proper arrangement in the motherboard connectors.
Basic recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:
– it is best to install DIMM modules with the same memory capacity;
– the modules must match in operating frequency (Mhz); if you install modules with different operating frequencies, then in the end they will all operate at the frequency of the slowest memory;
– for installed RAM cards, it is advisable to combine timings and memory latencies (delays);
– it is better to select modules from one manufacturer and one model.
Some enthusiasts try to buy modules from the same batch, but this, it seems to me, is already a perversion!
These tips are not strictly followed; situations vary. If memory modules differ from each other in manufacturer, volume and operating frequency, this does not mean at all that they will not work. In this case, there are no special memory layout secrets - just installing them is enough.
There are also no special features when installing already outdated types of memory such as SDRAM (there is one rule - the more, the better).
But in modern computers, motherboards support special operating memory modes. It is in these modes that the speed of RAM memory will be most efficient. Therefore, to achieve the best performance, you should consider the operating modes of the DIMMs and their correct installation. Let's look at the most common RAM operating modes today.
RAM operating modes
SINGLE CHANELL MODE
Single Mode (single channel or asymmetric mode) – this mode is implemented when only one memory module is installed in the system or all DIMMs differ from each other in memory capacity, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn’t matter in which slots or what memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.
If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:
Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:
This mode is more of a necessity when you already have RAM, and the first place is to increase the amount of memory and save money, and not to achieve the best PC performance. If you are just buying a computer, of course, it is better to avoid such a memory installation.
DUAL CHANELL MODE
Dual Mode (two-channel or symmetrical mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each DIMM channel. Modules are selected according to operating frequency. On motherboards, the DIMM sockets for each channel are different colors. Next to them is written the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. The purpose of the connectors and their location along the channels must be indicated in the motherboard manual. The total memory volume is equal to the total volume of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its own memory controller. System performance increases by 5-10%.
Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.
If two identical RAM memory modules are used, they should be connected to the same connectors (the same color) from different channels. For example, install one module in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the connector 0 channel B:
That is, to enable the mode Dual Channel(alternating mode) the following conditions must be met:
– the same configuration of DIMM modules is installed on each memory channel;
– memory is inserted into symmetrical channel connectors ( Slot 0 or Slot 1) .
Three memory modules are installed in a similar way - the total memory volumes in each channel are equal to each other (memory in the channel A equal in volume in the channel B):
And for four modules the same condition is satisfied. There are two parallel dual modes at work here:
TRIPLE CHANELL MODE
(three-channel mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three DIMM channels. Modules are selected according to speed and volume. On motherboards that support three-channel memory mode, 6 memory connectors are usually installed (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors make up one channel, the other two are connected to the second and third channels, respectively.
With six or three sockets, installation is as simple as with dual-channel mode. If four memory slots are installed, three of which can work in , the memory should be installed in these slots.
(flexible mode) – allows you to increase the performance of RAM when installing two modules of different sizes, but identical in operating frequency. As in dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in the same connectors of different channels. For example, if there are two memory sticks with a capacity of 512Mb and 1Gb, then one of them should be installed in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the slot 0 channel B:
In this case, the 512 MB module will work in dual mode with the 512 MB memory capacity of the second module, and the remaining 512 MB of the 1 GB module will work in single-channel mode.
That’s basically all the recommendations for combining RAM. Of course, there may be more layout options, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the motherboard model and your financial capabilities. Motherboards with support also appeared on sale four-channel mode memory performance - this will give you maximum computer performance!
The speed of a personal computer directly depends on the correct selection and installation of all its components. Correct selection and installation of RAM memory modules is the most important key to the successful operation of your PC.
In the previous article we looked at . In this article we will look at the issues of selecting RAM and its proper arrangement in the motherboard connectors.
Basic recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:
– it is best to install DIMM modules with the same memory capacity;
– the modules must match in operating frequency (Mhz); if you install modules with different operating frequencies, then in the end they will all operate at the frequency of the slowest memory;
– for installed RAM cards, it is advisable to combine timings and memory latencies (delays);
– it is better to select modules from one manufacturer and one model.
Some enthusiasts try to buy modules from the same batch, but this, it seems to me, is already a perversion!
These tips are not strictly followed; situations vary. If memory modules differ from each other in manufacturer, volume and operating frequency, this does not mean at all that they will not work. In this case, there are no special memory layout secrets - just installing them is enough.
There are also no special features when installing already outdated types of memory such as SDRAM (there is one rule - the more, the better).
But in modern computers, motherboards support special operating memory modes. It is in these modes that the speed of RAM memory will be most efficient. Therefore, to achieve the best performance, you should consider the operating modes of the DIMMs and their correct installation. Let's look at the most common RAM operating modes today.
RAM operating modes
SINGLE CHANELL MODE
Single Mode (single channel or asymmetric mode) – this mode is implemented when only one memory module is installed in the system or all DIMMs differ from each other in memory capacity, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn’t matter in which slots or what memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.
If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:
Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:
This mode is more of a necessity when you already have RAM, and the first place is to increase the amount of memory and save money, and not to achieve the best PC performance. If you are just buying a computer, of course, it is better to avoid such a memory installation.
DUAL CHANELL MODE
Dual Mode (two-channel or symmetrical mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each DIMM channel. Modules are selected according to operating frequency. On motherboards, the DIMM sockets for each channel are different colors. Next to them is written the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. The purpose of the connectors and their location along the channels must be indicated in the motherboard manual. The total memory volume is equal to the total volume of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its own memory controller. System performance increases by 5-10%.
Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.
If two identical RAM memory modules are used, they should be connected to the same connectors (the same color) from different channels. For example, install one module in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the connector 0 channel B:
That is, to enable the mode Dual Channel(alternating mode) the following conditions must be met:
– the same configuration of DIMM modules is installed on each memory channel;
– memory is inserted into symmetrical channel connectors ( Slot 0 or Slot 1) .
Three memory modules are installed in a similar way - the total memory volumes in each channel are equal to each other (memory in the channel A equal in volume in the channel B):
And for four modules the same condition is satisfied. There are two parallel dual modes at work here:
TRIPLE CHANELL MODE
(three-channel mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three DIMM channels. Modules are selected according to speed and volume. On motherboards that support three-channel memory mode, 6 memory connectors are usually installed (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors make up one channel, the other two are connected to the second and third channels, respectively.
With six or three sockets, installation is as simple as with dual-channel mode. If four memory slots are installed, three of which can work in , the memory should be installed in these slots.
(flexible mode) – allows you to increase the performance of RAM when installing two modules of different sizes, but identical in operating frequency. As in dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in the same connectors of different channels. For example, if there are two memory sticks with a capacity of 512Mb and 1Gb, then one of them should be installed in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the slot 0 channel B:
In this case, the 512 MB module will work in dual mode with the 512 MB memory capacity of the second module, and the remaining 512 MB of the 1 GB module will work in single-channel mode.
That’s basically all the recommendations for combining RAM. Of course, there may be more layout options, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the motherboard model and your financial capabilities. Motherboards with support also appeared on sale four-channel mode memory performance - this will give you maximum computer performance!
Myths about RAM | RAM works faster when all slots are occupied
Two sticks of RAM put less load on the memory controller than four. Less power is required, the memory controller needs less voltage to run smoothly, and the RAM usually runs a little faster, although it's not noticeable. The same goes for three- and four-channel motherboards. Users are often misled into thinking that four DIMMs (often sold as quad-channel sets) always operate in quad-channel mode, even though dual-channel motherboards cannot operate this way at all.
Myths about RAM | RAM faster than 1600 MT/s does not provide performance gains
The accuracy of this statement depends on several factors. For processors with an integrated graphics core or APU, this is completely false, since the video core uses system memory, and the faster it is, the better!
Most RAM tests measure read, write, and copy speeds. Many game tests when changing RAM 1600 to 2133 demonstrate an increase in frame rate from 3 to 5 FPS. This is because in most games, RAM is primarily used as a conduit for transferring information to the GPU, as well as a buffer for frequently accessed data. The fact remains that RAM can improve FPS slightly. Since the price difference between 1600 and 2133 RAM isn't always that big, sometimes buying faster RAM can be worth it.
Besides WinRAR archiver takes data from RAM and compresses it into RAM before writing it to disk. When changing DDR3-1600 memory to 2400, the speed increase in tests using WinRAR can reach 25 percent. There are many other memory-intensive applications: video editing, image manipulation, CAD, and so on. Even a small speed advantage can save time if you work in such applications.
If you use your PC in an office single-tasking mode, for example, taking notes, then browsing the web, then watching a video, then you definitely do not need faster RAM. If you tend to multitask, such as having a bunch of browser tabs open at once while working with large spreadsheets or watching videos in a window, or working with images and running virus scans in the background, then faster memory can benefit certain benefits.
You can test this yourself by running several similar applications with 1600 MT/s memory and then with faster RAM. When you have downloaded several applications, run a benchmark such as SiSoftware Sandra and do the backup at the same time large file using WinRAR. While these tasks are running, walk through the open Windows windows, then check Sandra's results and the backup time.
Myths about RAM | 8 GB capacity will last for the next ten years
If you really don't like multitasking, then 8GB will be enough. But this does not apply to gamers and enthusiasts. Five years ago 2 GB was enough, then 4 GB and so on.
Another fact: computer manufacturers often skimp on RAM. For example, when 2 GB seemed enough, they installed 1 GB. Today, 6 - 8 GB of RAM is considered the norm and 16 GB is also not uncommon, so it is unlikely that the 8 GB level will last long as a standard. Games are using more and more RAM. If you are building a new system and want it to remain relevant for several years, we recommend 16 GB of RAM.
Myths about RAM | You will never be able to use 16 GB of memory
This misconception is a continuation of the previous one, but is more relevant to users of applications that intensively use RAM, as well as to those who work with large volumes of files and data. The more RAM you have, the more data it can hold for instant re-access, instead of having to go to the file on your hard drive or the network to download again.
Many people use more than 20GB of memory in their system at once almost every day, and this is becoming the norm among Tom's Hardware forum members, who often discuss maximizing the performance of their 8GB and 16GB RAM kits.
Remember also that manufacturers do a lot of research and contact with software developers and users. Therefore, there are certainly reasons for the fact that modern motherboards are designed to support 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB (or more) RAM.
Myths about RAM | I'm not using all the RAM, so additional memory won't give a boost
In some situations, increasing the amount of RAM can speed up the execution of some processes. Many programs adjust the amount of data stored in memory based on the amount of RAM available, so more RAM saves time by storing more frequently used data in RAM (rather than on the hard drive). This can be especially useful when you are working on projects with a variety of images or videos, CAD, GIS, virtual machines, etc. Another advantage of having a large amount of RAM is the ability to create a RAM disk for downloading games, applications and other data. Such a disk has its hidden disadvantages, but many users are delighted with this opportunity.
Myths about RAM | 64-bit OS allows you to use any amount of RAM
Many people believe that with 64-bit operating system It is possible to use an infinite amount of RAM, but this is not the case. As an example, here are the RAM limits in Windows 7:
| RAM limits in Windows 7 | ||
| x86 (32-bit) | x64 (64-bit) | |
| Windows 7 Ultimate | 4 GB | 192 GB |
| Windows 7 Enterprise | 4 GB | 192 GB |
| Windows 7 Professional | 4 GB | 192 GB |
| Windows 7 Home Premium | 4 GB | 16 GB |
| Windows 7 Home Basic | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Windows 7 Starter | 2 GB | does not exist |
And on Windows 8:
| RAM limits in Windows 8 | ||
| x86 (32-bit) | x64 (64-bit) | |
| Windows 8 Enterprise | 4 GB | 512 GB |
| Windows 8 Professional | 4 GB | 512 GB |
| Windows 8 | 4 GB | 128 GB |
Myths about RAM | 1.65V Memory May Damage Intel Processors
For its processors, Intel recommends memory with a voltage of 1.50 V and a certain data transfer rate. For Haswell it is DDR3-1600. However, what is confusing is the fact that Intel also certifies RAM (even DDR3-1600) that operates at 1.60 and 1.65 volts. Keep in mind that a voltage of 1.60 - 1.65 V is considered normal for DDR3-2133 and higher RAM.
Most lower data rate memory (such as DDR3-1333 and 1600) use 1.50V or less. We recommend that you avoid purchasing RAM at these speeds if the voltage is 1.65V, as this may mean that the manufacturer used the cheapest and lowest quality memory chips. Why do RAM with good chips even need a voltage of 1.60 -1.65 V? To further protect yourself from problems in the future, we would recommend not buying DDR3-1866 memory that exceeds 1.50V unless it has lower timings (CL7 or CL8).
Myths about RAM | Dual channel mode doubles the data transfer speed, meaning the RAM runs twice as fast
This is another misconception. When you install two sticks in dual-channel mode, the memory controller does not treat the RAM as two separate 64-bit devices, but as one 128-bit device. In theory, this should double throughput, but in practice the speed increase is 20-50 percent on Intel processors and slightly less on AMD chips.
This article was written with the participation of many forum members, but there are too many of them to list them all. We would also like to thank the wonderful people at companies like Corsair, G.Skill and Team Group, whose knowledge and experience in the field has been a great help to us.
As always, comments and constructive criticism on the article are welcome.
There are the following operating memory modes:
- Single-channel (asynchronous).
- Two-channel (symmetrical).
- Three-channel.
- Flexible.
SINGLE-CHANNEL (ASYNCHRONOUS) MODE
Single Chanell Mode
It is used when operating one memory module, or when the modules differ from each other in volume and operating speed. If the system has two memory modules that are different from each other, then the overall speed of the memory will be equal to the speed of the memory module with the lowest speed indicators. The installation sequence does not matter.
TWO-CHANNEL (SYMMETRICAL) MODE
Dual Chanell Mode
One of necessary conditions Enabling this mode means using identical modules in each channel. Each memory channel is serviced by its own controller, thereby achieving higher performance. Depending on the manufacturer, the channels on the motherboard are marked accordingly.
At the same time, two-channel mode can be implemented with both two (four) modules and three, () BUT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MEETED:
- Each channel has memory modules of the same size (Channel A, Channel B);
- Symmetrical memory slots are full (Slot 0, Slot 1).
Optional conditions: memory manufacturer and speed data.
In this case, the overall memory speed will also be selected modulo the one with the lowest speed.
THREE CHANNEL MODE
Triple Chanell Mode
Similar to the two-channel mode, three channels are filled with identical memory.
FLEXIBLE MODE
Flex Mode
Similar to the dual-channel mode, both channels are filled, but with memory of different sizes. In this case, the symmetrical volumes of the two modules will operate in dual-channel mode, and the remaining volume of the largest module in single-channel mode.
There are also operating modes (four-channel, etc.), but for laptop users the following modes remain relevant: single-channel, dual-channel and flexible.
Among other things, the operating mode actually used will depend not only on the memory model, but also on the chipset implemented in your laptop.
