Dual and single channel

[Pasha_Man]

Hi, I would like to know the difference between single and dual channel memory. Which one is faster and efficient? And do I need same speed and same capacity sticks to run dual channel? I currently have a 2 and 4 (total 6) gigs sticks. I want to upgrade it to 12gigs so should I go with an 8gigs and 4gigs or 2x 6gigs ones?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The memory modules are all the same.

It is how you install them as to whether or not they run in single or dual channel mode.

In order to run in the better performing dual channel mode (rate), DDR, you have to install memory in matched pairs, such as 2 x 4 GB, 2 x 8 GB etc.

There is no such thing as a 6 GB memory chip.  They come in multiples of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.