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... a little not on memory here ...
The terminology "dual-channel DDR" is being misused by some in the
memory industry, which can mislead the consumer. The fact is there's
no such thing as dual-channel DDR memory. There are, however,
dual-channel platforms.
When properly used, the term "dual channel" refers to the DDR chipset
on certain motherboards designed with two memory channels instead of one.
The two channels handle memory-processing more efficiently by utilizing
the theoretical bandwidth of the two modules, thus reducing system
latencies, the timing delays that inherently occur with one memory module.
For example, one controller reads and writes data while the second
controller prepares for the next access, hence, eliminating the reset
and setup delays that occur before one memory module can begin the
read/write process all over again. Think of it like two relay runners.
The first runner runs one leg while the second runner sets up and prepares
to receive the baton smoothly and carry on the task at hand without delay.
While performance gains from dual-channel chipsets aren't huge, they can
increase bandwidth by as much as 10 percent. To those seeking to push the
performance envelope, that 10 percent can be very important.
So the next time you come across a product that's touted and sold as
dual-channel DDR, know this: It's simply two DDR memory modules,
packaged and marketed as a specialty product or a must-have "kit."
If indeed you have a dual-channel platform and you want to take
advantage of the performance gain it offers, our advice is to opt for
high quality and service over expensive packaging, and simply purchase
your DDR memory in pairs. However, be very careful to order two modules
with the exact same specifications; the modules must be identical to
each other to perform correctly.
Linky
Mucks. 8)
The terminology "dual-channel DDR" is being misused by some in the
memory industry, which can mislead the consumer. The fact is there's
no such thing as dual-channel DDR memory. There are, however,
dual-channel platforms.
When properly used, the term "dual channel" refers to the DDR chipset
on certain motherboards designed with two memory channels instead of one.
The two channels handle memory-processing more efficiently by utilizing
the theoretical bandwidth of the two modules, thus reducing system
latencies, the timing delays that inherently occur with one memory module.
For example, one controller reads and writes data while the second
controller prepares for the next access, hence, eliminating the reset
and setup delays that occur before one memory module can begin the
read/write process all over again. Think of it like two relay runners.
The first runner runs one leg while the second runner sets up and prepares
to receive the baton smoothly and carry on the task at hand without delay.
While performance gains from dual-channel chipsets aren't huge, they can
increase bandwidth by as much as 10 percent. To those seeking to push the
performance envelope, that 10 percent can be very important.
So the next time you come across a product that's touted and sold as
dual-channel DDR, know this: It's simply two DDR memory modules,
packaged and marketed as a specialty product or a must-have "kit."
If indeed you have a dual-channel platform and you want to take
advantage of the performance gain it offers, our advice is to opt for
high quality and service over expensive packaging, and simply purchase
your DDR memory in pairs. However, be very careful to order two modules
with the exact same specifications; the modules must be identical to
each other to perform correctly.
Linky
Mucks. 8)
)
