RAM is the computer component that stores needed variables and content for computers. When installed onto a computer motherboard, various channels will be utilized depending on the amount of RAM sticks inserted. One stick would be single channel, and two would be dual channel. One could install up to four sticks and run a quad channel configuration, though single and dual channels are the most commonly applied configuration with one to two sticks installed. By running more channels with smaller capacity sticks, the memory bandwidth is theoretically doubled, or even quadrupled, all while having the same memory as a single larger one. But does increasing the bandwidth also increase the performance of computers? With applications like video games, they are loaded onto the RAM rather than the hard drive as it is easier to store temporary items on them. This makes video games a great way to test RAM capabilities with high stress and intensive programs.
According to tests by the IT corporation MSI and other journalists for single and dual channel configurations, video games running various dual and single channel configurations revealed little to no difference in performance ability. It was noted in one test, however, that with single channel configurations CPU usage was notably higher, thus creating the hypothesis that dual channel configurations may alleviate some of the pressure off of the CPU with the increased bandwidth. While unproven, this may indicate that users may see a performance difference in temporary memory intensive applications with a cheaper CPU.
When the same testing was run for rendering, transcoding, encoding, and performance benchmarks, somewhat similar results were given. While applications such as Euler 3D, a popular polyhedron editor, and the MaxxMem utility benchmark showed somewhat significant increased performance in dual channels, most tests across the board fell in line with the little to no difference in performance as seen in the video game tests.
Altogether, for the average user doing business, playing video games, and normal application use, there proves to be little difference in the amount of channels you utilize through RAM Modules. While dual, and even quad, channels create more theoretical bandwidth performance, most users would not be putting their systems under enough strain to see such a difference in effective performance. More channels does seem to be beneficial, however, to those who are looking into pushing computer’s abilities to the limits and need as much bandwidth as possible.
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