How to enable two-channel mode for RAM. Dual-channel RAM mode How to enable

The speed of the personal computer directly depends on the proper selection and installation of all its components. The correct selection and installation of the RAM memory modules is the most important key to the successful work of your PC.

In the previous article we looked at. In this article, we will look at the issues of selecting RAM and its competent layout in the motherboard connectors.

Basic recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:
- set the best DIMM modules with the same amount of memory;
- modules must match the frequency of work (MHz) if you install modules with different frequencies of work, then in the end they will all work at the frequency of slow memory itself;
- in the installed RAM card boards, it is advisable to combine timings, latency (delays) of memory;
- Select the modules better from one manufacturer and one model.

Some enthusiasts try to buy modules from one party, but it seems to me, already perversion!

These tips are not strictly performed, there are different situations. If the memory modules differ from each other by the manufacturer, the volume and frequency of work - it does not mean that they will not work. In this case, there are no special secrets of the layout of memory - it is enough to install them.

There are also no features when installing already outdated SDRAM memory types (there is one rule - the more, the better).

But in modern computers, motherboards support special operational memory modes. It is in these modes that the speed of the RAM memory will be the most efficient. Therefore, to achieve the best speed, you should consider the modes of operation of the DIMM modules and their proper installation. Let's consider the most common operational memory modes today.

RAM operational memory 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 DIMM modules differ from each other by memory, work frequency or manufacturer. It does not matter what connectors and what memory to install. The whole memory will work at the speed of slower from the installed memory.

If only one module, it can be installed in any memory connector:

Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:

Such a mode is more needed when the RAM is already there, and in the first place there is an increase in the amount of memory and saving money, and not the achievement of the best PC performance. If you only buy a computer, of course, it is better to avoid such a memory installation.

Dual Chanell Mode.

Dual Mode. (two-channel or symmetrical mode) - In each DIMM channel, the same amount of RAM is installed. Modules are selected by frequency of work. On motherboards, the DIMM connectors for each channel differ in color. Next to them is written the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. Assigning connectors and their location through the channels is necessarily indicated in the manual of the motherboard. The total amount of memory is equal to the total volume of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its memory controller. The system performance increases by 5-10%.

Dual Mode. It can be implemented using two, three or four DIMM modules.

If two identical RAM memory module uses, they should be connected to the connectors of the same name (in one color) from different channels. For example, one module is installed in the connector 0 canal A., and the second - in the connector 0 canal B.:

That is, to turn on the mode Dual Channel. (Mode with alternation) The necessary conditions should be performed:
- on each channel of the memory is installed the same DIMM module configuration;
- Memory is inserted into symmetric channel connectors ( Slot 0 or Slot 1.) .

Similarly, three memory modules are installed - the total amounts of memory in each channel are among themselves (the memory in the channel A. equal to volume in the channel B.):

And for four modules, the same condition is performed. It works like two parallel dual modes:

Triple Chanell Mode.

(three-channel mode) - In each of the three DIMM channels, the same amount of RAM is installed. Modules are selected in speed and volume. On motherboards supporting three-channel memory mode, 6 memory connectors are usually installed (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors constitute one channel, two others are connected to the second and third channel, respectively.

At six or three sluts, the installation is also simple as and when double-channel mode. When four memory connectors are installed, three of which can work in, memory should be set in these connectors.

(flexible mode) - Allows you to increase the performance of the RAM, when installing two modules of various volumes, but the same in frequency of work. As in dual-channel memory board mode, the connectors of different channels are installed in the same connectors. For example, if there are two memory strips of 512MB and 1GB, then one of them should be installed in the slot 0 canal A.and the second - in the slot 0 canal B.:

In this case, the 512MB module will work in a dual mode with a memory capacity of 512MB of the second module, and the remaining 512MB from 1 gigabyte module will operate in one-channel mode.

Here in principle, all recommendations on the combination of RAM. Of course, layout options can be more, it all depends on the volume of RAM, the model of the motherboard and on your financial capabilities. Motherboards with support appeared on sale four-channel mode Memory operations - this will give you the maximum performance of the computer!

RAM (RAM) is the necessary component of any computer based on the processor with the X86 architecture (not to be confused with the BS). From volume, latency and memory bandwidth (PSP), the performance of the computer in all tasks is quite high. The end user can change all these characteristics at its discretion to increase the performance of "iron".

In addition to changing the clock frequency, there is another way to increase the PSP - multichannel RAM operational mode. Dual-channel RAM operational mode is the simplest and most common private case of multichannel mode, affordable to most users. This method of increasing the PSP does not require any special skills and knowledge, while the change in timings and frequency of RAM can do not fulfill all the experienced users, not to mention newbies.

Why dual-channel operational memory mode increases bandwidth

The transfer rate of RAM, as mentioned above, depends on latency and PSPs. Memory bandwidth, in turn, directly depends on the clock frequency of the RAM and the width of the data exchange bus between the memory controller (KP) and the RAM. The width of the bus of one channel of RAM at the DDR memory of all generations is 64 bits. Memory controllers that support multichannel mode are determined by several memory dies with a bus width 64 bit as one device with a width of the tire N * 64 (where n is the number of memory dies, provided that the CP supports the N-channel mode of operation of RAM). That is, the two-channel RAM mode increases the width of the tire exactly 2 times (2 * 64 \u003d 128 bits). Formula Calculation of the theoretical PSP (in GB / C): "Clock * Memory_Bus / 8/1000", where "Clock" is an effective frequency of memory (in MHz), and "Memory_bus" - the width of the exchange bus of RAM data with KP.

Based on the above, it follows that the theoretical bandwidth of the memory with an increase in the width of the tire is multiple increases. Hence, two-channel RAM mode increases bandwidth 2 times.

How to enable two-channel RAM mode

After all read in this article, I am sure you wanted to learn how to enable two-channel operational memory operations on your computer. To activate a two-channel mode, it is necessary to perform the following conditions:

1. Support by the controller of the memory of the two-channel mode of operation of the RAM;
2. The presence of two and more dies of the operational memory of one generation;
3. The presence of two slots for the installation of RAM;
4. Identity of types of both memory dies (with ECC or without);
5. (Optional) The identity of the characteristics of the dies of RAM (clock frequency, timings, number of ranks, a manufacturer of memory chips, etc.).

To activate a two-channel RAM mode, you need to insert a minimum of 2 RAM dies into different motherboard slots (if the slots are greater than 2, then they must be 1 colors). In most cases, nothing more needs to do, the two-channel operation of the RAM is activated independently.

However, sometimes the user manual has to be activated in the BIOS function " Dual Channel.". There is also a possibility that the PC will generally refuse to start. This happens when using different memory dies. In this case, you can try to disable some functions for RAM to BIOS and / or change the frequency and timings, booting with 1 shield.

Check if the two-channel mode of operational memory operation is activated in a specialized software (for example, in CPU-Z or AIDA64).

Performance growth from two-channel RAM Mode

The greatest productivity increase (practically multiple) from the activation of the two-channel mode of RAM is obtained by systems using integrated graphics. The performance of such graphics often rests on the PSP and memory latency. GPU most of the time "frightened" idle, waiting for data from RAM (RAM in such systems is also used as video memory).

Also significant increase should be expected on systems suffering from lack of RAM. With an increase in the rate of data exchange, RAM per unit of time can transmit more data than before, so the data will occupy a slightly smaller volume in RAM. In addition, a significant increase can receive systems with powerful processors suffering from a shortage of data, since the memory bandwidth in one-channel mode (first of all the memory of outdated standards) lacks some applications for timely data exchange with the memory controller. So in the game Rise of the Tomb Raider Intel Core i7 2600 receives an increase in performance of 34.5% of the increase in memory bandwidth, in particular frequency:

On systems with a low-power central processor using discrete graphics and a modern memory type, productivity growth in gaming applications will be quite small (only the indicators of 0.1% and 1% of the minimum FPS) will significantly increase), not to mention rendering, where it comes to the fore Power CPU. So on the Intel Core i3 6100 two-channel mode of RAM in 3DMark Fire Strike does not give any advantages, in comparison with one-channel.

While the increase in the PSP made an impressive 94%:

In games, productivity growth is small, but it seriously grows the minimum FPS and horse time jumps are becoming less pronounced, which seriously increases the smoothness of the game as a whole.

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If you bought an additional memory bar, do not rush to insert it. First you need to make sure that you bought what is needed.

Ideal will be the option if you buy the bar the same as you had. But this is optional. It is necessary that the memory is the same type and the same frequency. That is, so that the same labeling stood on the memory.

If you were convinced that the memory planks will not conflict among themselves, you can safely insert them into the motherboard! Of course, only under the condition if you have masteredBasics of computer, otherwiseinvite a specialist who understands computers.

How to enable two-channel memory mode

First, read in the user's manual to the motherboard, is supported if the two-channel mode is supported and how to activate it.

Usually, to enable support for the two-channel mode, you should insert the planks in the slots of the same color. .

On some computers, when loading is written, a mode in which RAM is running. If something like Dual Channel Mode is written - it means that your RAM is working in two-channel mode. If Single Channel Mode writes - it means that RAM works in one-channel mode.

If you do not display information about the memory mode, you can take advantage of

Opening the MEMORY tab, you can see the mode in which your memory works.

Comparison of memory performance in two-channel and single modes

Memory performance was checked using special tests of the "AIDA32" program. Record tests in memory and reading from memory.

So, the reading speed in two-channel mode increased 1.177 times, and the records were 1.238 times. Therefore, if you are inserted several memory schedules and you are sure that the memory does not work in two-channel mode, it is worth trying to read your computer's motherboard manual.

1. How to enable two-channel RAM mode if you want to increase computer performance? In fact, it is not necessary to include anything, the motherboard immediately after installing the second memory strip recognizes it and allows the computer to automatically turn on the two-channel mode of RAM, but for this there must be several factors. To begin, check the type of installed memory into the computer, as well as the mode in which it works. For this, one of the common utilities is suitable, such as CPU-Z or AIDA64. In the "System Board" section we find the "SPD" subsection and there we find all the necessary information. It is repulsted from this information that you need to choose the RAM module, since the specifications must fully coincide with the installed memory bar, as well as with the capabilities of the motherboard. On the example of my laptop, you can understand that the memory is working with one channel, since I have one memory bar installed, the size of the memory module is 4 GB, the DDR3 SDRAM memory type, the speed speed of DDR3 - 1333 (667 MHz), the manufacturer of the plank is immediately indicated. timings, date of release of the module. The AIDA64 programs also gives information about supported memory types and maximum volume. It is repulsted from this data that you need to choose the "RAM", since the mismatch primarily memory speeds can lead to a decrease in the overall memory performance, compared with the memory straps with similar parameters, it is at best, and at worst, memory will not work at all Just the computer will not start.

   What gives a two-channel RAM mode?

   When assembling a computer when the question arises, how much memory to install many users are repelled from economic feasibility, because one level of memory is cheaper than two strips that give a similar amount of RAM. And the question is how much the two-channel mode of operational memory gives productivity growth worries last, because many studies have shown that there is no increase or there is no increase or it is, but very insignificant. For example, personal computers with medium or low characteristics will not allow to reveal the entire potential of a two-channel mode. However, if you install two memory strips on a personal computer with a quick processor and a video card, then the increase in graphics or video processing will still be, but not more than 10-15% compared with the single-channel mode.

   How to connect RAM in two-channel mode?

   On an example with a laptop, you just need to stick in the slot to the second memory bar with the correct characteristics and after starting the system automatically activates the two-channel mode. In the stationary PC, the principle is the same, however, on the motherboard of a stationary PC, there are usually several slots under the RAM strip. To simplify the installation of the memory bar, manufacturers of motherboards are stained with slots in which you need to insert memory for a two-channel mode to one color. Suppose, there are four slots on the maternal card, two of them are one color, two other other, in this case you need to choose slots with one color. When you connect a new or optional memory bar, do not forget about security, be sure to turn off the fully power of the computer, as well as remove the static voltage so as not to damage the memory.

   How to disable two-channel RAM mode?

   It is not clear at all who may need to enable the single-channel RAM mode, but this can be done. First, if you connect the memory bar in the slots of different colors, then on most motherboards, the memory will work, but it is in one-channel mode. And some of the BIOS types allow forcibly setting a single-channel RAM mode, but the PC may after turning on this mode not to turn on or the speed will decrease sharply. In addition to single-channel and two-channel mode, there are three-channel and four-channel modes.

   And in what mode is the RAM working on your computer?

   Last edited by Master; 03/02/2017 at 16:42.

2. Pretty many motherboards with DDR3 support three-channel RAM mode. Naturally, it takes three identical memory planks to turn it on into the motherboard. Some memory manufacturers sell retail sets of three (or, in the case of a two-channel mode, out of two) identical modules.
3. 03/03/2017, 14:17 # 3 Message from Igor Pretty Motherboards with DDR3 support three-channel RAM mode. This is on the PC, and I have not been using a personal computer for a long time, but only a laptop. I already have a third laptop, and "staffing" ended 7 years old. So I remember a visual motherboard, but from modern trends behind.
4. A message from Optimus is already the third laptop, in the "laptop world" is all the same. In some models of "charged" game laptops, there are three slots for memory and they support three-channel operation. True, such a decision is quite rare.
5. Message from Optimus It is repulsted from this information that you need to select the RAM module, since the specifications must fully coincide with the installed memory bar, as well as with the capabilities of the motherboard. That is why manufacturers often sell memory modules with pairs, for example - two modules of 4 gigabytes. Especially often it is found in fast memory modules with high clock frequencies and low timings. A message from Optimus For example, personal computers with medium or low characteristics will not allow to reveal the entire potential of a two-channel mode. Of course. What is the difference: single-channel mode or dual-channel if the processor is loaded most of the time by 5-10%? Message from Optimus However, if you set two memory strips to a personal computer with a fast processor and a video card, then the increase in graphics or video will still be handling, but no more than 10-15% compared to the single-channel mode. If you estimate the difference in price between processors and video cards that differ in performance by 10-15%, then such an increase is quite economically appropriate. A message from Optimus and in what mode does RAM working on your computer? Naturally, two twin memory modules in two-channel mode.
6. 03/11/2017, 23:14 # 6 GPU, I and in one and in another laptop, memory works in one-channel mode, while there is still one slot for the plank. So I also thought about buying a memory, but as you understand buying two at once I will not, I will try to fit under the already existing memory.
7. Message from Optimus But as you understand buying at once, I will not, I will try to fit under the already available memory. It is difficult to guess here. Even identical with the appearance of the plank (the same number of chips and marking) may not start in two-channel mode. You just need to insert and try that with the "remote" purchase on the Internet is difficult. Or buy two identical planks.
8. 03/13/2017, 11:03 # 8 Igor, I buy in us a store, I have friends, sell at a price lower than on the Internet. They also bought SSD, so it was much cheaper to me, if compared with popular network shops. As for the memory planks, yes I read that even the solder is different in the composition can affect the memory of the memory.
9. Message from Optimus I have friends, sell at a price lower than on the Internet. Even friends will not sell "iron" below the cost. A margin on computer components is now very low, products and alcohol sell much more profitable. Message from Optimus As for the memory planks, yes I read that even the solder is different in the composition can affect the memory of the memory. In addition, memory chips from different batches of delivery can also be quite different.
10. 03/13/2017, 12:40 # 10 Igor, but it (iron) in any case is cheaper than in the conditional "socket", of course, and they are welded. I just get to buy without need to buy on the net, and even without the possibility of checking, they themselves inserted themselves, they all checked, got money.

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Dual-channel RAM mode

What is a two-channel RAM mode? What is he? Benefits. This is exactly what I want to end articles about RAM. Immediately the question arises, is it worth a two-channel mode? How to find out?

There is a CPU-Z program, you can download it here: /http://www.cpuid.com/. Run it.

Open the program, select the "Memory" tab. We see all the information about the operational memory of the computer.

Memory Type: DDR3

Memory amount: 8GB

On the right side: the number of DUAL channels. This means two-channel mode. If you have a single-channel mode will stand Single record.

How to enable two-channel RAM mode

Let's look at the memory in the motherboard

We see 4 slots for RAM. In order for your memory to work in two-channel mode, you need to install 2 memory bar. No matter what volume. I have 2 planks of 4 GB each.

If you put 1 RAM bar, then the RAM will work in one-channel mode. Output First - Set 2 or 4 memory bar.

Where do you put? We have 2 planks of 4 GB. We put them in 1 and 3 slots. (Slots are marked in the picture). If you put them in 1 and 2 slots - the memory will work in one-channel mode. If you have bought 4 4 GB memory bar. The kit will have 2 pairs of memory. The first pair put in 1 and 3 slots. We put a second pair in 2 and 4 slots.

The output of the second is to set memory in 1 and 3; 2 and 4 slots.

We look at the video where everything is clear and understandable.

With respect, Yuriy Dolgov