All, if not most, motherboard and CPU allow the memory to run on dual channel if configured correctly. However, if you have gotten a pre-built PC, the memory module might be set to run on a single channel,lowering your system’s memory bandwidth.
Running RAM on a dual-channel setup doubles the memory bandwidth giving you a huge performance boost when running aCPU-intensive program. When you have two identical memory modules using alternate DIMM slots (A2 and B2) on the motherboard, the system is likely running a dual-channel setup.
However, the system might not give maximum performance on dual channel mode if there is amismatch in capacity or frequency. And if the DRAM bus width does not match, the system may not run on dual channels even if you have the correct memory module arrangement.
So, here is how you may verify if the memory is running on a dual-channel mode for maximum performance.
CPU-Z is a great application tocheck your system specson both desktops and laptops. In our case, you may use it to check whether the system is running in dual or single-channel mode.
If it says 2 x 64-bit or dual, the memory runs on dual-channel mode. If it says 1 x 64-bit, it is running on single-channel mode. Here, you may also get the actualfrequency of your DDR RAM.
CPU-Z will also indicate 2 x 64-bit or dual if the system is on Flex or Asynchronous Dual Channel mode. When you have two memory sticks of different capacities on dual channel slots, the system runs on Asynchronous or Flex dual channel mode.
In this mode, a lower-sized memory stick will run on a dual channel with a higher-capacity memory. Once the memory usage exceeds double the memory size of the lower RAM, the remaining memory will run on single-channel mode.
For example, if you have a system that runs on 4GB and an 8GB memory stick. The first 8GB (4GB RAM and 4 out of 8GB RAM) will run on a dual channel. Once the system starts to use more than 8GB, the remaining 4 out of 8GB modules will run on a single channel.
Although running on a dual channel, the memory module will only be able to maximize performance when you have two identical memory modules.
you may confirm this by checking your BIOS.
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) contains all the information about the hardware connected to the system. And you canaccess your motherboard BIOSto check the memory slot occupied and its capacity.
If the motherboard has two memory slots, and both of them are equipped with identical RAM sticks, the system is running on dual channel mode withmaximum performance.
These are the requirements for maximum performance and system stability when using a dual-channel setup.
If the motherboard has four memory slots, you will likely see these four writings, DIMM_A1, DIMM_A2, DIMM_B1, and DIMM_B2 in the BIOS.
