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Multi

Uploaded by

Amith
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Multi-channel memory architecture

In the fields of digital electronics and computer hardware, multi-channel memory architecture is a
technology that increases the data transfer rate between the DRAM memory and the memory
controller by adding more channels of communication between them. Theoretically, this multiplies
the data rate by exactly the number of channels present. Dual-channel memory employs two
channels. The technique goes back as far as the 1960s having been used in IBM System/360 Model
91 and in CDC 6600.[1]

Modern high-end desktop and workstation processors such as the AMD Ryzen Threadripper series
and the Intel Core i9 Extreme Edition lineup support quad-channel memory. Server processors from
the AMD Epyc series and the Intel Xeon platforms give support to memory bandwidth starting from
quad-channel module layout to up to 12-channel layout.[2] In March 2010, AMD released Socket G34
and Magny-Cours Opteron 6100 series[3] processors with support for quad-channel memory. In
2006, Intel released chipsets that support quad-channel memory for its LGA771 platform[4] and later
in 2011 for its LGA2011 platform.[5] Microcomputer chipsets with even more channels were
designed; for example, the chipset in the AlphaStation 600 (1995) supports eight-channel memory,
but the backplane of the machine limited operation to four channels.[6]

Dual-channel architecture

Dual-channel memory slots, color-coded orange and yellow for this particular motherboard.

Dual-channel-enabled memory controllers in a PC system architecture use two 64-bit data channels.
Dual-channel should not be confused with double data rate (DDR), in which data exchange happens
twice per DRAM clock. The two technologies are independent of each other, and many
motherboards use both by using DDR memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Operation

Dual-channel architecture requires a dual-channel-capable motherboard and two or more DDR


memory modules. The memory modules are installed into matching banks, each of which belongs to
a different channel. The motherboard's manual will provide an explanation of how to install memory
for that particular unit. A matched pair of memory modules may usually be placed in the first bank of
each channel, and a different-capacity pair of modules in the second bank.[7] Modules rated at
different speeds can be run in dual-channel mode, although the motherboard will then run all
memory modules at the speed of the slowest module. Some motherboards, however, have
compatibility issues with certain brands or models of memory when attempting to use them in dual-
channel mode. For this reason, it is generally advised to use identical pairs of memory modules,
which is why most memory manufacturers now sell "kits" of matched-pair DIMMs. Several
motherboard manufacturers only support configurations where a "matched pair" of modules are
used. A matching pair needs to match in:
Capacity (e.g. 1024 MB). Certain Intel chipsets support different capacity chips in what they call Flex
Mode: the capacity that can be matched is run in dual-channel, while the remainder runs in single-
channel.

Speed (e.g. PC5300). If speed is not the same, the lower speed of the two modules will be used.
Likewise, the higher latency of the two modules will be used.

CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency, or CL.

Number of chips and sides (e.g. two sides with four chips on each side).

Size of rows and columns.

Theoretically any matched pair of memory modules may be used in either single- or dual-channel
operation, provided the motherboard supports this architecture.

With the introduction of DDR5, each DDR5 DIMM has two independent sub-channels.

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