Placing RAM memory in dual channel is a process that we must do well yes or yes if we want to make the most of the processor and memory in our gaming PC. The dual channel is essential, and connecting it wrong can be a big performance problem. So stick around because we’re going to teach you how to properly install memory, and make sure your RAM works dual channel as it should.
Index of contents
- Dual Channel RAM, why is it important?
- How to place RAM memory in Dual channel step by step
- What to do with 3 RAM modules?
- And what if the RAM is not from the same company?
- How to check after placing if the RAM is in dual channel
Dual Channel RAM, why is it important?
Why placing RAM memory in dual channel is so important? Basically, the memory controller of most processors is capable of communicating with two channels of RAM memory at the same time. That is, it can get and receive data from two different RAMs at the same time.
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This means that, by using memories in Dual Channel, we will obtain twice the bandwidth: our processor will be able to work at the same time with two different RAM modules, in two different places in the memory space , and obtain twice the information in the Same time.
This is becoming more and more important, due to the well-known CPU and memory performance gap. Every time, the processors are more powerful, and advance in a way much faster than the speed of memory. Memory becomes a performance limiter and the use of slow memories significantly affects how our games and programs perform.
Dual channel is essential because it allows us to take advantage of 100% of the CPU with our RAM memories
We want to highlight that there is a specific case in which using single channel RAM can “kill” performance. And it is if we play with an integrated graphics card or iGPU .
Almost everyone plays with a dedicated graphics card , but those who play with integrated graphics should know that using dual channel can double the performance. This is because since the graphics card is on the processor chip itself, one channel can be used for the integrated GPU and another channel for the CPU.
Even so, whatever your PC is, it is important to have dual channel and place the RAM correctly, let’s see how.
How to place RAM memory in Dual channel step by step
To place our RAM memory in Dual Channel, the first thing we must be clear about is that we must have more than one memory module. We are going to see how to place it if we have 2 modules, and if we have 4.
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With 4 identical modules, the answer is simple: mount them all together because there is no other. The RAMs will be capable of dual channel operation without problems, although it is true that populating all the DIMMs can be a problem for memory stability in certain contexts.
And what if we have 8 RAM slots on our motherboard? So we are not looking for a dual channel installation, but a quad channel one.
Let’s see how to place 2 modules in dual channel and do it RIGHT.
The second case is the most common: we have 2 RAM modules on a board with 4 holes to put memory. Where should you go?
On the boards, the 4 modules are distributed as follows:
- The first two modules are a memory channel.
- The last two are another memory channel.
So what we want to do with our modules is put them in different memory channels, not the same one. This leads to us having to connect the memory in alternate sockets: one yes, one no.
Precisely, the best we can do is mount it on the second and fourth sockets of the board. Why? Simply because this way we will leave more room for the heatsink of our CPU. As you are going to see now, there are cases in which a different placement is also useful, but as a good practice in all your assemblies we recommend this RAM position.
If you check your motherboard manual, you will surely see this recommendation as well. By the way, the motherboard manual is essential to place the RAM in dual channel correctly, so we recommend you check it and take a look.
Do I have to mount the RAM in alternate slots yes or yes? If they go together, won’t the dual channel work?
The truth is that it depends on something somewhat complex: the way of connecting the RAM sockets that the motherboard has.
On boards with a T-Topology format, we can mount the RAM as we want and they will go under dual channel. As this is not easy to identify, it is better to forget about it and always assemble them in the same way.
When in doubt, what is the best? Always check the motherboard manual.
Remember that, to place a memory module, you just have to open the tab on the motherboard slot ( some motherboards have two tabs ), and choose the correct side by aligning the notch on the RAM with the notch on the motherboard slot. . So, just insert the RAM and press with some force so that both tabs close by themselves.
If the tabs don’t close properly on their own, then it hasn’t been installed correctly.
What to do with 3 RAM modules?
If we have already seen that we must place 2 or 4 RAM memory modules to use it in Dual Channel, what happens if we have 3? This is something that can happen, because we may want to slightly expand our memory capacity.
Luckily, you can still use dual channel with 3 memory modules, but you have to distinguish between two different cases:
- We have two modules of the same capacity and one of twice the capacity. For example, 2x4GB and 1x8GB. In that case, the dual channel would work as if we had 2x8GB, “joining” the two small modules.
In that case, we have to mount the small modules on the same channel. Intel shows us a practical example of how to do it, putting the small memories in DIMM 1 and DIMM 2, and the large memory in another DIMM.
- In case of having a configuration other than 3 modules, if our board supports it, they will work in “Flex mode”. Flex mode, as Intel calls it, or asymmetric Dual Channel configuration, means that at the same time we have a part of the memory working on dual channel and another part on single channel. This mode can affect performance somewhat, but if you have no other option, you can use it without fear.
And what if the RAM is not from the same company?
Another of the great doubts that arise when mounting RAM is what happens if we mix different RAM. Again, Intel gives us the answer:
- The RAM memories do not have to be of the same brand.
- They also do not have to have the same speed (MHz) or the same timings.
We should not worry, since the module that will decide the speed and latency will be the slowest.
However, keep in mind that this is not preferable, just like using 3 memory modules is not preferable. If you have a high-performance PC with DDR4 or DDR5, it is best to have two modules (or 4 if necessary, but better 2), of the same brand and with high speed and low latencies. In this way we will be able to maximize performance and avoid memory stability problems.
How to check after placing if the RAM is in dual channel
To check if you have the correct RAM placed in dual channel, the best thing you can do is use a program like CPU-Z . This software gives us all the details about the RAM and how we have it mounted.
- Download CPU-Z here from the official website. Click on “SETUP – ENGLISH”.
Once you have downloaded and installed CPU-Z, you just have to go to the Memory tab and check the Channel # data, which should appear as Dual. If you have the memories in Flex or Dual Channel asymmetric mode, it should also appear as Dual.
We recommend reading the best RAM memories on the market.
This ends our tutorial on how to place RAM memory in Dual Channel. We hope we have been able to help you mount your memories properly to avoid problems and achieve the best possible performance.