RAM plays temporary storage and provides access to applications, programs, and software we’ve used recently. In truth, if your motherboard will let you configure dual channel RAM, if you enable it in BIOS, this will make a difference, as it will result in increased overall load and improved response time. That’s where we’re going in this article. In addition, we’ll try to run 2 1x dual-channel RAM.
How to Enable Dual Channel RAM
Before enabling dual-channel RAM, you have to think about it. In this article further, you will see how you can install the two new RAM sticks on a motherboard.
What is Dual Channel RAM?
Dual channel RAM refers to using two identical memory modules to parallel the memory bandwidth in your computer system.
- The two modules are inhabited on the motherboard in matching pairs, with each module inhabiting its memory channel. This means the computer’s memory controller can access both modules at once. Second, it doubles the available bandwidth, while also significantly improving overall system performance.
- Memory modules of the same capacity, speed, and timing are a must. This guarantees the memory controller can do just the right thing to synchronize the two channels and remain at top performance.
- Such RAM, which is used commonly in gaming and high-performance computing systems, requires almost instantaneous memory access and a fully multithreaded environment for maximum performance.
Is Dual Channel RAM Automatic?
No, it is not automatic. To create dual channel RAM you need to configure the motherboard and install the same identic memory in the same places.
Most computer systems operate in single-channel mode by default, thus using a single module to read/write data into and from the storage device. Dual Channel RAM can be different on your PC and motherboard with the BIOS settings. In most cases, you will need to manually set up the system’s BIOS settings.
How to Set Up RAM for Dual Channel Memory
Before setting up RAM for Dual Channel Memory, these are the few things you need to ensure:
- One must be identical in specifications and compatible with the other
- Also, find out if the motherboard is supported by dual-channel RAM. It should have 4 DIMM slots.
- You should place the modules in alternate slots, i.e.. suitable slots.
You can follow the step-by-step guide below to do this:
Note: On most motherboards WITH 4 slots the RAM slots are shrong A1 A2, B1, and B2.
- On either side of the DIMM slot clips or RAM tabs, press down until you hear the pop sound.
- Remove existing RAM, if it’s popped out.
- Make sure the new RAM stick’s notching leads line up with the slot’s notching leads before inserting it into the A1 slot.
- You push down on the RAM until the tabs lock in place.
- Insert the next RAM stick in the B1 slot the same way you did it with the previous one, now.
- Close the computer casing and reconnect the power supplies. Follow with a boot-up.
Note: Alternatively they can be inserted into the A2 and B2 slots.
Dual Channel RAM in BIOS explained.
Dual Channel RAM doesn’t auto-enable. It is very important after you have installed dual channel RAM that you enable it in the BIOS Setup utility. Follow these steps for that.
1. Turn on the computer and when you see the bootup messages, instead of pressing Enter press the F2 or F12 or Delete key (depending on your model).
Note: The way to enter the BIOS setup will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as well as different models of the same PC brand. You will find that the official websites of HP, Lenovo, Dell, and others can verify it for you.
- You can get into the advanced BIOS features or advanced memory settings from the BIOS window.
- Check to see if you have an option Mem, Chan Mode, or Memory Configuration.
- Change the settings to Single to Dual then use arrow keys.
- Choose exit the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key then hit Save the changes. Usually, it is the F10 key.
If for whatever reason the PC didn’t boot with Dual Channel RAM, the PC will automatically boot, with Dual Channel RAM enabled.
Can you Run 2 Dual Channel RAM?
So yes you can put two dual-channel RAM configurations on a motherboard that has 4 memory slots. This is called the quad-channel memory configuration.
- However, in order to enable such memory configuration you need to install four identical memory modules in each memory channel and matching pairs. It permits your memory controller to schedule all four of your modules in parallel, doubling your bandwidth and increasing your system’s performance as a whole.
- Now, it’s important to note that not all motherboards support quad-channel memory configuration, and what mode to enable in your BIOS to do this will vary based on your motherboard’s specifications—although generally, the process should be pretty straightforward.
- And adding more memory modules won’t necessarily improve performance, not only because your CPU and storage affect overall system performance, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is dual-channel RAM?
Since then, a new computer technology, dual-channel RAM, has been used in modern computers to boost memory performance. It has two memory modules that operate together simultaneously, raising the amount of data that can be transported onto the processor at a time.
Q2. What are the benefits of dual-channel RAM?
Faster data transfer rates, increased system stability, and improved overall system performance are benefits of dual RAM channels. Not only would this reduce the amount of heat generated in your system, but it also helps spread the load over two modules.