Should I Use RAM in Single-Channel or in Dual-Channel?

The concept of a dual-channel RAM setup is largely owed to the need for evading the bottle neck between the RAM and the CPU. RAM modules in a dual-channel setup can communicate at double the speed with memory controllers due to increased bandwidth. To get a clear justification, I conducted tests to evaluate as to whether a dual-channel RAM configuration performs better than a single-channel one.

RAM configuration

Since I wanted to test the performance of RAM modules on both platforms-Intel and AMD-two separate rigs were prepared. Each rig involved three different RAM configurations. The first one was where a single RAM module of 2 GB was used. The second one was where two modules of 1 GB each were used for a dual-channel setup. In the third configuration, I ran the same two (1 GB) modules in single channel. So there were six benchmark cycles in all-three for each platform.

Benchmarks

For testing, I used a battery of relevant synthetic benchmarks such as the Memory Bandwidth suite from SiSoft Sandra and the Memories and Overall suites from PCMark Vantage Professional. I also used my pre-designed real-world benchmarks such as audio and video encoding, and a couple of game benchmarks.

Results

You will notice that there is almost no difference between the performances of RAM when in single-channel or dual. The only exception is that in the latter, the scores of synthetic benchmarks are double, because both banks combine to provide double the bandwidth.

However, in real-world scenarios a dual-channel setup helps to complete a certain tasks only a couple of seconds earlier-which is of less significance. Other than that, there are no added advantages. Even in games, if you noticed the frame rates, there is an invariable difference of only one frame, which again does not justify the expense of a dual-channel setup. What might make a significant difference between the two is when one uses demanding applications such as filters in Adobe Photoshop, 3D modeling, and editing audio and video files.

Verdict

Since a dual-channel RAM setup has not much to offer over a single-channel one, it makes sense to use RAM in the latter. If you already have two RAM modules, then you might as well use them in a dual-channel setup. Otherwise if you plan on buying new RAM, it is better to opt for a larger capacity to use it in single-channel. For instance, buying a single module of 2 GB-as opposed to two 1 GB modules-will be cheaper. Also if you buy one module, you can use other RAM slots to upgrade the system's memory in the future, which won't be possible if all the slots are occupied.