Intel Dual-Channel DDR Memory Architecture

Today, buying a computer is becoming a more complicated process where potential buyers are inundated with technical terms like: GHz, DDR, FSB, Dual-Channel, and Hyper-Threading®, just to name a few. Traditionally, the GHz (Gigahertz) number, indicating processor speeds, has always been one of the key factors in any computer purchase. As the GHz number increases, so does the performance of the computer.

In 2003, Intel® Corporation decided to launch a new motherboard architecture utilizing dualchannel memory into the mainstream computer market. Up until this point, all Intel-based mainstream computers were only available with single-channel memory. The number of memory channels has a significant effect on a computer's overall performance. The GHz number is no longer the sole criterion for determining system performance. Dual-channel memory has been used for many years in higher-performing systems such as servers and workstations and is quickly becoming a part of mainstream computing.