When it comes to buying RAM, you may have heard the terms single, dual or quad channel, but what do they mean, and which one is right for your PC? The experts here at Fierce PC have put together this handy blog post to explain everything single, dual and quad channel RAM and help you make the right choice for your setup. 

What is Single channel RAM?

Single Channel RAM consists of a RAM configuration of 1 memory module (or ‘stick’) installed in just a single memory lane. 

This uses a single 64-bit data channel, meaning it can only access one stick of RAM at any given time. This limits the amount of data being transferred, potentially hindering your PC performance, even more so in memory intensive tasks. 

If you have a motherboard that has 2 or 4 memory slots, but you only occupy one of the slots with a single RAM module, this will function as single channel memory. This can also occur when running 2 matching RAM modules in slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 in a 4 RAM slot motherboard. 

Single channel RAM can be beneficial if you are on a tight budget and if you are intending to increase your RAM capacity at a later stage, as you can install another matching RAM module, and this will then run in dual channel. 

graphic showing a single stick of ram transferring data to the CPU. As only one memory channel is in use, the amount of data being transferred is limited

What is Dual channel RAM?

Dual Channel RAM consists of a RAM configuration of 2 memory modules installed in two memory lanes. 

This uses two 64-bit data channels, allowing for double the amount of data and increases the transfer speed between the CPU and the memory over standard single channel RAM. This results in increased memory bandwidth and can be more beneficial for tasks like gaming and video editing. 

It is recommended to use a matching pair of RAM modules, so they should have the same capacity, speed and timings. Using mismatched RAM modules will result in the system operating at the speed of the lower RAM module. 

Because mainstream desktop processors only have two memory channels, even if you occupy all 4 RAM slots on your motherboard, this will still only run in dual channel. 

Graphic showing a dual channel RAM configuration. As two memory channels are being used, the amount of data transferred is effectively doubled over single channel, and the speed of the transfer also increases

What is Quad channel RAM?

Quad Channel RAM consists of a RAM configuration of 4 memory modules installed in four memory lanes. 

This uses four 64-bit data channels, providing further memory bandwidth when compared to dual channel memory. Whilst this can be a benefit in certain circumstances like 3D rendering or video editing, the benefits for gaming are going to be more limited, since games do not fully utilize the increased memory bandwidth. 

Typically, this configuration is only found in workstation systems (such as AMD Ryzen Threadripper or Intel Xeon) as workstation processors and motherboards have capabilities to support up to 8 or 12 memory channels and allows for these types of systems to use more memory bandwidth than your standard desktop PC. 

Quad channel should not be confused with just simply installing 4 RAM modules in your PC. Even if you install 4 RAM modules in your desktop PC, you are still only likely running this in dual channel, as this is limited to the processors and motherboards support. 

Is Single, Dual or Quad channel better for gaming?


As your typical desktop PC processor is only going to support up to dual channel RAM, it makes sense to go for dual channel RAM when gaming.
 
Single channel RAM can be beneficial when you are building on a budget and looking at upgrading your RAM capacity in the future, but when you’re using a CPUs integrated graphics, running single channel RAM can hinder your PCs performance. Even if you’re not using your processor graphics, there can still be a performance hit over dual channel when running single channel RAM. 

Since games don’t really utilize the extra bandwidth provided by quad channel RAM and when factoring in the costs for quad channel RAM and the expensive processor and motherboard that is going to be required to even support this, it doesn’t really make sense to splash out just to get quad channel RAM for gaming. 
In conclusion, when it comes down to the average PC gamer, dual channel RAM is going to be more than sufficient, as it offers a great balance between performance and cost. 


Is Dual channel RAM better than Single channel RAM?

Overall, yes. Due to double the bandwidth over single channel RAM, having RAM running in dual channel allows the processor and memory to communicate at double the rate. 

With single channel RAM limiting the CPU and RAM transfer to just one single 64-bit data channel, doubling this to dual channel is going to see double the transfer and is usually the sweet point for RAM configurations. 


Is Quad channel RAM better than Dual channel RAM?

This can depend on what you will be using the PC for, but for workstation professionals working with resource-intensive applications such as 3D rendering, video editing and tasks like scientific computing and CAD, then running quad channel RAM can be beneficial. 

With more memory channels available, this can handle multiple tasks simultaneously more efficiently, as well as faster data transfer between the processor and RAM to reduce latency and improve performance. 
We would not recommend Quad channel over dual channel when it comes to everyday computing tasks or gaming, as the performance gains do not justify the additional costs. 


How do I know if my RAM is Single, Dual or Quad channel?


The RAM modules themselves will not necessarily be single, dual, or quad channel as this is dependent on what processor and motherboard your system has to utilize dual channel and quad channel RAM support. 

The RAM modules will only run in quad / dual channel depending on a variety of factors such as how many modules you have installed, as well as your processor and motherboard compatibility. We would suggest checking through your manufacturers motherboard manual to ensure that your RAM is configured in the correct and most optimal way for dual and quad channel RAM support. 

Installing RAM kits that have the same capacity, timings, and frequency will ensure that you do not run into any stability and performance issues. 


Can you install 4 RAM modules in Dual channel?


Yes! When running 4 RAM modules in your PC this will more than often be running in dual channel, as the motherboard and CPU will determine if it will be running in dual or quad channel. 

Consumer desktop PCs with 4 RAM slots will more than likely be running in dual channel when all 4 slots are occupied by matching RAM modules. 

Workstation AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Xeon PCs with 8 RAM slots will be able to run dual channel by installing your 4 RAM modules in 4 RAM slots, but we would suggest for you to consult your motherboards manual to ensure that you are using the correct slots. 


How do I know if my RAM is running in Dual or Quad channel?


To begin with, checking your processor and motherboards specifications will state if this supports Dual or Quad Channel RAM. 

You also need to ensure that once you have installed your RAM in the correct configuration to take advantage of dual channel and quad channel RAM support. 

Even if you have a high-end workstation that can support quad channel memory with 8 RAM slots, but you are only occupying 4 of the RAM slots with 2 on each side, then it’s more than likely going to be running in dual channel. 

Free programs such as CPU-Z will also display what channel your RAM is running at. This can be found within the “memory” tab and the “Channel #” will let you know what RAM channel configuration you’re running at.
 


Should I enable Dual channel RAM?


You shouldn’t need to enable any software for dual channel RAM configuration, as this is enabled by manually installing the RAM modules in the correct RAM slots on the motherboard. 
 
If you are unsure which RAM slots to use for a dual channel RAM configuration, then consult your motherboards manual, but often these will be slots 2 and 4. 


Can Single and Dual channel RAM work together?


Yes, they can. But running RAM in different channels isn’t really recommended and doing so can hinder your PCs performance. 

For example, if you have a motherboard that has 4 RAM slots and you install a configuration of 2 x 8GB and then occupy a third slot with 1 x 16GB, then the 16GB RAM module will be running in single channel. 


Will upgrading from Single to Quad channel RAM make a difference?


There will be a substantial difference when it comes to upgrading from single channel RAM to quad channel RAM. From gaming to 3D rendering, to CAD, and multitasking, the increase in memory bandwidth will allow for the PC to perform overall better. 

However, if you’re using the PC for everyday tasks and potentially some gaming, then we would suggest upgrading to dual channel from single channel instead. 


Will Dual channel RAM increase FPS?


For the most part, running dual channel RAM over single channel will increase fps. Sometimes it can be minor depending on the game, but overall running dual channel will increase fps, especially if the game is more processor intensive. 
 
When running a PC that’s using the processors integrated graphics, you will see a bigger performance leap, as running dual channel RAM allows for double the data transfer speed between the processor and RAM.