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    Dual Channel RAM with a single stick?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Phil, Oct 6, 2009.

  1. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    I thought for dual channel RAM two sticks were needed. Like it says here too: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2612
    Now I read the dutch Dell site is claiming that Inspiron 11z has dual channel ram while it only has one memory bank.

    What gives?
     
    Phil, Oct 6, 2009
    #1
  2. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Maybe they just mean the chipset will support dual channel ram if you decide to upgrade in the future?

    Or it could be a misstake.
     
    moral hazard, Oct 6, 2009
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  3. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    It has only one memory bank. No room for upgrades.

    It may be a mistake, Dell US doesn't claim dual channel.
     
    Phil, Oct 6, 2009
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  4. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Dual channel technology relies on a "RAM array" in order to effectively double a memory bus limitation from 64-bit to 128-bit and thus overcome a hardware limitation with more hardware rather than new hardware; the result is, as I'm sure you know, greater bandwidth. However, this technology not only requires two DDR modules (for symmetric or asymmetric), it also requires a mainboard that supports dual-channel.

    Recall that this technology isn't primarily dependent on memory, which is why the website you mention says that it supports dual-channel. With just one module, the Inspiron 11z described will not have this capability enabled, though it has the potential, provided that another SODIMM is added. This is, of course, a standard feature and not really worth mentioning as a selling point, which is why the website you mentioned is offering pointless and confusing information.

    I drew my explanation from powerpack's work, which I think offers a clear summary of dual-channel technology.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=167472
     
    Bog, Oct 6, 2009
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  5. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Thanks. That clears it up.
     
    Phil, Oct 6, 2009
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