Dual-channel is the use of memory modules in pairs rather than as single devices. Why is that good? Think of a deck of playing cards. If you use just one hand to take a card off the top of the deck, bring it to you, and then go back for the next, you'll eventually end up with all of the cards in front of you. However, if you alternate hands, start moving one toward the deck as the other is moving away from it, you'll accomplish the same thing a lot faster.
Benchmarking Memory
The computer with 512MB of memory produced an OSMark result of 1,053 --which is not great if you're looking for a high-performance PC. Luckily, this particular computer wasn't built to be a major performer. It's just there to entertain. Still, there's always room for improvement.
  When system memory goes over 1GB, the benchmark test can no longer measure the improvement. |
With two 512MB memory modules installed -- 1GB total -- and without using the motherboard's dual-channel capability, the OSMark was bumped up to 1,074. Higher score -- but not such a big improvement. However, when I switched the two modules so that they took advantage of dual-channel, that number jumped up to 1,111.
In other words, the move from 512MB to 1GB in dual-channel mode resulted in about a 15 percent performance improvement, while that same amount of memory, when not used in dual-channel mode, meant just a little less than a 2 percent improvement. Not a bad result for just re-arranging the deck chairs.
Because more is always better (right?), I added a third 512MB module to the group, bringing the total to 1,536MB. However, this threw a wrench into the dual-channel works -- dual-channel wants an even number of memory modules. In response, OSMark gave the system a score of 1,112. Just a one-point increase in the result for a whole 512MB bump in memory? That's hardly a way to encourage you to spend money on more memory.
So I installed the fourth and final 512MB, again restoring dual-channel operation for all of the memory. This time, OSMark produced...a 1,112 result. Huh?
Bob Friday, Chief AI Officer for Juniper Networks, explains how the advanced technology is transforming operations.
Contact center leaders from 8x8, Awaken Intelligence, and 360insight discuss the importance of agent experience.
AI may force enterprises to rewire parts of their data centers so they are fully optimized to run such workloads. The question is do you use Ethernet or InfiniBand?
