Dual channel
memory modules can be single or double sided.
The P4SD-LA is an ASUS motherboard that supports dual channel memory. Computer architects have long been frustrated with the gap between CPU speeds and memory speeds. Manufacturers developed dual channel memory to bridge that gap. Dual channel architecture doubles the speed of communication between the RAM and the CPU, which effectively doubles CPU performance.
Configuration
In order to perform correctly, the RAM modules for the P4SD-LA motherboard must be installed properly. The modules can be installed in all four DIMM sockets, in sockets one and three, or in sockets two and four. If the user installs memory modules in sockets one and two, the dual channel architecture will not work properly. If three DIMMs are installed, the system ignores the third modules. The system may not boot at all if the DIMMs are installed incorrectly.
Mixing DIMMs
Dual inline memory modules for the P4SD-LA must be installed in matching pairs. The capacity and density of the RAM modules should match for dual channel architecture to work as intended. Some memory manufacturers sell pairs of modules from the same batch for dual channel operation. It's unnecessary to buy the modules as a set, but purchasing from the same vendor is recommended. The speeds of the modules do not have to match, but the system will only run as fast as the slower module. If DIMMs do not match in capacity and density, the system may not boot or performance can suffer.
BIOS Settings
The ASUS P4SD-LA system board supports both single and dual channel memory operations. If the BIOS or basic input output system settings are incorrect, dual channel operation may not be enabled. To enter the system BIOs, most computers require you to press "F2" or "DEL" upon system boot. The computer should display the correct entry key when the manufacturer's logo appears on the screen. Once in the BIOS, you can find the memory settings and enable dual channel mode.
Power Supply
The computer needs an adequate power supply to run dual channel memory. It's possible for a computer's power supply to perform sufficiently for single channel operations, but fail to supply enough voltage for dual channel memory. Review the documentation for your power supply to see if it can support dual channel memory voltage needs.
Tags: dual channel, channel memory, dual channel memory, channel architecture, memory modules, system boot