I want to know the different of the two dual memory channel controller....
Thanx in advance.....

The dual channel memory architecture is both present in Intel and AMD based processor chipsets nowadays. But how does it work? Well, the original DDR specification called for a single 64-bit memory controller on the chipset, transmitting 1 bit every half-clock. Memory could be upgraded 1 DIMM at a time. (DIMM's are 64-bit) The fastest DDR standard at the time before dual channel became commonplace was PC3200 which corresponds to 200Mhz x 2, creating a possible 3.2GB/s memory bandwidth. Now the AMD Athlon XP is on the downside as far a dual channel memory goes because the front side bus doesnt go any faster than 400Mhz at the moment, so it cant take full advantage of the features dual channel memory has. Now what are the features? Dual channel specifications call for 2 independent 64-bit memory controllers, each with its own pipeline and bandwidth. So if you used 2 dual channel PC3200 memory modules in a dual channel environment, you wound have 3.2GB/s per module as long as they are on separate controllers. Most AMD boards use 3 slots with one by itself, and Intel boards use four, in sets of 2. This creates 6.4GB/s of memory bandwidth for the system, but AMD CPU's can only support 400Mhz FSB. (3.2GB/s) So AMD cant take advantage of the extra bandwidth without a FSB overclock. Intel on the other hand has the Pentium 4 on a 800Mhz FSB. (6.4GB/s) So Intel boards can take all of that extra bandwidth and use it, because before dual channel, Pentium 4 boards were limited to the single 64-bit DDR controller, which only could feed about half the bandwidth the FSB has. (a single DDR 400Mhz module can push 3.2GB/s max on a 6.4GB/s max FSB so 3.2GB/s FSB bandwidth is thoeretically unused until dual channel memory was introduced) To use the dual channel architecture, you must have at least 2 DDR DIMM's, both on separate channels. Today Dual Channel DIMM's are sold in pairs because even if you buy each module separately and they are the same, they may be fabricated differently, by buying a dual channel kit you have two tested modules that are the same. For P4 boards, its a plus, but AMD Athlon XP boards cannot use it. The newer Athlon 64 on the 800Mhz FSB can use it, as well as the Opteron and Athlon 64 FX. I hope this answers your question.

------
Stack Overflow: Too Many Pancakes...

Answer most of my question.....
n verry thanx... :grinthumb ..
but still got one more question...

is AMD n Intel dual channel memory controller architecture different??????

To answer your question, no they do not use different achitectures, the chipsets architecture will be different, due to diferrent processor classes, (K6/K7/P3/P4 etc..) but the dual channel DDR architecture you are questioning will be the same. DDR memory from a AMD system will work in a Intel system as long as the speeds match what the chipset requires. (Dual channel DDR400 memory in an AMD system will work in a Dual channel DDR Intel) If they used different standards, then Intel and AMD would have their own line of memory specific to thier chipsets.

thanx man....
now i understand.....


if it weren't u, i still thinks tat AMD and Intel handle their dual channel memory controller differently...