Intel’s Triple-Channel Memory
Hey guys, Icarus here. A bit off topic, but a few minutes ago, it was just hailing LIKE CRAZY. I wish I could’ve taken a video of it, the rattling from the windows and the whole house was so loud! So much for Sunny San Diego huh? 
Today, I will be talking about another feature of the Intel X58 Motherboard: Triple-channel memory. But to completely comprehend the concept of this new system, first I’m going to explain the basics of dual-channel memory.
The dual-channel memory technology was created based on its predecessor, the single-channel memory. This memory technology began by addressing the relationship between the memory controller and the processor; the processor would process data and create commands, and the memory controller would regulate this flow of data and commands, and sends them into other components such as the actual memory(RAM) and other smaller components(IDE, USB, etc.). Simply put, under the single-channel memory, a processor with a bus speed greater than that of the RAM would cause a “traffic jam” of data and commands in the memory and, consequently, they would not reach all of the components; if all of these commands and data files do not reach the other components, they would not operate, and the processor would have nothing to process.
The dual-channel memory technology was created in order to cope with the higher demands of processors. Now, instead of having a single channel through the memory controller, there are now two, and because of this, RAM can now keep up with the demands of the processors.
Now, because there are processors like INtel’s Core i7 with quad core technology and ridiculous processing speeds, Intel had to create triple-channel memory technology. Simply put, instead of having two channels like dual-channel memory, there are now three; you can install a set of three memory modules into the motherboard, and the motherboard will have more channels to push data and commands to other components.
So there you have it, the explanation of Triple-Channel Memory! But how will this effect us? Well, it won’t effect us at this moment; because DDR3 dual-channel enabled memory can still keep up with Core i7’s processing speeds, having triple-channel enabled memory would just create one more channel that the processor will have when it needs more room to push data and commands. This technology, however, will definitely effect us in the future; as processing manufacturers release more and more high-speed and high-quality processors, dual-channel memory will be unable to keep up with the demands of the new processors, and we will eventually move on to triple-channel memory and maybe abandon dual-channel memory as ancient technology.
Well, that’s all I have tonight. Please, PLEASE leave some comments, I would love to hear what you think about my blogs, and maybe even have a casual conversation going! And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog, I will be writing at least one quality article a day!
See you all later(in my blog ;D ) and good night!
~| Icarus
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The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: Desktop Memory
Hey guys, Icarus here. Today I’ll be talking about how to pick out the memory for you for your new custom computer, or simply for upgrading purposes.
Picking memory now a days is quite easy because DDR2 800 RAM is generally everyone’s favorite. However, people are also biased in that that’s the ONLY RAM they recommend because other people tell them that other RAM, like DDR2 1066, isn’t as cost effective. Well, there are actually certain situations where RAM other than DDR2 800 is more cost effective.
First is the price of the RAM. Now-a-days, a lot of the DDR2 800 desktop RAM is on large rebates, typically anywhere from 10 dollars to 30 dollars. DDR2 800 is usually sold around $70 to $80, and considering that you’re getting 2GB of RAM for $40 to $50 after rebate, this is an awesome deal. However, this isn’t the case only for DDR2 800. RAM is becoming so cheap and abundant today that a lot of DDR2 1066 modules are also getting very very low in price, some coming down to the price level of DDR2 800 memory sets. In this case, grab the DDR2 1066 RAM: it’s clocked faster, and most likely, you will be able to overclock more if you want to.
The next is how much RAM you get for the single set. Today more and more users have begun to use Microsoft Windows XP and Vista X64 versions, and in this version, the OS reads over the traditional 3.25GB limit that the x32 OS’s present. If you’re in need for LOTS and LOTS of RAM for extreme multi-tasking, then take a look at 2×2GB sets. These will serve you extremely well, and when you need to, you can always buy a new set that’s clocked faster, for more speed and power.
The final factor is the speed of the memory. If you’re going to use your computer for daily use only, you won’t need DDR2 1200 RAM that breaks your wallet for the speed you won’t be needing. The speed of the memory is also, most of the time, telling you that it is extremely overclockable. So take a look at the clock speeds and the price to see if your RAM set is right for you, and also cost efficient.
Well, that’s all for tonight. Have a great night everyone!
Icarus
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The Computer Memory Race
Hey guys, Icarus is back for more talk about computers! Today I thought I’d talk about computer memory.
Since the last few months of 2007, the memory industry has been delving in more and more into DDR3 computer memory. DDR3 memory is, well, faster than DDR2 for one. It also costs A LOT more than the current DDR2 800 to 1200 computer memory.
So, what did I mean by the “computer memory race”? Well, for me, this is more of a race between companies, where companies are competing for that place on the podium for being the first to sell the fastest RAM at the lowest prices. It’s almost just like the competition between nVIdia and ATI: whoever creates the fastest GPU wins that king of the hill, and whoever can create the best price-to-performance GPU takes that hill. It goes the same for computer memory: create the RAM with the lowest timings, you take that hill; create the best RAM for its price(like the current DDR2 800 memory), you take that hill. This race keeps going on and on and on and… I really don’t know when it’ll end.
I have been observing RAM and memory prices for the last couple months, and boy is it getting competitive. The main competitors in this race is G.Skill, Patriot, Crucial, Corsair, and last but not least, OCZ. The prices, especially at the DDR3 1333 levels, are getting lower and lower. Take this as an example: OCZ 1024MB PC10600 DDR3. Btw, OCZ makes some awesome products, and I highly recommend this.
Look at the price: That’s the same price as some of the higher end RAM such as Corsair Dominator and DDR2 1066 and DDR2 1200 RAM. The companies are really heating up this memory race. It will be very interesting and fun at what happens in the next few months. Who knows, maybe DDR3 1333 memory will be, in a few months, just like DDR2 800 is right now.
That’s all for tonight. See you all later!
Icarus
P.S.: I’m planning to write a guide of all of the information I know about computer hardware. What would be the things you would want in this guide the most. Please post your opinion in a comment, and I will be very happy 
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