Purpose of Dual Channel

I just ordered a new Dell Computer that is equipped with Vista and has
Dual channels. What are the advantages? Thanks

 

I am not a programmer or an expert, but here's what I have heard from some people that know more than me.

If dual channel means dual processing, the cpu is built with two parallel processors for double the computing power. But, as I understand it, writing programs that take advantage of this is very tedious and almost no software developers are writing it. Also the added code that manages dual processing also hogs a good deal of those new resources. So, for now, it doesn't do much for you.

 

Oromocto,

You got a great explanation from RKNRusty (one of the better ones I've seen) to your question which he qualified with if dual channel means dual processing.

His response is very accurate in relation to a dual core processor which is a little different than dual processors. However, you may have been questioning dual channel which is more commonly associated with memory and specifically single channel versus dual channel. Dual channel memory provides about a 64% enhancement to single channel in terms of read and write speeds but it is dependent upon the motherboard's capabilities. In other words, if your board doesn't support it then your board doesn't support it. To the average user and I'll be gald to be counted within that subset, one is not going to notice much difference until you start benchmarking. Its kind of like strapping granny into the passenger seat and asking her to tell you whats the difference between 130 mph and 160 mph. "Ain't no difference son, both are **** fast on these roads. "

 

Thanks for straightening me out on that, Rockster. Guess I should have Googled "Dual Channel" before answering. Learn something every day, but I am glad you approved of my dual processing answer.

 

Hey ...... I wasn't trying to staighten you out, I really liked your post. I was more concerned that Oromocto read your comments very carefully because you qualified exactly what you addressed and you addressed it perfectly.



more: I added the comment to distinguish dual core from dual processor (although your post is accurate for both) because if I said dual processor someone (Arie ) would probably have come back to differentiate the two.

 

I should have been more accurate in my description. Here is what the advertisement said, word for word.
rocessor and Memory:
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 at 2.4GHz
8MB L2 Cache
1066 MHz Front Dide Bus
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667 MHz

 

Loosie Goosey?
Oromocto, thanks for clarifying your new system as it relates to your original question. I think everything that has been said is still very applicable and accurate even though, as you now point out, this is a quad core CPU.