Quick Question About Ram Speeds

[Ronin64]

Hi,

I have a quick question about ram speeds.

I see dual channel ddr3 kits rated at 1600mhz, but does this mean each ram stick runs at 1600mhz individually or is it doubled because there is two sticks?

 

Thanks

[Stefanopolis]

Each individual stick runs at 1600 MHZ (Essentially, but not really).

Dual channel means your PC utilizes TWO 64 bit channels, doubling the data transfer rate to the CPU. Your PC can use both ram sticks in tandem to run other stuff, like a relay race, but the two racers are always overlapping. 

[KemoKa]

The chips run at 800MHz, but because of the way they transmit data, (where DDR comes from) the data transfer rates act as if they were running at 1600MHz. They don't compound with more sticks.

[Glenwing]

They both run at 800MHz (1600MHz effective, because it's DDR). Dual channel means your overall bandwidth is doubled because the two sticks can be accessed simultaneously so you can have 2 memory operations going at the same time. It's similar in effect to doubling the frequency again. Although RAM speed doesn't really matter anyway.

[Cheddle]

and just to be super clear - a single stick of ddr3 running at 800mhz still runs at 1600mhz effective...