Memory Channel vs DIMM slots

[boba99999]

I read in from the Intel website that the i5 6500 supports maximum of 2 memory channel. The mobo (MSI H170 Gaming M3) says it supports dual memory channel and has 4 DIMM slots. So, what is memory channel and does it have anything to do with DIMM slots?

[Zodiark1593]

The number of DIMMs and the number of Channels are, at least in part, independent of each other.

 

In the case of your board (and most boards out there), there are two DIMM slots per channel. To utilize the two channels without populating all of your slots, you simply place both RAM sticks on the same color of slot.

 

Here is a detailed explanation courtesy of Intel itself.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/boards-and-kits/000005657.html