Configuring Memory on the HP Business Desktop dx5150.

3
Main Memory Configuration
Single-channel vs. Dual-channel
The dx5150 business desktop includes four DIMM slots, organized in two independent memory
channels. A “dual channel” configuration might put identical DIMMs in the first slot of each channel,
for example, so that both channels operate simultaneously. This organization provides better memory
performance. The first slot of each memory channel is colored black. The second slot of each channel
is colored blue. Each pair of colored slots can either contain one DIMM (in the first slot), or a pair of
identical (in size and organization) DIMMs.
• In single-channel mode, the memory bus is 64 bits wide. The processor can often waste valuable
CPU cycles waiting for access to memory.
• In dual-channel mode, the memory bus is 128 bits wide, doubling the maximum memory
bandwidth. Memory performance can improve significantly.
Figure 1. Channels and Colors
Item Description Socket Color
1 DIMM socket XMM1, Channel A Black
2 DIMM socket XMM2, Channel B Black
3 DIMM socket XMM3, Channel A Blue
4 DIMM socket XMM4, Channel B Blue