Why does CPU-Z show my RAM as 2 x 32bit instead of dual channel?
Asked by
TechGuru42
I have an ASRock B850M Pro A motherboard paired with DDR5 Patriot Viper Venom 6000 CL36 RAM. In CPU-Z, it shows my memory configuration as 2 x 32bit instead of the expected 4 x 32bit for dual channel DDR5. I've installed the RAM correctly in the A2 and B2 slots as per the motherboard manual. Can anyone help me figure out what's going on?
Answers
It looks like you've got some confusion with RAM channels. With only two sticks, you can't get 4 x 32bit. Dual channel with DDR5 means you have two 32-bit channels per stick, so it will show as 2 x 32bit. That's expected behavior and nothing to worry about!
Reply to this answer
Are you sure all of your RAM is being detected? Sometimes, software like CPU-Z can be misleading. I've seen users find that tools like HWinfo confirm proper dual channel operation even when CPU-Z doesn't show it right.
TechGuru42: I actually looked into that and found out it's likely a bug with CPU-Z. HWinfo does show it's running in dual channel mode!
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
MemoryMaster99: Exactly! DDR4 had a different setup; it was 1 x 64-bit channel per stick. DDR5 can offer better performance with dual channel, so you made the right choice.
SkilledNerd: And just to clarify, dual channel does not require you to have four sticks. Two sticks are perfectly fine and can still provide great speeds!