What other hardware is needed?
To take advantage of multi-channel memory, the processor must have a memory controller that supports the multi-channel architecture and the motherboard must support the architecture. In addition, the RAM modules must be matched in as groups that correspond with the level of multi-channel architecture, for example, dual channel requires pairs, quad channel requires four modules, and so on. Motherboards that support multi-channel architecture will frequently have color-coded memory slots to help ensure that matched modules are inserted. Most DRAM manufacturers will sell memory in "kits" to ensure that the memory modules match in capacity, speed, latency, number of chips and sides, and the size of rows and columns. It's best to buy RAM in kits compatible with your motherboard and processor if you intend to take advantage of multi-channel memory. If memory modules that do not match are inserted, they will usually work, but at the specifications of the slowest module.