Theoretical memory bandwidth from speed and channel count — the number that explains single vs dual channel.
Updated 11 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
Bandwidth (GB/s) = transfer rate (MT/s) × 8 bytes × number of channels. A DDR5-6000 dual-channel setup therefore peaks at 96 GB/s; the same kit on one stick is 48 GB/s.
RAM Bandwidth Calculator
Theoretical memory bandwidth from speed and channel count — the number that explains single vs dual channel.
Where the formula comes from
Every memory channel is 64 bits (8 bytes) wide and completes one transfer per MT/s step. Multiply rate × width × channels and you have the ceiling every real benchmark chases (expect 85–92% of it in practice). This is the maths behind single vs dual channel.
Frequently asked questions
Why do reviews show less than my calculated number?
Real workloads can’t sustain the theoretical peak; timings, refresh and access patterns take their cut. 85–92% of peak in a synthetic stream test is a healthy system.
Does quad channel exist for desktops?
Only on workstation platforms (Threadripper, Xeon W). Consumer dual channel is 2 channels even with 4 sticks fitted.