The number of dual-channel DDR platforms continues to increase, and has really created a subset of the memory market. The "matched pair" format is becoming increasingly popular, as these DDR module kits are perfectly suited for the requirements of high-end dual-channel DDR operation, and are a much safer buy than purchasing one module now and hoping to match it up later. The most popular configurations are the 2x256-MB and 2x512-MB kits, and with few exceptions, vendors offer the same basic speeds in matched pair DDR kits, as with their single module DDR.
The high-end matched pair DDR listings showed an exceptional combination of large price cuts and significant overall chart movement, getting us firmly back on track after a few more sedate price updates in 2005. There was also a nice mix of different brands, sizes and speeds at the top of the price change list, with Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC4000 2x1-GB (-$44), Geil Ultra-X PC3200 2x512-MB (-$31), and Kingston HyperX PC4300 2x256-MB (-$31) leading the way. The cuts don't stop here, and there are quite a few more in the $10-30 range, and only three lone dual-channel listings showing any price increase at all. The overall dollar movement is also quite impressive, more than doubling the single-module DDR shift, and almost hitting the $350 mark.