The dual-channel memory format is the standard for high-end performance systems, and is the de facto packaging for most DDR memory. The "matched pair" format has become very 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 currently the 2x512-MB and 2x1-GB kits (although 2x2-GB are emerging) and with few exceptions, vendors offer the same basic speeds in matched pair DDR kits, as with their single module DDR.
The news got a lot worse when we hit the dual channel DDR listings, and instead of consistent pricing or a slight increase, we find an aggregate chart shift of +$212. This is huge for such an established market like matched pair DDR, and there were ten price jumps that hit double digits, including a whopping $40 spike to Crucial PC3200 2x2-GB, while PNY PC4800 2x512-MB and G.SKILL Extreme PC4000 2x1-GB rose by $37 and $35, respectively. The only similar price drops were cuts of $21 to Corsair XPERT PC3200 2x512-MB and $16 to Mushkin eXtreme PC4000LL 2x1-GB, and there were only five total drops in the entire chart. This is a tough week for DDR buyers, and let's hope that these surprising price increases do not become a trend.
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