Triple Channel vs Dual Channel

well, chances are if you have dual channel already, your board doesn't support triple (unless you are running an x58 motherboard)

is real life, the triple channel's extra bandwidth isn't even used (most of the time)

The cost of an x58 system (the only one that allows triple channel, i7 lga1366) is still a bit cost prohibitive, not terribly, but a bit. Also, the lga 1156 platforms are meant more for the mainstream and are still incredibly powerful. These (lga 1156) obviously aren't the only cpu/socket/mobos that are available that are powerful, but ALL others(beside x58/lga1366) use dual channel and it's plenty. For those AMD guys, their highest end products are also very powerful. The ram channels make "virtually" no difference. Going from dual to triple channel that is. Also, the x58 platforms, I believe are going to be reserved for the highest of high processors- as in no true budget processor upgrades in the future. If you were to get a P55? mobo (supports lga 1156) your higher end processor today, might be able to upgrade to a better performing yet more reasonably priced cpu in the future. My understanding of the x58 platform is all future cpu's to fit that socket will be of the more expensive variety. If you are on any kind of a budget or don't need the most powerful system available right now look into AMD's high end or the P55 platform.

The x58 motherboards are the chipset that Intel uses for it's LGA 1366 (i7 triple channel) cpu's. P55 is for Intel's LGA 1156 (i5&i7 dual channel) cpu's. If you favor AMD they are nothing to concern yourself with. However, Intel does have the performance advantage right now. Here is a comparison of the similarly priced i5-750 and AMD's 965 Black Edition with latest revision (C3 stepping). At stock the i5 regularly outperforms it and oc'ed it widens the gap even more. The 965 and 955 are still great cpu's, but according to most reviews, you get a little less for your money.

article:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/c [...] 3-review/1

pricing:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115215

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103692