A channel is a direct link from a DIMM slot to the CPU socket and therefor CPU itself. Also known as traces that represent the physical pathway in the motherboard. There are several Channel layouts, Dual-Channel where the CPU can fully utilize RAM sticks in Mhz slotted in at least 2 DIMM slots. Quad Channel usually found on HEDT can fully use minimal 4 RAM sticks in DIMM slots in Mhz. Channels can be shared, but this will sacrifice speed in Mhz and slightly increase latency.