Another quick memory question...

[bigblue]

I recently ordered some DDR sticks for an older system I have. It has a DDR1 board, which already has 2x512 sticks fitted, and two empty slots.

I was wanting to get it to 2 GB, but due to the prohibitive cost of DDR1, I ordered another 2 512's, rather than replacing what I currently have with 2x1 G/b. The retailer made an error though, and sent me a 1g/b and a 512, rather than 2x512's, but due to the cost of shipping has said that I can keep them if I wish.

So... what I'm wondering is, would I be better off running 4x512 (in dual channel matched pairs) or a pair of 512's, another 512 and a 1g/b ? In other words will having 2.5 g/b unmatched be better or worse than 2g/b of matched 512's ?

Sorry for rambling and such a noobie question, and I very much appreciate any advice offered !

[r_j_k_p]

im pretty sure that running the 2.5gb will be better.
the reasoning is that there is more ram, and the ram will pair itself up automatically.
the only problem i can see is that if ur ram had different pc-X numbers, and if that was the case, the ram runs at the lowest pc-X number out of all the ram in the slots.

[TooNice]

It depends if your use exceed 2GB or not. I'd just keep it: the gain from having extra RAM when you need it is greater than the loss of dual channel. Or if you really want, you could sell one 512MB and match 2x1GB and 2x512MB (I'd I would not bother).

[bigblue]

the only problem i can see is that if ur ram had different pc-X numbers, and if that was the case, the ram runs at the lowest pc-X number out of all the ram in the slots.

Yeah, it's all PC3200, and all four sticks are pretty much identical stats, aprt from there's 3 512's and one 1 gig.

It depends if your use exceed 2GB or not. I'd just keep it: the gain from having extra RAM when you need it is greater than the loss of dual channel.

That's what I'm curious about basically, what gives better performance, more memory or dual channel matched memory.

I was kinda wary of having four sticks in the first place, so thought it'd be safer to keep them all the same ?