2GB max RAM for an older HP, 2x1024, or 4x512?

[essential]

I'm going to be ordering RAM for my aunts older HP. I checked the Crucial site, and her model supports up to 2GB RAM, and she has 4 RAM slots on her mobo.

Now, I could either do 2x1024 sticks or 4x512 sticks, the cost is just about the same, so is there a benefit of one or the other? I know sometimes mobos can have trouble when all four slots are filled, but that might be more the BIOS.

Secondary question ... if the 2x1024 is the better choice, since she has 4 slots, which slots are the best for the 2 sticks (1 and 3, 2 and 4, 1 and 2, or 3 and 4)?

Thanks.

 

[Adam8281]

I think it's best to do 2x1024. Some motherboards end up having voltage issues when running 4 sticks, and I think there are some other reasons that make it best to do 2 slots when you can. Re: which slots, my motherboard manual says to fill 1 and 3 first. I'm not sure if it's the same with all motherboards, but I would guess so.

 

[Denithor]

2x1GB is generally better than 4x512MB (more stable, tighter timings, etc).

Check if the sockets are color coded in pairs. If they are, use same-color pairs and populate 1&3 first if they are the same color (if it's an AMD board often 1&2 and 3&4 are the paired sockets).

 

[essential]

Thanks, i'll def go with the 2x1024 then, just have to get inside the case and see how HP set up their pairs.

 

[lucasautomacao]

Check your Mobo's user manual, in there it's said which slots provide you with the best performance. In my case, e.g., slot 3 of 4 is the preferred if you use a single stick.