2x512 or 1x1GB for X2 3800+ System?

[RobDMB]

For an amd processor is it better to buy one stick of ram or run two? Thanks

 

[ribbon13]

Do you think you'll eventually upgrade to 2GB? If you NEVER plan on doing that, then get a nice cheap 1GB kit, if you do, get one decent 1GB stick, that way you won't have any issues with the 4DIMM 2T issue. The loss of dual-channel isn't that great of a performance hit.

 

[RobDMB]

what is the disadvantage to later adding two more sticks of ram for 512 x 4? It seems this isn't advised but i havent understood why.

 

[CheesePoofs]

With 4 sticks you have to run at 2T timings, which isnt' a big deal, and on the older cores you also have to run the ram at DDR333 speeds. If you're getting a new CPU, get a venice or san diego core, or an X2, and you won't have to run the ram at DDR333.

 

[AkumaX]

if you have to ask if you need 2gb of ram, you probably won't need it any time soon

besides, you should do 2 x 512mb because you wouldn't get dual channel with 1 x 1gb