Dual Channel Memory Question

[imported_lovespicyfood]

In anticipation of my new Dell 2005fpw monitor arriving Monday, I'm beginning to do a few other upgrades to my system... I have an 6600GT video card coming and I want to upgrade my memory.

Presently, I have 512mb of pc3200 running in dual channel mode (2X256). My plan is to get 1gb (2X512) of dual channel memory. My question is, since I'll have one more slot for memory open, should I stick one of my extra 256mb sticks in it? I'm thinking that is not advisable because my system would no longer be running in "dual channel" mode and that extra 256mb of memory would not justify not running in dual channel model. Am I correct to make that assumption?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Mrpilot007]

Here is what I have. 2 Kingston 512mb pc3200 hyper x sticks. The speed of two hyper x sticks (or any other fast latency ram) will give you more benefit than having an extra 256mb that may not get used.

 

[drwngflies]

On some MB's ,(like mine), if you add another stick, it will revert to 133Mhz, and lose dual channel.
Not worth the extra stick, 1GB should do all you need, except maybe for Major CAD programs.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

I agree. Use 2 sticks only - most mobos are very fussy about using more than that in dual channel.

Realistically 1Gb is more than adequate memory unless you're a Photoshop power user. Sell the old RAM.

 

[imported_lovespicyfood]

Thanks for all the replies! I guess my initial thought was correct...

 

[fitzov]

there's more than just photoshop involved.

for example, virtual PC, and other programs like it, can take up lots of memory.