Dual Channel vs. single channel question

[flyboy84]

Here are my current pertinent specs:
AXP Barton 2500+
Asus A7N8X 2.0
2x512MB Geil value series (not matched, but works in dual channel), 1x1GB Geil Value series
ATI X850XT AGP

I wanted to take advantage of the cheap A64 prices but keep my AGP card, so I am doing an upgrade to:

A64 Venice 3800+
ASRock 939-Dual VSTA

My question is: would it be better for me to run just the two 512 sticks I have in dual channel or the two 512s and the 1GB together (for a total of 2GB) but not in Dual channel?

I play BF2. My understanding is that the order of ram spec performance criteria is size, speed and latency, in that order, but where does running in dual channel come in?

 

[Bobthelost]

The three in single channel.

Dual channel is only a few % with A64 designs.

 

[flyboy84]

Thanks for the info...I'm thinking it won't be an issue now though. I found someone willing to part with a matched 2x1GB pair on the forums for a reasonable price (@!*%@% gougers in retail!) So I'll just run that.