Dual Channel vs Single

[tRaptor]

So I need to upgrade my RAM. Problem is I have no experience with the dual channel stuff. I Have a Asus P4P800-E Deluxe. It has 4 slots. I want to get up to 1 GB now, with the possibility in the future of adding another GB later.

Is it going to be a problem to have all 4 slots populated (when I get more). Or should I just buy a 1 GB stick now and then another 1GB stick later?

Sorry if this is a simple question, I have never had a dual channel board before

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

It's always better to have 2x1GB then to have 4x512MB so if you're pretty certain you will get 2GB eventually, get a 1GB stick now . . . but make sure you get a model that you can easily get later on (so you can actually run dual channel)

 

[Leper Messiah]

I'm not certain how much of a hit the P4's get from running 2T with 4x512, but I guess a couple of mobo's can run 1T with four sticks. Dual Channel is real boon IIRC with P4's since they're so bandwidth hungry.

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
I'm not certain how much of a hit the P4's get from running 2T with 4x512, but I guess a couple of mobo's can run 1T with four sticks. Dual Channel is real boon IIRC with P4's since they're so bandwidth hungry.

P4's don't run at 2T with 4 sticks of ram..you can run 4 sticks just fine.

Get 2x512mb sticks now, P4's are very bandwidth hungry and dual channel makes a big differance. You'll have no problem adding 2 more sticks later. My memory performance actualy slightly improved when I had 4x512mb sticks with my 3.4 prescott.

 

[tRaptor]

Originally posted by: stevty2889

Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
I'm not certain how much of a hit the P4's get from running 2T with 4x512, but I guess a couple of mobo's can run 1T with four sticks. Dual Channel is real boon IIRC with P4's since they're so bandwidth hungry.

P4's don't run at 2T with 4 sticks of ram..you can run 4 sticks just fine.

Get 2x512mb sticks now, P4's are very bandwidth hungry and dual channel makes a big differance. You'll have no problem adding 2 more sticks later. My memory performance actualy slightly improved when I had 4x512mb sticks with my 3.4 prescott.

Thanks so much, thats just what I was looking for. I was having problems finding anyone doing reviews with P4's that tested with DC and then with DC.

And thoughts on Patriot ram?