think about it this way. RAM will store commonly used files, such as levels in a game. If you go into a game and you got to level 15, it will take less time to load if you have 1gb as opposed to 512mb because you are loading from the RAM and not the hard disk, which is slower. 2 gb is ideal for gaming, but if you're not hardcore and on a tight budget, you can get by with a 1gb kit.