memory question

[elny3680]

i have a amd athlon xp 2400 running on an abit nf7-s with 2 sticks of 256mb ocz ddr3200 memory. they are running in a dual channel setup. if i get a 512 stick, will that have any negative effect since it is in dual channel? or will it only help improve things? should i reconfigure the setup so that the 512 stick comes first then the other 256 sticks? thanks

ethan

 

[jacktesterson]

it will no longer run in dual channel (-3-5% performance), but you will also be increasing memory, which would increase performance depending on what you do...if you run memory intensive apps, then adding 512mB more ram will be better benefit than dual channel setup

 

[vrbaba]

Similar, yet different issue.

I currently have 1GB (2x512) PC2700 ram NOT DUAL CHANNEL. (one in kingston value ram, and the other is regular samsung stick). I want to move TO dual channel (PC 3200) (w/o much cost)...so was looking at options up to like $180.
Corsair select and Kingston value ram - 2x512 dual channel were name brands within that range.

My computer usage includes games, like PoP, hitman, halo..etc. not on a regular basis though. However, i use it more for like applications .Net 2003, running servers, and running lots of apps at the same time.

Is it worth moving up to dual channel WITH the cheap options i mentioned (however they will be pc3200)? I know it probably will be better if I go to OCZ Enhanced or Corsair XMS type dual channel. But dont want to spend that much right now.

Anyone know of any good deals out there?

Thanks