Question on dual channel RAM

[Lupinicus]

I currently have 512 MB of RAM with 2x256 MB DIMMs. I would like to upgrade to 1 GB of RAM but I am on a budget. What would be the performance difference between getting 1 512 MB DIMM and putting in my third RAM slot as opposed to getting 2 512 MB DIMMs and getting rid of the 256 MBs?

System Specs:
MB: Epox 8RDA+
CPU: Athlon XP 2800
RAM: 2x 256 MB Crucial

 

[neoreturns]

Honestly with a nforce2 setup the difference between running single channel and dual channel is very, very slim. In fact even synthetic Sandra scores aren't that much higher in dual channel. You're better off saving your money and just buying 1x512 and keeping your 256 dimms.

 

[Lupinicus]

That's music to my ears. Thanks

 

[homestarmy]

Originally posted by: neoreturns
Honestly with a nforce2 setup the difference between running single channel and dual channel is very, very slim. In fact even synthetic Sandra scores aren't that much higher in dual channel. You're better off saving your money and just buying 1x512 and keeping your 256 dimms.

Glad to hear. It's not really necessary in my HTPC, but I've almost caught myself spending extra to get a dual channel setup.

 

[neoreturns]

Yeah the Athlon XP was never a very bandwidth hungry processor. And it seems like DC was more of a marketing ploy by Nvidia. Dual channel has a nice performance boost with socket 939 Athlon 64 though,