2 banks: 1- 1GB stick or 2- 512MB sticks?

[mrjimbo]

My motherboard has two banks with a 512MB PC2700 stick in one of them. I would like to change it out to PC3200 DDR400 stick(s). However, what's better... should I get 1 stick of 1GB PC3200 or 2 sticks of 512MB PC3200?

 

[bigsaucybob]

If your motherboard supports dual channel, then purchasing 2x512MB sticks might offer some increased performance.

 

[PohTayToez]

But getting 1 x 1GB stick will save you some money if you want to upgrade to 2GB later.

 

[oscaryu1]

2x 512MB for dual channel
1x 1GB for non dual channel.

 

[kirby001]

for sure go with the 1gb, yes the 512mb will offer increased performance due to dual channel, but it will leave you the option to upgrade to 2 gb's later on, so i would gow tih 1 gb and then u still have the option to upgrade to a dual channel 2 gb

 

[Michael]

Go with 2GB (1GB x2) of matching sticks.. save yourself the trouble of upgrading later, and get dual channel (provided your board supports it)

The best of both worlds.