Best RAM upgrade combination?

[speedyink]

I'm looking to upgrade my ram soon, but I need some help deciding which size of sticks to buy. Currently I have 2X256mb and 2X512mb, and all my slots are full. So, should I buy 2 more 512mb to put in place of the 256mb ones, or a 1gb stick? I heard that a 1gb stick is faster than 2 512mb sticks, but the 512mb would be in dual channel, which I thought would be faster. What do you guys think?

 

[Micco333]

Adventages & Disadventages:

One stick 1GB RAM:

-Single channel;
-Possibility of buying next stick - without taking another;
-If something go wrong - You loose whole 1GB Stick;

Two 512MB Ram:

-Dual channel
-All places for RAM - occupied
-If something go wrong - You will for sure burn only one stick;

I Would rather choose Two 512 sticks - 256 will be for no use in no time

 

[speedyink]

So is 512mb in dual channel faster than 1 gb in single channel?

I'm thinking of buying 2 512's. I don't think I need more than 2gb of ram anyways.

 

[jsquid526]

Yes even in non-dual-channel setup 2 512 sticks at the same clock speed will always be faster than 1 1gb stick

Plus the price difference is not big at all
Take these 2 for example the first one is a single 1gb stick and the second one is 1 512mb stick, if your buy 2 of the 512 the price difference is negligible. Both are the same company speed and timings.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146562
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146561