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I have a choice to make - should I get a single 1 GB RAM chip or go with 2 512 MB RAM chips and take advantage of dual channel. Is there any benefit to doing this? I can't go with 2 GB RAM in a dual channel config as I can't afford it right now. Let me know what you think.
I go with the 2 chip method. That way I can still use the computer if one of the chips go bad and the bad one has been removed.
Dual is worth it!
It depends to some extent on the system architecture (eg Intel/AMD) and types of software you use.
Dual channel configuration should gain you about 15% improvement in memory throughput, worthwhile if you use aplications heavy on memory operations.
But it could be better to have the option of simply fitting another compatable 1GB stick in the future if you use applications that benefit more from amount of memory than bandwidth (data throughput).
I'd say go for the dual-channel 512MB sticks if you are intending to stick with WinXP - few applications will benefit from more than 1GB - I've been running with 2GB for a while, and XP really doesn'r run any better with the extra 1GB, at least not with anything I do regularly. Vista, on the other hand, does like the extra memory, which would be worth thinking about if you intend to upgrade.
Thanks for the replies fellas. This PC is mostly used for some gaming and photo editing. The games can be very hardware intensive. In this case would dual channel be beneficial? It sounds like the answer is yes, but I just want to be sure.
SuperSparks, I don't plan to go to Vista any time soon on this. I'll be sticking with XP for a few more years.
In that case, definitely go for the dual-channel set up, games will benefit from the extra bandwidth, but not from the extra amount. The photo-editing can use a lot of RAM, but my experience is that 1GB is enough for most occasions.