I am ordering a computer and I have the choice of ordering 1 GB of RAM in two ways: Either a single 1 GB RAM chip -or- 2 512-MB RAM Chips. Both options cost the same. Is there any reason (performance, upgrade path, stability, etc) to choose one option over the other?
2006-08-24 10:09:08 · 9 answers · asked by truckee_dark 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
PC World, ZDNET, etc have tested what you're asking about and using TWO RAM modules are a bit faster since the CPU has TWO paths available for memory use.
HOWEVER, as stated by others, I woulod recommend using the single RAM module so you won't be "wasting" the smaller size RAM module when you want to upgrade again.
2006-08-24 10:24:21 · answer #1 · answered by mrresearchman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go with the single stick of RAM. There is negligible difference in between the two unless you're getting into the performance RAM where you'll start to see a difference.
Soon computers will be needing to have the 2GB of RAM, so it would probably be better upgrade-wise to go with the 1GB stick. Mainly due to the memory intensive games and...Windows Vista ;).
2006-08-24 17:20:45 · answer #2 · answered by Dan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you plan to upgrade later, one stick. but if you dont care, i think the two sticks would be a bit faster.. but ram is everything, controls natural lag.. find the best speed for your money regaurdless of size.. the difference is negligent with two 512's and a gig stick..
2006-08-24 20:20:39 · answer #3 · answered by csjunkiee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with bogdan, dual-channel RAM requires 2 matched chips. If yours is capable of running dual-channel I would get the 2 512MB chips. They work faster together.
2006-08-24 17:42:10 · answer #4 · answered by aztut 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost all modern motherboards have support for dual-channel memory. Therefore it is recommended for you to buy and install memory modules in pairs. This is espacially important if you're a person who drives the pc to its limits.
Read here a very nice and interesting review about the benefits of dual-channel memory.
http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Memory/Dual-Channel/
Moreover, many motherboards have 4 memory slots so if you plan a future upgrade you can easily install another pair of memory modules.
2006-08-24 17:32:11 · answer #5 · answered by bogdan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get 2 1GB, only about $20 more that 2 512's
2006-08-24 18:27:31 · answer #6 · answered by crsstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Choose one because later on if you decided to add another one you can but if you buy two you cant without loosing them and buying two GB.
2006-08-24 17:14:59 · answer #7 · answered by Adnan Sallam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can get the same amount at one stick, get one all the time, that is your best bet. Gives you room to expandability for the future.
2006-08-24 17:20:39 · answer #8 · answered by the_proms 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get 2 because if one fails you still got anotherone backing you up :)
and if you want to expand it just take one out and put more in it :P
2006-08-24 17:37:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋