RAM Question: Which would you prefer, a single stick of 1GB or 2 512's? Pros and Cons in performance? (if any)

Question

just a survey...

**update**
nice answers! keep em coming!

Answer 1

There are two schools of thought...

1) Get the single stick. Pro: If you want to expand later, you're currrently using only a single slot for this. Con: If it fails, entire 1gb is bad and you'll need to replace a 1gb module.

2) Get two sticks: Pro: If one fails, you still have the other that works and replacing 512 is cheaper than 1gb. Con: You're using two slots which limits future expansion.

The acces times between a single stick and two sticks is so small you'd never be notice it.

Answer 2

Usually the smaller size of memory, it has higher chance for lower CAS latency. The lower the latency, the quicker you can access the memory. If you go to a website like newegg.com, it will list the memory and their latencies, for example, 2-2-2-6. The lower the latency, usually means it is more expensive as well. I would only recommend you consider lower latency levels if performance is your only goal, such as high end gaming or video production. Also, many motherboards support dual channel, and the only way to take advantage of double the speed of your memory, is purchasing them in pairs. Con of having two 512's is that it takes up more slots, so if you only have two slots your maxing it out at 1GB.

Answer 3

Single 1gb for this Mobo, as the other said, depends on the chipset and other hardware factors. Most are Dual Channel mode compliant. Some are configured to run better inb Dual Channel, so look under the hood and then look at the manufacturers suggestions and limitations.
Just as some memory can improve a System, overload can make it unresponsive.

Answer 4

"You get better performance from buying a pair of RAM of half capacity each instead one whole. Dual channel RAM uses the extra bandwidth available from 2 sticks of 512MB as opposed to 1 stick of 1GB to gain better performance. The pair of modules MUST be the same speed and capacity. They don't have to be the same brand, altho it's recommended they are (which is the reason many vendors sell them in pairs as "dual channel" kits). They also have to be installed into the correct slots for it to work. Check your PC manuals for the RAM installation section."

Answer 5

If you are buying new it might be consideration should you ever want to upgrade as most upgrades need to be identical
meaning if you had 2 512's you would have to buy 2 1 gigs where with 1gig you would only have to buy 1 more of the same

Answer 6

It will be a nano seconds less performance with the two 256x2 rams than the single 512 mb ram .

Answer 7

I would like to have the 1gig due to memory access time is better for 1 stick of ram compared to 2 sticks of ram.

Answer 8

It depends on your mother board
if it has a dual channel Ram S lut its better to use 2*512MB (2 colour in Ram Sl uts)
els if you have a single channel mother board its better to use 1*1GB (single colour)

Answer 9

Single stick; the single stick will always be faster, than two smaller ones.

Answer 10

1 stick of GB