Dual channel question

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Just a quickie. I've read through the Memory section of the forums and am now more confused than ever. Think it's all the numbers (never was any good at maths).
So, I'll make it as simple as I am, and hopefully will get an answer fit for a simpleton :)
Which is more beneficial, running a matched pair of 512 PC3200 in dual channel mode, or adding another, unmatched stick of 3200, to make total RAM 1.5G?
Bearing in mind, I'm using an ancient system; K7N2 Delta, Athlon XP 3200+, you get the picture....
A yes/no answer will suffice (I'll get confused otherwise).
 
Personally I'd go for the extra 512mb as I don't think the real world performance from dual channel on that system will be as substantial as the effects of reduced paging with the extra memory.

Although perhaps you could sell your current memory (all of it) and get 2 x 1gb sticks for the benefits of both more memory and dual channel?
 
Johnny Girth said:
Although perhaps you could sell your current memory (all of it) and get 2 x 1gb sticks for the benefits of both more memory and dual channel?
Thanks Johnny. I might just do that.
 
I used to run with 1GB of ram in Dual Channel on my ASRock board, and increased to 2GB (still in DC) about 18 months ago. The difference it made, particually in MMOs like WoW was very noticible, therefore I'd say go for more memory when you can, DC is just icing if you can do it. However if you have the chance to go for Johnny Girth's idea of selling .. then you get the best of both.
 
However.....http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-046-GL
Thank you my OCUK :D ordered 'em this morning. The wife'll be happy :eek: I might be being made redundant from my crappy job in a couple of weeks. I'm sure she could find something better to spend my money on. Like food for the kids, or some other unecessary luxury items like that ;)
Oh well, the long awaited upgrade is gonna have to wait. Hopefully this new ram will eke a little more life out of my creaking system.
 
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