dual channel ddr 2 memory question

[1337n00b]

Right now, I'm currently running an ASUS M2N4 mobo with an AMD X2 4000+, And I'd like to get dual channel ddr2 memory.

In real world performance, will I get a huge benefit from that type of memory?

[Sparda]

What socket is your CPU?

[VaKo]

You'll need 2/4 identical sticks of DDR[2], at best you might gain 5-10% all-in-all. If you have 2 sticks, make sure there in the same color slots on your mobo. CPU-Z will tell you if you have it right.

[1337n00b]

Thanks. I already know how to install them, and most of the theory, I just wasn't sure if I'd get a huge performance increase. And meh, 5-10% won't be that noticeable.

[Iain]

As a spinoff (and purely from a theoretical point of view), which is likely to give the better performance: 2 * 1GB or 4 * 512MB?  I realise that the individual sticks must be identical in respect of speed, capacity etc. but don't know if one configuration will give a better performance than the other.

[Sparda]

The main speed performance you may notice is in a situation where the contents of the system memory and the graphics card memory has to be swaped.

[VaKo]

I'd always go for 2x1GB, because then you can add another 2GB to it later on.

[1337n00b]

As a spinoff (and purely from a theoretical point of view), which is likely to give the better performance: 2 * 1GB or 4 * 512MB?  I realise that the individual sticks must be identical in respect of speed, capacity etc. but don't know if one configuration will give a better performance than the other.

Definately go with the 2 * 1gb sticks. In regards to the 4* 512mb, basically less chips less problems you'll run into, if any.

[Iain]

Good points about 2 * 1GB vs 4 * 512MB.  Whenever I've repaired PCs or built them (for others' specifications) , I've almost invariably seen the former, rather than the latter.  I wondered if there was any performance benefit, rather than avoiding anything becoming faulty.