Upgrading Ram

I have been thinking about buying another 1GB stick of ram for my machine but before I place the order I have a quick question. I already have 2x512 modules and was wondering if a 1GB stick would be compatible. For some reason I'm thinking that all of the modules have to be the same size. If someone could shed some light on this for me I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

The speed is more important, imo, because if you have mismatched speed, the faster ones will slow down to match the slowest module you have. No harm, but not getting full benfits. Id also(in about 6-12 months) get a second stick to replce the 512s, so that you could run the 1GBs in dual channel if your motherboard supports it.

Yep, you'll want to amke sure you get them the same speed, though this is usualy irrelevant for the average user as you'll be buy PC3200 anyway. IMO sell the 2 x 512MB and pick up 2 x 1GB.

if youre adding ram to your current ram, id suggest making sure its EXACTLY the same stuff... to avoid any problems at all... rams a bitch when upgrading it

Ok having 4 stick or even 3 will change the timings on the computer. Now if you want the full performance out of the ram get two sticks of the same type. Dual channel is made for two sticks.

If you have mixed ram it could lead to problems. The computer will also clock at the lowest settings for the ram. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link kind of thing.

I would say buy a dual channel 2GB kit if you can afford it.

It should work (there is always a chance it will not) but you will not get any speed increase just more ram. If anything you will have slower ram.

Sleepy, are you saying the more ram the computer has the computer has to compensate by lowering the timings?

Is this true? Correct me if im wrong, its just the way i read it (and im really tired so...lol)

Yes and no, anything over two sticks of ram can cause slow downs. Most computers have to run at 2T timings with 3 or 4 sticks of ram. Some of the latest motherboards may have gotten over this hurtle but two sticks is still the best.

Dual channel only works with two sticks. If you are over clocking it is best to have only two sticks of ram.

Again this is a small difference but if you want the most then go with two sticks. The average person will not see any difference between 2 stick, 3, or 4. We are talking less the 10% difference in speed.

My mobo does support dual channel, and only has 3 ram slots. I guess I'll have to chuck the 2x512 and get 2x1GB as Lurid suggested...

Thanks for all your input gentlemen, it is much appreciated.