2 x 512mb or 1 x 1024mb ram

[sirkevinvii]

On am Intel 865PE where the dimm slots are supposed to be matched, does anyone think there is a difference in performance between 2 x 512mb or 1 x 1024mb ram? Just wondering?

[saphalline]

Yes. Your system is dual-channel capable. Dual-channel is used for performance more than anything. So installing RAM in pairs will give more performance than odd numbers of RAM or mismatched pairs. A 1GB dual-channel kit composed of 2 identical 512MB sticks will perform better than a single 1GB stick.