computer memeory ... 2 x 256 or 1 x 512 ?? !!

pennymakespounds

looking at configuring a system on dell website ... for memory you can choose , for example ... 512mb ..as either 2 x 256mb or 1 x 512mb which is undoubdtedly more expensive.

Whats / why . the differrence ??

robnye

more chips on less wafer....! ::)

Woby_Tide

depending on the slots available it's also someting to do with some motherboards can only utilise memory thats the same size, so if you had 3 slots and put in 2x256mb it would only take an extra 256mb, if you put iin 1x512mb it would take 2x512mb in future, not 1x256mb and 1x512mb(well it would accept that although the 512mb would limit at 256mb). Can't remember where I read it I just remember a friend had something similar when adding a 128mb stick to a 256mb config, it may well be m/board or system specific.

pennymakespounds

sorry, don't understand this at all ??

pennymakespounds

refers to robynes' reply about "wafers"

pennymakespounds

woby tide... but what's the bottom line ? !!.. as far as is there a benefit or reason to pay about £70 more for 1 x 512 instead of 2 x 256 ?

Joe_Bloggs

@pennymakespounds.
Why not check out dell's customer service help line as to the advantages and pricing differences.
I would stick to 2x256 as some boards can access both at the same time saving a little time.
J_B.

Woby_Tide

£70 more? really? I would just stick with cheaper option then just buy memory in future if you ever need it, it'll be cheaper by then anyway, and also if joe_bloggs is correct theres a second good reason

robnye

it will depend on your motherboard

some have more than 2 lots for memory
if so, get 2 256mb chips

some boards also will only allow 2 identical chips

ie slot 1 = 256mb
   slot2 = empty or 256mb

if you fill both slot1 and 2 with 256mb and then upgrade to 1x512mb chip you may have to remove the other 256mb chip, meaning that you have
slot1 = 512mb
slot2 = empty

and 2 x 256mb chips to sell on ebay....

personally i would put the cheaper option of 2 x 256mb chips in. try to stick to a known model, ie kingston etc

StrikeEagle

Definetly 2x256, because then you can use Dual Channel if your motherboard supports it, which is easily faster than single channel (1x512).

Generally 2x256 and 1x512 are approx the same price. Maybe a fiver difference. So I dunno why its another 70 =/

I would double check the pricing

SONIC_2

Any new Dell should support dual channel. Go with the 2 x 256mb and save yourslef £70. Dell are always a little expensive for memory upgrades.

Also for anyones info, Dell actually use Crucial memory, and brand it as Dell. They will support crucial memory under warranty (as long as it's not the actual memory at fault) without any problems.

You can buy it direct from crucial at http://www.crucial.com/uk/

;D