4Gb RAM configuration...

Hi guys,

I have a Dell Precision 380 that I want to update to either 3Gb or 4Gb.

The following diagram is from the Dell manual showing two channels:

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ws380/en/ug/A04/memory6.jpg

The current configuration is 512Mb/533 (non-ECC) in slots 1 and 2.

My question is which configuration would be better?

2 x additional 1Gb modules*

or

remove the 2 x 512Mb and replace with 2 x 2Gb modules in slots 1 & 2

or

remove the 2 x 512Mb and replace with 4 x 1Gb modules

OS is XP Pro 32bit.

I know that some of the memory will be unavailable depending on the graphics card, but what I am interested in is which configuration is faster/more efficient. I imagine it will be 1 x 1Gb module in each slot, but would like some opinions please.

*If I was to go with 2 x 512Mb + 2 x 1Gb, would it make a difference if which channel gets the 2Gb?

Cheers,

Andy.

 

Thanks Pete.

The more I look at it, the more inclined I am to go with 4 x 1Gb -- one module in each slot.

The mobo is dual-channel, so I am correct in thinking it's better to use 2 x 1Gb in channel A (slots 1 & 2), and 2 x 1Gb in channel B (slots 3 & 4)?

Edit: Sorry, just re-read your post. Yes, I'll run 4 x 1Gb as you suggest.

Cheers,

Andy.