Dual Channel in MB

[Schaff318]

My new macbook is on its way with 1 gb ram installed. I ordered a 1 gb stick from newegg so i could install it when the computer arrived for a total of 1.5 gbs. Is this a good idea even though it wont run in dual channel mode (will it run in dual channel mode?) or will it not make a difference really?

I plan on buying a new 1 gb stick very soon anyways so it doesn't matter too much, just wondering.

thanks.

 

[kalisphoenix]

It'll make a difference, particularly with video issues. I've heard people say that a 10%-15% performance hit for non-dual channel RAM pops up in benchmarks.

 

[cyclingplatypus]

Here is an interesting read considering it and it addresses where using non-matched RAM in the Macbook takes a hit and how big. I just picked up my MB last weekend and just yesterday upgraded to 2GB, but spent the week researching if it made that big of a difference, OWC has some test results from their 3GB kit (2GB+1GB)

If you decide not to look at the test results here is their conclusion:
In conclusion

More memory is overall better than having less memory that is interleaved. There is a huge benefit to upgrading even just to 768MB (replacing a one of the 256MB with a 512MB) from a factory 512MB config. General performance is better having more 1.25GB or 1.5GB by replacing one of the stock modules with a 1.0GB Memory Module vs. buying two 512MB modules for about the same cost and only having 1.0GB total. Going to 2.0GB or 3.0GB is, of course, even better - but most any increase to the memory gives you an immediately appreciated benefit.