Ok so the mother board that I'm getting has 4 RAM slots and supports dual channel. Can somone first explain to me what dual channel is, and how much faster it is then single channel.

Then I need to say that first I'm going to start out with 1 512MB stick of RAM, but later I might get dual channel 512MB (1Gig) as well. Will the dual channel RAMs work in dual channel , but not the first 512 I had? Will that cause problems?

If it would, I would go for a single 1GB stick.

Can somone tell me which the best setup would be?

(btw just in case, the RAMs would be DDR 400 PC3200)

Hi koolj, this link here should answer your questions regarding Dual Channel memory
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_channel

Dual Channel memory only works with a pair of the same RAM.

So, if you get 2x 1gb sticks of the exact same memory, it will work perfectly fine.
If you get 2 different size of the same brand - it won't work

If you have an odd number of memory - dual channel won't work, it will drop back to single channel...as there is an odd number of memory sticks.

Hope this helps.

ok well I dont have enough money for 2 x 1gig, and it wouldnt be the same brand. Now it comes down to saving a few $$$ getting a 1gig stick vs spending a few more for matching pretty red RAM sticks of the same brand and memory.

I'd recommend you save for 2x 512mb sticks first, 1gb will be enough for now.

then continue saving for 2x 1gb sticks, and you'll be ablet o run dual channel with 3gb of ram...and if it doesn't work, you've got 2gb of dual channel, and can sell the 2x 512mb or keep them for a2nd computer

I already ordered the PC with 512 to start out. So are you saying I should just get 1 stick of 512 later then save my money for dual channel?

You got it.

With the 512 you have now...when you can afford it get another 512 of the same memory...then you'll have dual channel. Save up your money again, and get 2 more sticks of whatever memory you like, and you'll still have dual channel

I thought RAM has to made for dual channel, so as long as its the same RAM moduel dual channel can work? Cool

Thanx for dealing with my many questions mr. GaR :P