Which set up would be better for performance, 1 stick of 512 or 2 sticks of 256? I've seen a lot of memory kits sold at higher prices when they're 2 sticks of 256 rather than 1 module of 512, even though they're the same exact memory. Does it have something to do with the dual channel controllers nforce 2 boards have now? Or is there even a big difference between the two set ups? I'm getting an Abit NF7-S rev 2.0 and I wanted to choose the best memory set up before I bought the memory. What do you guys think?

I don't know if either would have better "preformance", but I would get the one stick of 512 so If I wanted to upgrade in the future, I would have more slots avail. on my motherboard. BestBuy has 512 266 DDR for $35 right now :) I picked up two. - G

I'd go with 2x256 chips. Your ram won't have to put everything through a single DDR bank to access data. This is even more so with nVidia's dual channel DDR, which would nearly double the performance of your ram.

I would choose 1x512MB personally. You will have more slots to upgrade more memory in the future. If you are not planning to upgrade, you can use 2x256, they are usually cheaper. If you have a Dual Channel DDR Motherboard, 2x256 will be your best choice. Otherwise, just grab 1 stick of 512.

I would go with 2X256 sticks matched set. that is probably why they are more expensive but they are definately worth it for the dual channel mem. i am not sure if that motherboard supports dual channel.. if it does get dual channel which requires 2 sticks of same. i.e 2X256..

A vote for 2Xxxx... Seems like the new MB is going to be a dual-channel one. So go for 2X256. I just think you should go for 2X512 As win 2000 and win XP can use 1024 with high efficency. Just buy marked memory like corsair or crucial. 333MHz or 400MHz is a good choise. CL2 or CL2,5. 512 Should be around 80-110€. Its more or less the same in US$.

well if your mobo supports dual channel then go for the 2X256, if it doesn't then your not going to see much of an improvement in performace than just 1X512. those kits are made specificly for the dual channel mobo and are better for that use than normal ram, but most don't support dual channel, so check out your mobo specs, hope this helps