Real Quick RAM Question - POST build

Hey everyone, not sure if you saw my previous posts.. I was having some issues with my video card not displaying in my new rig. Anyways I got it all worked out, and I am very happy with the new PC. I just had a question. I only have 1 GB of ram... (using XP)... now that I have my PC up and running I want to install another 2GB. I know about XP only using 3 or whatever. My question is I have 2 512mb sticks on my MOBO now... can I install just one 2GB stick, and does it need to be identical to the other 2 sticks?By that I mean same speed (mhz) as the other sticks?ThanksReal Quick RAM Question - POST build
There are a few motherboards that support different amounts of RAM on both channels.In most cases though, it's not recommended to install different sized modules in the slots (as in I have one 1 GB module in the first channel and a 512 MB module in the second).Read the manual that came with your motherboard or download it from the manufacturer's site.Read up on the RAM section. That will inform you if that specific motherboard supports different sized RAM modules in the channels. Real Quick RAM Question - POST build
im pretty sure there would be no problem with having different sized ram in computers. i mean my desktop had a 512mb and a 256mb memory sticks in them and there was no problems at all with the computer. even in my laptop i have a 1gb stick and a 2gb stick there is nothing wrong with my laptop either. it should be fine
If your mainboard supports RAM interleaving (and all modern mainboards do) you would be better off using 2x 512MB and 2x 1GB sticks to hit 3GB.