Dual Channel Mem: does it matter which bank?

Just trying to learn more here and need tutoring.
the system I'm rebuilding is a Dell dimension 4700 P4-equipped, dual-channel, 4 slots.
I have 2 good, matched 1GB Dimms PC2-6400u.
I also have either/or 2x256mb matched PC2-4300 or 2x256mb matched PC2-3200. And of course, the question is: what config will perform best?

A - Dual channel, 1GB each in first slot of each channel [or does it matter which slot as long as its dual channel? Total=2GB

B - Dual Channel, 1GB each in one slot of each bank, pls one each PC2-3200U-333-10-C1 256mb in the 'other' slot of each channel/bank.

C - 1GB each in one slot of each bank, plus one each PC2-4200U-444-11-C1 in the other slot of each bank.

???

all these configs work, but of course with differing consequences on memory timings.

all help appreciated

 

When memory modules of differing speeds are installed, the PC BIOS will default to the slowest speed.

Since your 1GB modules are 6400 (800MHz) and the others are 3200 (400MHz) and 4300 (533MHz), my guess is the 2x1 GB arrangement (without the 256MB sticks) will give you the best speed.

My experience has been that XP will rarely use over 2GB of memory and Windows 7 will run well with 2GB so long as unnecessary items (such as the Aero desktop and sidebar) are disabled.

Since the CPU is an older P4, it's doubtful the machine will do well at high-end tasks such as gaming or video editing, regardless of the amount of memory installed.

Hope this helps.

 

I would recommend not mixing the Ram it will slow the computers performance Both ram sticks will not be running at the same speed.

It is all ways best idea to get the same kinda ram.

gman863
Windows Xp barely uses over 2 gigs.It is the programs that will be used use the most ram.It is all ways a good idea to max out the ram in any computer.

The Speed of the ram will be different if there is two different kinds of ram in the slots.