Vista user w/ 2x512MB; upgrade to (1x2GB + 1x512MB) or (2x1GB)?

My mom uses the Toshiba Portege M300 and I want to help her upgrade the ram so the machine would run a bit smoother. It runs on Vista Business with a T5300 CPU and two sticks of 512MB ram.

I am not sure if this model supports dual channel memory...if anyone knows please let me know!

I'm thinking of either replacing one of the 512MB sticks with a 2GB so it would add up to 2.5GB of ram, or perhaps replace both 512MB sticks with two pieces of 1GB ram to a sum of 2GB.

I've browsed through the web and I couldn't find a definite answer for my case. Can anyone give me some suggestions as to which combination would be the best setup?

 

Doesn't really matter...
I think all new chipsets support dual channel.

If you have 2GB and 512MB - then you'll have 512MB on either RAM "stick" on dual channel.

With 2 1GB modules both will run 1GB in Dual Channel.

The performance increase with dual channel is small - also, I think you aren't too bad off with 512MB - even though that is too little.

Get the cheaper option.

 

I'm sorry I don't quite understand what you meant in that line.

With just the two 512MB in the notebook, ram usage ranges from 80%-90% just from basic web browsing, therefore this notebook really needs the upgrade, except...which one! I want to get the best bang for the buck~

I have narrowed it down to 3 options.
1. Replace a 512MB with a 1GB, yielding 1.5GB (cost: $20)
2. Replace a 512MB with a 2GB, yielding 2.5GB (cost:$30)
3. Replace both 512MB with two 1GB, yielding 2GB in dual channel (cost: $40)

1. People have mentioned that there is quite a significant jump in performance from 1GB to 2GB, therefore I am not sure if going 1.5GB would justify the cost and consideration as an upgrade.
2. Yields the most memory available for the system to utilize, but I am wondering whether the mismatch pair would cause a drop in performance...
3. Cost the most and uncertain whether the 2-5% performance gained from dual channel would perform better than option 2 in everyday use.

The notebook is used mainly for office work and watching videos/movies.

 

What I meant is that if you have 51MB then the 512MB module and 512MB from the 2GB module would operate in Dual Channel.

I doubt you need dual channel for videos and movies - just check if your chipset supports 2GB modules and I'd recommend option 2 as its the most cost effective.

Option 1 I wouldn't recommend.
Option 3 is good, but more expensive, and you obviously are only looking for an increase on what you have.
What's more, if you have 2 GB in one slot, you could at a later date add another 2GB module if your chipset supports 4GB of RAM.

 

So if I understand you correctly, if I pair up a 2GB + 512MB stick, 512MB of the 2GB stick will dual channel with the other 512MB stick? Dual channel can work that way? I thought they must be matching pairs; spec and size-wise.

I just checked the manual and it says it supports 2GB sticks, but there is no mention of dual channel anywhere. I don't think I will upgrade to 4GB later on since people have said its a waste on a notebook for basic usage, plus its only a 32-bit Vista.

 

On modern computers, yes

Its the old ones that need the exact same equipment.

If it says it supports only 2GB then 2,5 may not work - consult the Intel page on your chipset - you can use CPU-Z to find out which chipst you have. and if mor than 2GB is supported.

 

Hmm would a '07 notebook considered modern?
The manual says it can support up to 4GB, accepting 2GB max per bank.

How will I know whether a chipset can support modern dual channeling? I have the Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset Family.

[edit] Did a quick search and the intel site says my chipset supports dual channel. This feature has to be enabled in bios correct?

 

Not sure about the BIOS - but even if, it should be enabled by default.

But the 4GB is good - it means you can just add 1 2GB module.