2x512mb DDRII 667mhz in dual channel VS 1x1gb ddrII 800mhz

[korrupt]

The title says it all,

What is better, 2 512mb ddr2 667mhz sticks in dual channel or one 1gb ddr2 800mhz stick.

Does a pc even work with one 1gb stick? Or do you need 2 sticks minimum? The motherboard will either be Intel BOXDP965LTCK or Intel BOXD975XBXLKR.

If anyone is feeling particulary charitable today I also need your opinion on which mobo to choose.

System specs:
e6300 core 2 duo processor
antec sonata 2 case with 450watt smartpower psu

Regards,

Korrupt

 

[Didou]

The Core 2 Duo can't fully utilize the bandwidth available with dual-channel DDR-II 800MHz ram so you might as well get the 2GB of 667MHz ram.

 

[korrupt]

Thanks for your reply,

However: As you may see above I am not planning to put in 2gb.

Please reread post and if possible provide a better answer.

Regards,

Korrupt

 

[Didou]

Dual-channel will work better so it's better that you get two sticks. As for the motherboards I don't know much about them.

 

[korrupt]

Even if the 1gb is 800mhz and the 2x512 is 667mhz?

Regards,

Korrupt

 

[Didou]

Yes, dual-channel provides double the bandwidth of a single 667MHz module which is quite a bit more then what a single 800MHz module can provide. Furthermore as you say, those motherboards might not even POST without two modules but you'd have to look at the manual to be sure.