General RAM query

myownslave

Looking at the Dell specs, I see different types of RAM:
533MHz or 667MHz
Single Channel or Dual Channel
Can anyone explain what the differences are between these and why it might be a good idea to use the 667MHz and/or the Dual Channel?

Another thing - I will be buying my own RAM also to add to the laptop, so will I need to buy the exact same as is already there or would it make any difference if one stick is 533MHz and the other is 667MHz, or if one is single channel and the other is dual channel?

Finally, is it true that the RAM can only run as fast as the smallest stick present in the machine, or is that just a myth? For example, if I have a 1GB stick and a 512MB stick together in the same machine, would it still only run as fast as the 512 stick allows? And cos of this, would it be better to use one 2GB stick rather than two 1GB sticks?

Any info at all on any of the above would be appreciated. Cheers in advance.

leche solara

Most Dell products insist on matched pairs of RAM sticks.
You will only get defualt without this.
Go for higher and dual

myownslave

I know higher and dual would be the better options, but how much of a difference would they make? Cos in certain Dell machines, upgrading to a higher MHz or to dual can mean a lot of money!