Most recent PC's last 5 years or so have 4 channels for ram. The thing about it though is you most likely had 2 256 cards originally.
You will more than likely have to take those 2 out an put the 1 gig ram in. Most of the time you have to match the dual channel with the same ram rating of cards.
Just take out the 2 256 cards and put in the 1 gig card. If you want to add more later you will most likely have to add another 1 gig card.
At this point in time 1 gig should do you good. Of course, it all depends if your running a tote load of applications and see your pc draging you may want to add another 1 gig.
So if doing this you 2 256 cards are basically of no use. But put them is a static free bag/wrap and save them for possible later use or you can possibly put it in an older pc you may have to make it faster.
For future reference according to RAM.
Just remeber the current Industry sets them up likes these examples.
Assume you have 4 slots/channels for ram in your pc. They need to line up like this.
1 gig......1gig.......1gig.......1gig
1gig.......1gig
1gig
256......256
256......256........256......256
256
128......128.........128.....128
128......128
128
Just remember it almost always has to be either single, pairs of fours. Most pcs' won't work right with 3 slots filled.
Hope I was clear in my explanation. Also, this is just the way most of the current set-ups work in pc at this time. It may change at a later date.
