Mistake for 2DDR Slots in Intel 845BG motherboard?

Is it a big mistake for Intel to incorporate 2 Nos. memory slots for its 845BG (i845 DDR) motherboard?

I would like to hear comments from readers regarding what reason(s) behind Intel to incorporate 2 Nos. memory slots compares to its competitor such as VIA-PX4266 and SIS645 which offers 3 currently.

Actually, I intend to purchase Intel's 845BG motherboard until I found out that Intel only offers 2 memory slots with its current i845D product. Other chipset like VIA and SIS offer 3 memory slots instead of 2. The reason I am so concerned about the number of memory slot is because for coming 2-3 years, Windows ME or XP might require 1000MB memory for smooth operation.

Just like my existing DELL 90MHz Pentium; it performs reasonable well with Max. 128MB and Win95 under Office 97 and Project 98, but can't even play with Command & Conquer Red Alert 2! Honestly, it is the main reason, I intend to upgrade my existing system. Please don't laugh at me.

Today, if I buy 2 Nos. 512MB DDR memory, it costs over US$220. Even worst, I have to order directly from US vendors with international flight charge of US$34 to Hong Kong! The most cost-effective solution seems to buy 2 Nos. of 256MB DDR memory (the highest capacity of DDR memory currently available in Hong Kong) , then upgrade with another 512MB DDR modulus when the price drops, which would initially cost at approx. US$130 with flight charge).
However, such solution really occupy all memory slots in Intel's 845BG motherboard with no expansion ability. That's why I am so hesitate buying Intel's 845BG motherboard although it gives a BMW brand feeling in computing industry!

P.S. It is a perception for public to consider BMW are great. In fact, they are not as good as you thought. I am one the victims from BMW's brand name Honestly, I would never choose the same brand again! However, I have to use it until it phases out (i.e. already invested too much on a single system; people usually prefer to stay with a wrong system even you choose the wrong one initially, so always select the right system first!)

Layman

you can have the intel chipset without an intel motherboard. a great choice would be the ASUS P4B266 which has 3 slots as you require.

Actually the Asus (and others') solution is smart, you can use cheaper 2x256 MB modules today and later upgrade the memory with a 512 MB one, but this does leaves some confusion especially in the minds of unaware users as to the number and type of DIMM sticks to be used.

girish

<font color=red>No system is fool-proof. Fools are Ingenious!</font color=red>