Basic questions on RAM and ASUS motherboards

[robtheblob39]

I have 1GB of PC3200 Crucial RAM, one 512MB stick and two 256MB sticks. Is this slower than two 512MB sticks or does it make little to no difference?

Plus does anybody else have problems with the sound on a ASUS K8V SE Deluxe Motherboard? It crackles like mad on mine, been told it's a motherboard problem. Just wondering if its only me who gets this or its much more common...

Thanks