Apple store only recommends adding 2 1GB cards, can I just get 1 for 1.5GB?

Question

Hi,
I'm a graphic designer who has never had to deal with IT issues before, but I switched companies and now I'm the IT person...
I have a 20" iMac (late 2006), that came with 2 512MB memory cards for 1GB total. I am having a problem with my adobe creative suite products, where if I run more than one at the same time, one will quit on me. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this could be a memory problem. According to adobe, 1GB memory is the minimum it recommends to run the programs simutaneously.
In addition, I often get the "out of memory" message when I'm printing and/or exporting files, so I think I do want to upgrade.
My question: When I look up my model on the iMac store, it only gives me the option of buying 2 1GB cards of memory to upgrade me to 2GB total memory. But, I would think I could just buy 1 1GB card and replace just one of my current cards for a total of 1.5 GB?? My only concern with doing this is that the apple store does not give me this option, so maybe there is a reason I would not want to?
Please advise if I can do this (if I do, what 1GB card should I buy?), and if I can, would I want to? Or should I just go for the 2 1GB cards?
I don't really want to spring a $350 charge on my boss when $175 may cut it, but I don't want to spend $175 and then have to upgrade again.
Thank you very much in advance.
iMac   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

Answer 1

a brody
OK Corsair ram working great for me, 8 month ago I bought one of the same 1GB Corsair module's from Fry's. I added it to the stock 512MB upgrading my Core Duo to 1.5GB. I will also continue to suggest to others that Corsair is a very good Ram supplier.
Corsair's warranty:http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/warranty.html
This lifetime warranty applies to parts that were purchased from Corsair-authorized resellers, or were supplied by Corsair directly. Authorized resellers are resellers who are listed on Corsair’s web site at the time of module purchase.
Also Newegg, CompUSA, Fry's and other's are on there resale list:
http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/whereto_buyresults.html
I have read many of your FAQ pages, Thank-You I realy have learned alot from all your hard work. Please consider adding Corsair to your FAQ ram page, maybe as something like, (poor man's ram or more affordable ram) with a warranty.
Thank's again!
Dennis
17" iMac Intel Core Duo 1.5GB Ram   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   Maxtor 300GB FireWire 2G Nano