Which RAM should I use for my motherboard?

[jcichetti]

I have a 4200+ AMD X2 processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103747

And a debating between these two motherboards:

ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131013

Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128014

It says the ram standard of DDR2 800 should be used, can I insert any DDR2 ram if its not 800? I am looking for 2GB of ram (2x1). Also, which is the better motherboard? Does 16mb maximum memory make a huge difference against 8mb? (Then why is it the cheaper one?).

Thanks.

[jcichetti]

What RAM would you prefer?

[freakitchen]

With the AM2 socket, you NEED to get DDR 800 for it to have the same performance as the same socket 939 processor and DDR 400.

With these memory controller issues, you also should get RAM listed by your chosen motherboard's manufacturer as certified.

Regarding which motherboard, I'd get the ASUS just because it's an ASUS.

FK

[glc]

Keep a close eye on Gigabyte though - they just merged with Asus.

[freakitchen]

Wow, didn't realise that, thanks for the info G

I've actually used gigabyte boards for years, for builds for customers and myself - and I've never had a dud. (possibly a bit of luck involved there though).

FK