Ok I have a list of questions for you experts out there ;)

1.I'm using astra utility to check out my computer's hardware/settings...It says Motherboard OEM: unknown (9999) , what does this mean, why does it say this?

2.I have a MicroStar ms-6389 motherboard. Is this anygood??

3. I have two Ram slots, how much RAM can each hold and what kind maximum? What info would I need to get to know this? would it be chipset or just the motherboard model as shown above? so far I have (2)sticks of 256 pc 133 SDRAM. which brings me to my next question.

4. what is the difference between SDRAM and all the others, RDRAM ,DDR.. so on? And does the PC #### just mean what speed it is?? IS it possible to overclock RAM speeds? What utility would help me out with this?

responses to these questions will be GREATLY appreciated!! I have just taken great interest in the computer world, and havn't had time to take any Tech classes yet ;) Thanks for your help!!

1. I have no idea. Obviously the utility could no identify the board for some reason
2. MSI has a good reputation. I have one of their boards in one of my PCs.
3. The MSI web site should have that information: http://www.msi.com.tw/
4. For a good explanation about memory, go to www.crucial.com . You cannot overclock RAM. If you install faster RAM than the MB is designed for, it still runs at the slower speed.

Thanks for the help rac!

You can overclock memory. Go to Google and type in "overclocking memory" and you will find plenty of web sites that will inform you how to do it.

MSI does make good MoBo's I have one myself and I do recommened them.

KTTD

Try "Sandra" from download.com. It will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your system.

MSI motherboards are my pick as the best motherboards for the price. The motherboard world is plagued by several low price / low reliability manufacturers, but imo msi makes some pretty good boards in all price ranges.

The first post in on the memory board of this site is an excellent memory faq:

http://www.community.tomshardware.com

Here is a link to your board if you haven't seen it already. Your board may not be on the msi web site because its made for gateway machines.

http://www.compu-terra.com/specs.cgi?MB6MS6389+tmp/product

Your board is a low priced board which means it may have limited or no overclocking abilities. overclockers.com is a good place to learn about overclocking. The question is to what degree does your board's bios allow you to adjust the front side bus speed and the cpu multiplier. My guess is that these settings are not adjustable on your board if indeed its a gateway machine.