Hi, I'm not sure if the product info is correct, so please disregard. I want to upgrade a friend's computer. It currently only has enough capability to handle 2 GB of RAM, which isn't enough. So I figured I could upgrade the motherboard and buy new memory. I just don't know what motherboard will be compatible. I'm looking at a ECS Geforce6100PM-M2 AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard. Is this compatible with what I have already? If not, how do I find a compatible motherboard? Is a motherboard and processor the same thing? I'm totally lost. Help? Thanks, Alice

Why isn't 2GB of RAM enough? I have been running WinXP with that much RAM for two years without any problems.

No problems, he just needs more memory to run his audio programs comfortably.

And I am questioning that. What is the problem? 2GB with WinXP should be more than enough. At any rate you have conflicting hardware specs. SocketA and AM2 are both socket types that are at least two or three generations apart. Those motherboards would not use the same type of memory. If you would describe why you think the problem is with the memory we could then determine if you are correct. If using onboard sound chip for some sort of audio work that is probably the bottleneck. If the processor is socket AM2, which I suspect, you need to determine the model of the current motherboard. Download and run a utility called SIW.exe. This utility will provide specs on the system and should give the motherboard model. Get it from the link below. http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download...

I question the need for more than 2GB as well. And if you're /he's running the 32-bit version of XP, the RAM will max out between 3.0-3.5GB. If the product info you posted is close to being correct, you'll need to upgrade a hell of a lot more than just the board & RAM. You'll need a new CPU, new video card (or board with integrated graphics) & most likely a power supply too. So the cost of increasing the RAM amount by 1.5GB could be in the range of $250+/-. And don't forget you'll have to reinstall Windows. Is it worth it?

The more I look, the more I realize that I might as well just start from scratch. XP might max out at 3, but he might decide to switch to Vista or the next new OS Thanks for input.

"but he might decide to switch to Vista or the next new OS" That is fine assuming the hardware can run a newer OS. If the CPU is based on 32 bits then ALL OSes that can run on that computer are still maxed out at the same 3/3.5GB of RAM. That is do to the architecture of all 32 bit processors. In order to use more RAM than that you need to have a 64 bit processor and a 64 bit OS.