I am building a system for the first time in 3 years, and so I am completely boggled by this whole DDR2 naming/numbering system.

I am going to build a system with a new quad core Phenom (the power efficient 9100e) when they come out (paired with a 780G chipset motherboard). Anyways, I'm looking at all this ddr2 ram and it's confusing the he11 outa me. I'm not interested in overclocking, its a HTPC anyways, All I want is to run at standard speeds. So I guess my question is:What speed of ram do I need to work with a phenom at standard clock rates?

Phenom for an HTPC is a bit overkill as all the work is going to be done by the 780G anyhow. I'd go with 4850e it's low wattage, it will save you some money and it's more than capable of playing DVD and BluRay. As far as DDR2 ram goes get some Name Brand DDR2-800(PC2-6400) and you should be fine. all the others are either old, or for overclocking and have slower timings.

J.

DDR2 800, simple as that.

Phenom has memory ratios, it will work at its normal speed with DDR2-667, DDR2-800, or DDR2-1066. Since all DDR2-1066 consists of DDR2-800 chips at an overclock rating, it has to be overclocked in order to run its rated speed. Go with DDR2-800.