Memory (RAM) for a HTPC
You should shoot for memory between 256 MB and 512 MB. Having more memory will let you run more programs at once. Let’s say you want to watch a movie, while recording a TV show and crunching some numbers. You’ll definitely want 512 MB (B00008AYBE). If you’re content running just one thing at a time, with the occasional multitasking, then go for 256 MB (B00006HVT3). Avoid less than that, and get more if you can afford it. Try to stick with name brand manufacturers such as Corsair, PNY, and Kingston among others. Faulty RAM can be hard to detect and produce flaky systems.