Hi wake, i'd highly recommend starting with 1gb, and think about going to 2gb...
512mb is nowhere near enough in this day and age with the games and software that is out there.
Otherwise, it looks nice.

Sorry for the slow reply , I just finished moving.

GarHar is right about the RAM. Back in 1995-97 , 512 was a lot , but today it isnt. 1 gig is the way to go. I suggest a dual channel kit of two 512 mb kits , and check to see if the timings on the ram are 1t or 2t command rate (I *hate* 2t , that's what mine is running at)

Ram determines how fast your computer is , loading times, etc.... 512 mb would be a pretty bad bottleneck for your processor. Also , did you include a video card? integrated graphics use your system ram as well , and I dont really reccomend it for your system. go for at least an x1600 or a 7600 gs. they are pretty cheap.

Last couple things would be to make sure your case has plenty of ventilation and airflow to keep your parts cool , and remember what was said about power supplies, light = **** heavy = good

thanks bahrar and night for the reply.. ill do what you said.. thanks

i found this in the intel website concerning the intel board D946GZIS specification update release feb 2007 : the intel deskboard D946GZIS may contain design defects or error known as errata, which may cause the poduct to deviate from published specification. So is this mean the Asus P5VD2-VM deskboard is better than intel D946GZIS? need some experts opinion guys.. thanks

nice work....

general rule I follow? I do heavy research into a board before I buy it. Keep in mind what you want it to be capable of now and in the future. Personally , for me, if it has less than 5 stars on newegg , I ain't gonna get it. I'm always one of the unlucky ones that ends up with a DOA or a defective model. (like my M2R32) Had to get my board replaced twice, then sent to asus to get fixed. Asus fixes the bios chip , but now idle board temps are 50 to 55c O.o'

Just google your board and do some research. Check the manufacturer forums for posts by users with issues. You can get an idea of what to expect from there.

As for my tutorial , I know its a mess *laughs* its my first one. I expect by the time I finish my second year of college I'll have a "perfect" one for you guys here (in layman non techie terms of course). I'm happy I'm getting such great reviews here.

I would base the build around the motherboard - as in pick that first and then choose compatible components