Question 1

The DDR3/DDR3L confuses me.  Will this memory work?

"G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBSQ"

Accepted Answer

Short Answer: Yes

Educational Answer Below:

I've never used DDR3L modules myself but some preliminary research shows that DDR3L is a type of DDR3 that can run on either 1.35V or 1.5V.

On tomshardware site go to : /answers/id-2252958/ddr3l-ddr3-slot.html

I cannot stress enough when building a PC the importance of reading the motherboard manual and documentation before pulling the trigger on buying components. Sometimes the smallest detail can really screw you over =P

Manual:
On the asrock site go to : /mb/Intel/N3150B-ITX/?cat=Manual

I took a look at the ASRock site and turns out they advertise that the motherboard supports both standard and low voltage SO-DIMM(small outline dual in-line memory module)

So in terms of voltages you good to go.

Most Motherboard sites will provide a list of compatible memory.

On the asrock site go to : support/SupportList.asp?cat=Memory

Find and select the motherboard model: N3150B-ITX

On the asrock site go to : /mb/Intel/N3150B-ITX/index.asp?cat=Memory

These are the recommended modules for the board.

I took a look at some of these and they are pretty esoteric brands. Newegg doesn't have most of them. However you can use them for comparison. This one for instance

Kingston: KVR16LS11/4

Newegg has this part and it shows as a 204Pin DDRL3 1600 (PC312800). The exact same specs as the memory that you listed above.

While there are no garauntees in life(especially with technology), the absolute safest bet would be to buy the memory that the website claims to support. However your memory you selected will should also work.

Quick Note as well. If you choose to buy the Kingston memory(single stick). You need to install it in a specific slot as indicated on page 10 of the manual.

Hope this helps, happy building =]

Dont get discouraged if things don't go perfectly the first time. I have yet to build a PC without at lease ONE issue crop up. Part of the fun =P

Question 2

can you list for me some suitable small cases and psus?

Accepted Answer

Any mini ITX case or larger case supporting mini ITX will work.

I currently have mine running on a PicoPSU and a laptop charger brick, but normal 24pin ATX PSU's work also.

Question 3

Is compatible with Ubuntu 14.04/15.04/15.10?. Or my motherboard unit is defective?.

I bought one of this motherboard and it fails,sporadically the screen turns black for a few seconds and sometimes it gets well, other times I need to reboot.

Data:
Tested with Ubuntu 14.04/15.04/15.10 and VGA output.

Accepted Answer

Thank tou Edward.
I think there is a bug in the Intel i915 driver:
"Bug 91629 - [chv] *ERROR* timed out waiting for Punit DDR DVFS request"
I see this message in my dmesg, but not sure related with "screen black" symtomps.

Question 4

Any advice on 8 or 16 gb of ram , and anyone see any advantages of one type over another?

Accepted Answer

I bought 8GB (2 x 4GB) of G.Skill Ripjaws memory from Newegg for my build, and it's quite peppy as a HTPC with it. Be sure to buy DDR3L (PC3L) SO-DIMM memory (1.35v low-voltage laptop memory) and you should be OK.

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