Best 780i Motherboard?

[FusoyaX]

I have everything ready for my current build except the motherboard and I'm not sure which way to go. I've narrowed it down to a 780i board as I have DDR2 memory, an E8400 and two 9600gt's (which I might step-up to 9800gtx's), price is not a problem as I have room in the budget for all the 780i boards, I just want the board that will give me the most features and ease of use.

My options seem to be:

EVGA 780i:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188024

The XFX version of that:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813141005

The MSI P7N Diamond:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130158

The Asus Striker II Formula:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131255

Now I know most of you are going to say the EVGA/XFX board, my question is why go with the EVGA over the Asus? Reference boards just seem generic to me. Furthermore should I consider the EVGA 750i FTW considering I'm not going with Tri-SLI? I plan to overclock with an emphasis on stability as well as have a rather robust air cooling system with plenty of fans (8 x 120mm, 1 x 80mm, 1 x 200mm) which I want to offload slightly on mobo fan headers.

Thanks for your help!

 

[cmmcnamara]

I'm in the same predicament as you. I'm a big ASUS user, in fact I haven't used anything but ASUS since I have been bulding. This time I'm looking at the XFX and EVGA boards. The XFX board had an excellent review although I can't remember where. Haven't looked up the EVGA one though. The ASUS board is having trouble showing me its advanatge. I'm really in love with ASUS but without the current NewEgg rebate on the STriker II it seems like a bad deal. I think you are actually paying the extra dough for the sound card...but I myself plan to get an X-Fi Soundblaster so it doesn't justify the cost still. On top of it I've heard of the Striker series having issues so it looks even worse. I'm off to look at the EVGA board reviews but I'd like to add that if you don't ever ever want to use 3-way SLI get the 750i. The others are pointless for you. And don't get the 9600's by the way. Just get two 8800's or go ahead and grab the 9800's right way (you grab the 9800's now you'll hopefully be eligible for the 9900 rumored release in June/July).


EDIT: Apparently the XFX and eVGA boards are identical. I guess its just a choice between companies. I'd startt looking at the warranties.