BUT...i just popped open the mobo box to check it out and found this inside:
http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=3561
i always wanted something like this (i HATE trying to attach those little cables!) and now it was included in the box. sweet! maybe this has been around for years...i just haven't built a system for a long time. either way, it's a pleasant surprise.
i went with the Asus P5Q Pro. nothing special, but should fit my needs, assuming it doesn't blow up or anything. i've had a lot of luck with Asus in the past...hopefully they are still considered a solid, stable platform.
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3& ... odelmenu=1
