Hello all, new to the Tom's Hardware forums.

I currently have an E6600 and an XFX 9800 GX2 (not installed yet because my motherboard doesn't support it).

I'm looking at getting a new motherboard and RAM (because my current RAM is DDR400).

I've done a bit of searching at Newegg but can't decide on a motherboard. This RAM caught my eye OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB)

I'd like to go with 1066 or higher because I will plan on overclocking a bit, I'd like to get my E6600 up around 3GHz.

Now for the questions:

I know the GX2 is a SLI setup packaged onto a single slot solution, because of this, do I need to get a SLI certified motherboard if I am only going to run that one video card?

What motherboard recommendations would you make? I tend to lean towards ASUS boards, what are your guys thoughts about ASUS vs other brands?

What do you think of my RAM choice? Overkill? Should I just go with the OCZ Platinum series at 1066, or another brand?

Thanks in advanced for your help.

No, your MB does not have to support SLI. In fact, if you do spend the extra $100+ to get SLI, the only way you'd ever use it is by buying a second 9800GX2 and a 1000W PSU and it wouldn't really add many fps anyway.

It's important to get something with a PCI-E 2.0 slot. Since you only need one slot, and you want good overclocking, P45 is the best chipset IMO. Since you want Asus, I think something from the Asus P5Q family would match your requirements best.

Check them out and pick the cheapest one that has all the features you need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] =P5Q&x=&y=

Personally I like Asus but prefer Gigabyte. Last time we did a poll on this forum Asus had more fans though. Anyway, check these out too:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 45&x=0&y=0

Thanks for the suggestions.

Anyone else have any thoughts on a motherboard?

Also, what do you guys think of OCZ Reaper RAM? Should I be looking at other brands?