hey guys

I am at the process of choosing mobo, cpu and gpu for my build (took quite a while already). Now, seeing good test results of 9600gt in sli - I am thinking it could be a good idea to couple them with Striker 2 Formula.

Initially I wanted to use x38 board (with DDR2 in sig) with fsb ~425-440 (to run RAM 1:1 at rated timings), also lowering the tRD value as much as it will go. That is - I am planing to get only modest overclock for 24/7 use (if e8400 - then ~3.6-3.8GHz; if q9450 ~3.4-3.5GHz)

I would like to ask you couple of question regarding this board to clear up some things:

1) is 4gb of RAM (2x2gb) would allow ~425-440 FSB overclock from your experience? (will use 4 side fans on Stacker 832)

2) Is it as easy to set tRD values as in Rampage Formula (came across anand review...) or its more tricky? I see some people do not have bandwidth improvement (didnt quite get if its a common problem or issue with a particular bios version?)

3) I've read about an issue with LAN ports (like reports lost internet connection or 'limited connectivity'). Is it already addressed with a new bios release?

4) Regarding layout. Is the SLI bridge long enough so that Auzentech sound card can be used between a par of graphics cards? (not sure about the width of 9600gt and auzen x-fi)


thanks for the help