I've heard the DFI X38 is worse than the P35 version.

I'm not really comfortable getting the P5E-VM, as MicroATX boards scare me. (Current board is a M2NPV-VM which was a horrifying experience)
Are you saying the (real x48 Rampage) isn't any better than the X38s?

P35s are pretty cheap now, so if they're my best bet they that's a win-win situation.