If you want guaranteed ram compatibility, the ability to use the latest BIOSES and equivalent or better overclocking than the P5Q-Deluxe, get the Maximus II Formula instead. I can't answer concerning the SATA ports. P5Q-D (and other P5Q series boards too) is just too big a risk with a 45nm quad at this stage. If you were stuck on the 803 BIOS like a lot of people are, you are very limited in your choice of ram. I'd also consider the DFI P45 board (DK Plus) it seems solid and is relatively inexpensive.