Which motherboard for the Q9550 chip?

[Bearmann]

I am about to build my first computer and could use some assistance. I would like to use the Intel Q9550 quadcore chip with 4-8 GB of DDR2-800 dram unless I hear otherwise. I suppose the ability to expand to 16GB of RAM would be good. I'm thinking of Vista 64 if all my legacy equipment and software passes the test. It will be used for Photoshop primarily, no gaming at all. I hope to use my Lacie CRT 22 inch screen with it until the Electron Blue gives up the ghost. When that happens, I'll probably pick up something like the NEC 2690 LCD. Can't some of the motherboards run the video without an additional card? Would outputs be available to run either the CRT or LCD? It is possible, but not so likely, that I'll want to run two monitors in the future. Of course, if I can run the CRT now, I can always get a card later to run the LCD(s). I'm planning on a RAID 1 (mirrored) configuration for my two image drives, plus an OS drive, plus a cache drive. The RAID can be built into the motherboard, correct? I also would also like high quality, 2 channel audio from the system like I get with my original (1st generation) Audigy sound card now. Is the built in sound in some motherboards up to that level now or would I need an additional sound card? I've heard good things about the Asus, Gigabyte, and Intel boards, so I'm leaning toward one of these brands. Thanks for your help!!!

 

[wwswimming]

Asus P5Q Deluxe would be my choice in a current regular size motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131297

it takes DDR2 and i think goes to 16 GB if you can find 4 GB DDR2's for
a decent price.

 

[Bearmann]

Thanks wwswimming.

If the DDR3 ram is a better choice, then I don't want to tie my hands.

Is it better to get a mobo with RAID 1, or get a seperate card for that?