Ok, so Im building a new PC soon, probably end of Nov. but maybe sooner.
 
At any count, i have decided to get either the Z68 FTW or P67 FTW.
 
But Im left with a couple questions that may help me decide.
 
1st:
I have noticed they do not have any PCI slots.
I have a X-Fi Xtreme Gamer sound card, PCI. So Im guessing this will not be useable on either board?
 
If not, would a PCI-E x1 Titanium work properly?
I know this may sound like a silly question, but Im not sure if either can be used in the PCI-E 2.0 slots the board has.
 
2nd:
I know the Z68 offers the bult in graphics as well SSD caching.
The CPU hybrid graphics I have absolutely no desire for.
Can this be disabled so that everything is processed on my GTX 570?
 
As far as SSD caching,  Im slightly interested in this part. 
However, I have a SSD for the OS and apps.  From what Ive read says its for a HD that contains the OS.
Im curious if this could be setup for any drive, and not the OS one.  

The reason is, I have a WD Black 2TB drive thats completely dedicated to STEAM only.
I was thinking of having a small 30GB SSD to cache that drive. (I have a extra Intel 40GB and a Vertex 1 30GB that could be used-not sure which is best. Vertex has faster Seq. Writes)
 
Lastly, the case Im wanting is a Corsair 600T. but, from what I seen ehre at the forums, both of theses extended boards should fit in it just fine.
 
 
 

So my big question is. P67 or the Z68.
The only thing, that I know of, Z68 is offering that Im interested in is the SSD cache.
But I wouldn't want to use it for the OS drive, just a secondary game drive.
 
Suggestions please?  And, is there anything else unique to the Z68FTW over the P67 I have not mentioned, or perhaps unaware of?
 
 
--Oh, BTW ... If it matters, at this time & when the build is done I will only have a single eVGA GTX 570 SC.   
I do plan on SLI 570s, but it will be a while later.  After christmas anyway.
 
 
 
 

Thanks so much.
 
If by chance caching the Game drive is not possible, perhaps P67 would be actually be a better choice for me.
 
 
As far as the sound card, its a good excuse to upgrade it. It is getting old.  :D
 
 
What others would you recommend? 
 
Im one thats never had a issue with Creative personally, but also the only sound card I know anyhting about as its all Ive had.
But, I that doesn't mean Im set on Creative. I'll certainly look into a new brand if its worthwhile.
 
I do alot of gaming, but also listen to alot of Music and watch movies on the PC.  So it gets used for pretty much everything :)
 

Ok, as Im deciding on which which board I should go with I have stumbled on a another question I hope some can shed some light on please.
 
First:
My build will need to be able to a HD scheme something like, 
1SSD (OS) //  HD for Games  <-- Both Sata 6
HD for Media // SSD cache (caching the game drive) //  small 320GB HD as a Scratch drive // BluRay Burner  <-- all SATA 3

I also would like support for a External HD, dedicated to Acronis, as a Backup only drive.
 
This setup take ups all 6 internal Sata ports, 2 of which are SATA3 devices so it works out great.  So its ideal for my needs.

I was thinking that perhaps the Z68 SLI might be a good fit me over the FTW, simply because as I can see it, the FTW really only offers support for 3way SLI.
I will eventually run a 2 way SLI, but 3 way will never happen.  So support for more than 2 GPUs in and of itself is not at all important to me. 
   
 
However, from what I read the Z68 SLI has 1 SATA port disbale, in favor of a ESATA. 
 This puts me 1 internal port short for my needs.
 
So my question is:
Can that Esata be disbaled on the SLi version to make use of the 6th internal SATA 2 port?

And does the FTW version have this same limitation?   If not, is there another controller for the USB 3 & ESATA?
Im having issues finding the info Im looking for.
 
Secondly, if I may :)
For an external backup drive, Esata or USB 3?
Which is better.
 
 
 
Sorry for all the questions, Im just trying to find what will suit my needs best for athe next few years.
If it matters in helping me decide, my main uses are of course gaming and I do alot of Video Encoding. (hence the need for a scratch drive)
 
Thanks again.
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

So it can be disabled and use all 6 internal.
Excellent.
 
Would the SLI version still have use of the 2 USB 3 if ESATA is disbaled?
 
Sorry. Im a bit confused if that 6th internal port can be traded for Internal or Esata or if it also affects the USB 3 ports.
 
 
Thanks so much :)