What's the difference in these mobo's?

[LA_MERC_eX1|eS' ch1|d]

I'm hoping to build a new computer in the next 6 months and I'm looking at how much l00t it's going to cost me. So I'm checking out the mobo's and see 3 mobo's that are very similar but have increasing prices. So I'll ask you guys so you can tell me what's what.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131524 $122
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131517 $159
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131540 $163

The differences I see is the first board doesn't have any SATA I connectors while the other 2 do, and the more expensive boards have some more features in the BIOS and utilities. Can you use a SATA I hard drive on a SATA II connector? I thought most computer stuff was backwards compatible.

Then there is this baby...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131568 $245

So is the performance difference with the SLI setup being in true x16, x16 as opposed to x8, x8 worth the price increase?

These prices vary a good bit which is why I'm trying to learn a little sumpin sumpin. Naturally I'm trying to get a good setup for BF2, I'm going to start with only 1 7800GT and leave myself the ability to get another one in the future. Not to mention saving $300 off the intial price of the beast.

[Biggs]

i have no idea...thats why when i build my next comp i am asking u nubs

[LA_MERC_Spark]

the AN832 is the one Im getting. You get a true 16x for each video card in sli... the other are 8x in sli mode. Does this make a difference? Some say hell yes others say not really. I can tell you IMO you will not "SEE" a difference unless you are trying to out benchmark people. The only difference between the delux and the premium is the cooling for the north and south bridges. Note in the picture the fanless cooling on the premium. Look for the pipe connecting the two.

[LA_MERC_Diesel]

yeah the only difference is in the benchmarks gameplay with the same equipment has almost no benefit, and per many websites only a 512MB can even take advantage of the an832 x16 speed technology.

I think the deluxe(middle) model is the "smart" way to atm.

[LA_MERC_Spark]

note that both the deluxe and the premium have had bios issues. Mostly to do with ram. And most of those were people trying to use 4 sticks so it my not be a problem for you, but check the ASUS forums for the latest. ASUS has been updating the bios so they may be alright. Oh yeah.... spend the $4 and get the l337 no fan cooling! lol!