From someone that has built just about all the new boards, My last two were the 8KHA+ and just now getting the dragon+ done, I would have to say even if they cost the same I would take the Epox, If you want raid then I would take the Epox and get a card, Epox is the fastest board out their and I don't care what anyone say unless their is a setting on this dragon or on the Asus and I don't mean alittle faster, I also like most my usb ports on the back, Sorry but I don't run my scanner or printer in the front so Epox has that covered, The more you work with the boards the more you like the 8KHA+