Abit KV8 PRO is suprisingly very similar to the MAX3. The MAX3 has some extra additions (a lot of stability features, extra SATA RAID Arrays (0/1), and some other cool cadgets) and slightly more power. MAX3 also features a unique onboard cooling system known as OTES (Outside Thermal Exhaust System). The KV8 PRO is still a good motherboard... And I would recommend it if u were unable to get your hand on the MAX3... Goodluck, and if u have anymore questions regarding the Abit... I'd be more than happy to help u out!..!