ASUS makes great stuff IMO, at least boards anyway. I'm not too sure about their peripheral cards (video, nic, sound, etc...) and i have heard they are bad. I also know that PNY is one of those companies that is good for the user who knows nothing, or the user who knows nothign but wants bragging rights with their card. I dont think you can really go above and beyond with them, any further than the stock settings really.