I have the Asus, DFI(ultra,DR and Expert),and the Epox you listed 9NPA+ SLI, MSI and a few Biostar and ECS mobos here.
For someone just starting the Epox is a better board. It needs the least messing with. It will support SLI later if you need it. It needs the least amount of power to run (you dont need a huge PS) And it has the most features for the money.
If you are having problems with the Asus board switching may/maynot help. You may end up with the same prob all over
again.
Rven though its a pain now its probably better to find out whats going on with youe current board than just getting another (good learning experience)
Did you unplug the HDD, CD-rom and floppy and start up ur mobo like I said in a earlier post?