I was too tired to post last nite, but I agree, where the hell did you say your had 2 video cards? You didn't. ?( The 3870x2 is one card.

As for the ram thing, if you go to your product download page at MSI they should have a Qualified Vendors List that lists the ram and what combos they certified at board release time. I am using ram on both my MBs that are from mfg's on QVL's but not the exact part numbers listed.

You have one of the hybrid boards with core 2 and ddr3 (which should really rock), so look for the ddr3 by any of the big mfg Kingston/corsair/ocz etc. If you can afford the higher speed ram then getting a reasonably priced 1600mhz set is great because it leaves you some headroom if you OC and the ratios end up a bit funky. They do sell them in diferent packaging for the triple channel (i7) and dual channel (what you need). Make sure you don't buy more than you need.

Your current setup may be crashing due to a configuration issue with the ram or cpu bus speeds/voltages. The E8400 is a good overclocker and should sell quickly if you choose to do so.

The Q9xxx series are great processors and run much cooler than the Q6xxx quads. I would get one of the slower clock speeds and just OC it a bit to save some $$.

I am using Win7 RC on two different quad core setups with no driver issues at all. The Q6600 machine has a MSI p7n platinum mb with no issues. The i7 machine has a asus p6t (plain), also with no issues.

Get a current generation video card with as much video ram as you can afford. I don't think the x2 cards have very mature drivers so get a single gpu card for your gaming machine. Wow doesn't lean on the video card very hard at all, you don't need a ton of video power. I just gave a friend my old P4 3.2 with a 6800gt for non-boxing wow.

Good luck.